These representatives of the saints in heaven are gathered around the throne. When Solomon sang of the King sitting at his table, some translate it as "a round table." And from this, certain expositors have drawn out — without straining the text, I believe — a beautiful truth: "There is an equality among the saints."

Look at how the twenty-four elders are positioned. Every one of them equally near to the throne! This is the condition of every glorified spirit in heaven: nearness to Christ, clear vision of his glory, constant access to his court, and familiar fellowship with his person. And mark this well — there is no difference between one saint and another in this respect. Not one!

The apostles, the martyrs, the ministers, the private and obscure Christians — all will be seated near the throne. All will gaze forever upon their exalted Lord. All will be satisfied with his love. All will be near to Christ, all ravished with his love, all eating and drinking at the same table with him. All equally beloved as his favorites and friends — even if not all equally rewarded as servants.

So let believers on earth imitate the saints in heaven in their nearness to Christ! Let us on earth be as the elders are in heaven, sitting around the throne. Let Christ be the object of our thoughts, the center of our lives. How can we endure to live at such a distance from our Beloved?

Lord Jesus, draw us nearer to yourself! Say to us, "Abide in me, and I in you." Let us sing with the bride, "His left hand is under my head, and his right hand embraces me."

O lift me higher, nearer thee, And as I rise more pure and meet, O let my soul's humility Make me lie lower at thy feet; Less trusting self, the more I prove The blessed comfort of thy love.