Dr. David Jeremiah : Heavenly Worship
When Heaven Opens: The True Heart of Worship
Listen closely, dear friends—because what I’m about to tell you is the anchor of all peace and hope: the throne in heaven is not empty. God reigns. No matter how chaotic the world seems, no matter what unfolds around us, heaven’s throne is still occupied. Revelation reminds us of this unshakable truth—while the earth trembles, heaven remains in perfect order under the rule of Almighty God.
Dr. David Jeremiah begins with a powerful story. In 1967, Dr. Ray Edmund, the president of Wheaton College, was delivering a message on worship. He spoke of meeting the King of Ethiopia and explained how much preparation and reverence was required to stand before an earthly king. Then he reminded his students—if that is how we prepare to meet a human king, how much more should we honor the King of Kings? Moments later, in the middle of that very sermon, Dr. Edmund collapsed and passed away—entering instantly into the presence of the Lord he had spent his life worshiping. What a sacred transition—from speaking about worship to living it face to face.
In Revelation chapter 4, John is given a vision that pulls back the veil of eternity. “I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven.” From exile and loneliness on the island of Patmos, he is lifted into the radiant glory of God’s throne room. There, the Apostle sees what no eye had ever seen—a throne blazing like diamonds and rubies, surrounded by an emerald rainbow. The center of heaven’s worship was not angels, elders, or even the beauty of paradise—it was God Himself.
The word “throne” appears again and again. It’s heaven’s way of declaring that God is still in charge. John describes the scene with precious stones because human language fails to capture divine brilliance. Around that throne, the twenty-four elders—representing the redeemed of all ages—fall down, cast their crowns, and cry out:
Then the worship intensifies—a crescendo rising through the Book of Revelation. In chapter 1, there’s a twofold doxology. By chapter 7, there’s a sevenfold song of blessing, honor, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, power, and might. As the end of history draws nearer, heaven’s worship only grows louder and more magnificent. Could it be that the nearer we are to Christ’s return, the more passionate our worship should become?
John’s vision also reveals a contrast—between heaven’s majesty and earth’s suffering. On Patmos, John was weary and alone, burdened by persecution. But in an instant, worship carried him beyond discouragement into divine perspective. That is the power of worship: it lifts our eyes off the pain and places them on the Sovereign One. When we worship, we step out of the noise of earth and into the calm of heaven’s control room.
Dr. Jeremiah reminds us that true worship shifts everything:
Worship is not about us—it’s about Him. When we focus on styles or performance, we lose the essence. Worship is meant to magnify Christ alone—holy, eternal, and worthy.
Worship is not about here—it’s about there. The Apostle Paul said, “Set your mind on things above.” Worship helps us look beyond what’s temporary and fix our hearts on eternity.
Worship is not about now—it’s about then. Though our outer life fades, our inner spirit is renewed. The trials we face today are light compared to the glory that awaits us.
Worship is not about one—it’s about many. In heaven, worship is not solitary—it’s a vast chorus of saints and angels. The Bible calls us not to forsake gathering together, because corporate worship gives us a taste of heaven on earth.
And what a sound it will be—thousands upon thousands of voices, joined in one eternal song:
In heaven, worship will be the atmosphere of eternity. Every voice, every heart, every breath will proclaim His glory. But that worship begins here—when we turn our eyes from earth to heaven, from ourselves to Him.
So if you’ve never surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, this is the moment. The God who reigns on the throne invites you to know Him personally. He’s not distant. He’s waiting to fill your life with the same glory that fills heaven.
Because one day, when heaven opens for you, you too will stand before that throne—not as a spectator, but as a worshiper forever.