Leading the Choir

When John first sees the heavenly worship as he ascends to heaven, the four living creatures take the lead with an unceasing Sanctus. The twenty-four elders fall down before the One on the throne, cast their crowns before the throne, and praise God for His glory, honor, and power. They are not singing, only “saying.” And they have no liturgical equipment or paraphernalia.

After the Lamb takes the book, they break out in worship again. The living creatures and the elders fall down together before the Lamb, and each one has a harp. Speaking praise has advanced to sung praise, because the Lamb takes the throne. Music breaks out when the Lamb comes.

That advance in heavenly worship occurred because of the ascension of the Lamb. Now, in chapter 7, we have another incident, the sealing of the 144,000, and the consequence is another advance in the worship of heaven. Once the 144,000 are sealed, the great multitude begins to take over the heavenly worship. They are in the position of the living creatures and elders, “before” the throne. They are in the same place where the seven Spirits and the crystal sea are (1:4; 4:10). They are not yet seated, as the elders were, but they are around the throne and there are unoccupied thrones for them to take.

They not only advance to a new position in the heavenly sanctuary, but also begin to lead worship. They cry out with a loud voice, and the angels, elders, and living creatures respond to them (vv. 11-12). Humans have taken liturgical leadership. Saints are not yet on thrones running the creation. That is still an angelic privilege. But they are leading the heavenly liturgy.

For a little while, they were lower than angels, responsive to the liturgical leadership of heaven’s hosts. Now, they take the lead, exalted above angels in Christ the man.