The seven plagues are about to be poured out, but just before that happens we are given another amazing glimpse inside heaven.
The sea of glass described here could be the same sea that is in front of God’s throne. If so, those who have resisted the devil and refused his mark are standing before the very throne of God, and have been given harps…golden harps as a reward. Not everyone who enters into heaven receives a harp. Many saints from bygone days would enter heaven and not receive such a special gift. This is reserved for those who are victorious through the tribulation. Since heaven is forever, the harp we would receive would be ours for all eternity. That’s something worth considering.
The song of praise is similar to phrases used in several psalms and in Deuteronomy, further proof that the Holy Spirit gave our predecessors the inspiration to write. The Spirit is praising God continually, and those who are filled with the Spirit should do the same. In heaven, we will all praise God eternally. That’s more than our human minds can imagine….we probably think we would be bored, or would run out of things to say, but that’s not true. God is being praised continually even as we read this, and He will continue to be praised forever. Our privilege is to be included in it.
To the first century readers, it would be encouraging to hear that God wins the battle, that all heaven says “all nations will come and worship you…”, that special rewards await those who persevere and that the very temple of God which houses the sacred law is opened in heaven.
And can I say, it is just as encouraging to me today? I don’t know what circumstances this finds you in, but you can be encouraged today that God is going to be victorious, and those who cling to Him will be victorious as well. It may not feel like you’re winning…but trust me, you are.
Celebrating,
PR