All Creation Joins Heaven's Worship Song

Centuries apart, the poetry of Psalm 69 and the resonant heavenly music of Revelation 5 both built God’s praise higher and higher until they included, not only human voices, but “every creature in heaven and on earth” praising the Creator and Redeemer. “The first song [in Revelation 5], then, praises the lamb for rescuing a people by his death so that they could then take forward God’s royal and redemptive purposes (‘kingdom and priests’) for the wider world. The second song, in which thousands upon thousands of angels join, turns from what the lamb has achieved to what he has deserved, namely, all the honour and glory of which creation is capable…. so to the third song, in which every creature in every part of God’s creation joins in, much as in Paul’s vision in Philippians 2.9–11. This time the praise of the lamb has been joined together with the praise of God the creator, as in chapter 4. In thunderous worship the whole creation praises ‘the One on the throne and the lamb’.” *

• We’ve looked for clues (some subtle) to answer the question, “Will there be animals in heaven?” Remember: poets and prophets pictured God’s ultimate praise arising from more than just human voices. “This scene ends with every created thing in every realm of the universe joining together in praise and confession of God’s and the Lamb’s supreme authority.” ** Does taking seriously the idea of God as creator of all life bring you peace about animals in heaven?
• That has a serious spiritual implication we may not have thought of. “Sadly, many Christians think of Jesus purely in terms of their own comfort and hope (‘he has rescued us; he is with us as a friend’) and who fail completely to see the sheer scope of his majesty, the sweep of his glory. Many rest content to have Jesus around the place for particular ‘spiritual’ purposes, but continue to assign riches, power, glory and the rest to earthly forces and rulers.” *** God and Jesus created all and are the Lord of it all. How does that shape the ways you treat all of their creation?