It's interesting and surprizing to see the different beings worshipping the Lamb in that heavenly scene John saw. There were the four flying beasts. There were the 24 elders. Multitudes, that is, "ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands," of angels. Then, this is the surprizing bit for me, there was
"every creature in heaven or on earth and in the sea"
all giving praise and worship together!
So if your child asks if there are animals in heaven, I think this suggests an affirmative answer. Maybe its not their particular deceased pet dog or gerbil but there is indication of creatures other than human or angelic ones residing in Heaven and worshipping Jesus, the One on the throne.
John also observes the different forms of worship. Some bow down or fall down to worship. Some have harps and golden vials and prayers, which give off an aroma as if of incense. Some sang a new song. Yikes! Is that allowed? The angels worshippped with loud voices, uttering their praise. Then every creature had their input.
Sometimes we get caught up with "we must do it this way." However, here we see variety. The primary, important thing is that they were worshipping the One who is the Creator God. Worshipping him for Who He is and what He has done for us.
Speaking of Creator God ... He Himself created so much variety. Wouldn't His creatures then worship in a variety of ways? The ultimate purpose is to worship our Redeemer. Are we? Or are we getting caught up in pettiness of the 'how'? Worship will be diminished if so.
Isn't worship the response of our hearts? Isn't it appreciative awe for Who our Savior is and for what He has done for me (us) - all the redeemed who by faith have accepted Him as Savior and hopefully, Lord.
Compare your worship with Revelation 4 and 5's description. There may be similarities and differences. If it's the appreciative, thankful heart's response it'll all still be worship. The worship our One true God and Savior deserve for they are worthy of our worship.
Do the elders in your church give praise? Are there musical instruments? Ha! This is often a controversial item. Does it really need to be? They'll be used in Heaven. Watch out! There may be angels in our church midst, but we just can't see them. At least, most of us can't.
The churches I have attended are mostly on the much quieter side than what I imagine that heavenly scene of Revelation 4 and 5 seem to be. No animals in these city churches either. Ha, ha.
In fact, last Lord's Day I saw a church member escorting a cat out. The dear thing. After church, Incidently, one sister gave it a whole can of cat food. Perhaps, it'll be back. Oh, I haven't heard really loud voices in praise either unless it was in Sunday School and some mischievous child decided to vent his lungs to full capacity. Smile.
In some very rural churches I've experienced some of the most invigorating, euphoric, comprehensive times of worship as together a major number of the villagers gathered together, dressed in their best and eagerly ready for their time of worship. Loudly or softly, with music and even their special dances, giving their offering of praise and worship to the Lord, with abandon. Their focus was the Lord.
You know, I believe that the degree to which we comprehend whom we worship and what He has done for us, our worship will be all the more wholesome and we will give greater vent. Use those lungs!
Some may say, I'm of this or that culture. In our culture we are not so expressive. Well, I ask, do you see yourself of heaven's culture first and foremost, or are you of your own ethnic background first and foremost?
These are things to consider.
When we see Jesus as the Lion, Lamb, our Redeemer, the One on the throne of Heaven and as our Lord and Savior, as seen in Revelation 4 and 5, we will know He is worthy of all the worship and praise we can offer up.
Jesus, my Redeemer, You are my life, my joy, my salvation. You are the great magnificent One who sits on the throne in Heaven, forever and ever. You are worthy O Lord to recieve all glory and honor. You are the Holy One, who lives for ever and ever. Your kindness, love, mercy and grace extend to me. Great are You Lord! You have set me free by your power and almighty outstretched arms. You are the Eternal God Who gave me eternal life. All praise be to you!
You are awsome! Thank You, Jesus.
Let's sing, some worship songs at this juncture. Sing How Great is the Greatness of God along with Keith and Kristyn Getty; O Lord My God, When I in Awesome Wonder, along with Worship4You and Jesus, My Redeemer, accompanied with Chris Tomlin.
As the meditations of these songs echo in our minds and hearts, let's remember Jesus because of who He is and what all He has done for us. Reach for and partake of the broken bread with praise upon our lips. Joyfully drink of the cup of wine as we worship Him in spirit and truth. In Him we live and move and have our being.
Sing with loud praises - Worthy is the Lamb along with Michael Smith. Our Lord God, Almighty, the Lamb is worthy of all our worship.
~ ERC February 2025 ~
Based on Revelation 4 & 5 (KJV). Study Guide, Christian Disciplines - Lesson 10 - Worship - Life Builder Bible Study - Christian Character.
Sing the songs as indicated throughout the devotion above.
See also, Lord's Day Devotion - Worthy of Worship - Part 1.