Rev. 5:8-14 HEAVEN’S CONCERT

Intro: After the Lamb takes the book, all of Heaven bursts into a song of praise. (Ill. Music’s power in our everyday lives. Music has the power to move us – James 5:13; Eph. 5:18-20; Col. 3:16) All of the emotions known to man can be experienced and expressed through the medium of music. Let’s take a few moments tonight to visit this Heavenly Concert at the throne of God. The admission is free, the atmosphere is glorious and the company is beyond compare. After all, we are going to be here some say soon!

I. v.8 THE BASICS OF HEAVEN’S MUSIC

Who? The 4 beasts and the 24 elders.

The Instruments –

A. Harps - (Symbolic of praise) Ill. We will be able to play in Heaven!

(Ill. Little boy with broken arm asks doctor, "Will I be able to play the piano after I get my cast off?" Doctor says, "Certainly!" Boy says, "You must be some doctor." Doctor asks, "Why?" Boy responds, "Well, I couldn’t play before!")

(Ill. Old Testament prophets often prophesied accompanied by the music of harps – 2 Kings 3:15)

There is a 2-fold purpose for music in the church:

1. The preacher and the people are prepared for the ministry of the Word of God.

2. The heart is lifted from the mundane and the worldly in
worship.

B. Bowls – (Symbolic of praise) (Ill. The symbolism of incense in the presence of God. It pictures the sweet smell of our prayers ascending up before the face of God!)

(Ill. Our praying is never in vain! It ascends up before the Lord and it honors Him!)

(Ill. We should sing now for His glory and we should be actively involved in a lifestyle of praise and prayer!)

II. v. 9-10 THE LYRICS OF HEAVEN’S MUSIC

(A New Song)

(Ill. Chap. 4 The song of praise was for creation. In chap. 5, the song is praise for redemption!)

A. The theme of their song is Jesus! (Ill. They take their time to praise the Lamb.) Jesus ought to be the centerpiece of all that we are and do. (Ill. Col. 1:18) Does He have the preeminence in your life?

B. Their song is a ballad – A song with a story!

1. About the Power of the Lamb – 9a

2. About the Passion of the Lamb – 9b (Ill. Slain – sphazo – to butcher, or slaughter) (Ill. The brutality of the death of Christ – Isa. 52:14)

3. About the Purpose of the Lamb – 9c (Ill. Blood – It is what redeems us, keeps us and presents us holy before the presence of God – Heb. 9:22)

(Ill. Hymnals – Some would like to remove the blood from their singing, others already have! In Heaven, however, the Blood of Jesus is the theme of the praise. There will not be a single one there who is not blood bought and blood washed. Give me that old-time, blood religion!)

C. Made us Kings and Priests – v. 10 In other words, we are members of the royal family. We also have the obligation of offering up sacrifices to His glory. (Ill. Praise – Heb. 13:15; Performance – Rom. 12:1-2)

III. v. 11-14 THE DYNAMICS OF HEAVEN’S MUSIC

A. v. 11 – (Ill. The number of angels) (Ill. The Temple had about 4,000 musicians and rotating choir members.) Just pause to imagine the sound of Heaven’s great choir of the redeemed.

B. v. 12 – Their seven fold anthem of praise.

1. To receive power – Dynamic power

2. Riches – Plentitude – (All things – Col. 1:18)

3. Wisdom – Total intelligence

4. Strength – Force

5. Honor – Reverence

6. Glory – Doxology

7. Blessing – Eulogy

(Ill. Notice, He alone is "Worthy." None else deserves praise and worship. Jesus alone is worthy! Are you giving Him these things? He receives them in Heaven, He ought to receive them from His people who inhabit the earth!)

C. v. 13 The entire universe, Heaven, earth, Hell, begin to praise Jesus the Lamb! (What a day that will be! However, what a tragedy it will be for fallen man. They must bow, but it will avail them nothing – Phil. 2:5-11!)

D. v. 14 The beasts are at a loss for words and simply say, "Amen – So let it be." The 24 elders fall before Jesus (Again!) and worship the eternal Lamb of God.

(Ill. All music will leave you at someone’s feet. Either at the feet of Jesus, or the feet of Satan. Where does your music leave you?)