“I also saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who had won the victory over the beast, its image, and the number of its name, were standing on the sea of glass with harps from God.” (v. 2)

Did you know that the harps are actually biblical?

We’ve got some pretty tweaked views of heaven—and of the reality of ultimate worship. And you probably know the image that comes to mind most frequently: heaven’s people are floating on clouds, wearing bathrobes and strumming harps.

You already knew that that is ridiculous.

But maybe you didn’t know that the harps are actually in the Bible!

Revelation 15 gives us a picture—another sign or symbol—of God’s prepared wrath. It is ready to be poured out from heaven. And, while the angels stand ready and God’s glory fills His sanctuary, those people who have kept faith in Him worship.

How do they worship? In song, singing of the One who is worthy, whose acts are awesome and whose way is holy.

And what are they given? Harps!

Here’s an invitation for today: Live into this picture. You are persevering in faith, though the world would lure you into every kind of blasphemy. You know the holiness and justice and truth and mercy of God, in Christ. You—and your brothers and sisters, the church—are worshiping in a world that is bound for judgment.

So sing to Him! Sing of Him! Take up a harp and join the song. Worship as one who is saved—and give Him glory before the end.

— Tyler