Oct 27 – A New Song!

“They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.” (Revelation 14:3)

All those who stood with the Lamb on Mount Zion sang a beautiful song overflowing with joy. No one else could learn that song. It was a remarkable song—a song that could be sung only by those who had overcome and been redeemed from the earth. Those who have victoriously completed their earthly journey will sing a new song of triumph and praise in the presence of God.

In the Old Testament, when the Israelites crossed the Red Sea and witnessed the mighty deliverance of God, Moses, Miriam, and the children of Israel sang a triumphant song: “I will sing to the LORD, for He has triumphed gloriously.” (Exodus 15:1)

But how much more glorious it will be to stand upon Mount Zion with Christ and sing together with the redeemed! The song beside the Red Sea was glorious, but the song of the redeemed in the presence of Christ will be infinitely more glorious.

The New Testament itself begins with songs of praise. At the birth of Christ, a multitude of the heavenly host praised God, proclaiming glory to God in the highest and peace on earth (Luke 2:14).

The Gospel of Luke records several beautiful songs and expressions of praise—Elizabeth’s song, Mary’s song, the prophetic praise of Zechariah, and the thanksgiving of Anna. The coming of Christ brought forth a new outpouring of worship and praise.

When Paul and Silas were brutally beaten and thrown into prison, they did not allow their suffering to silence them. At midnight, they prayed and sang hymns to God (Acts 16:25). Their song in the midst of suffering became a means through which the prison doors were opened and the jailer and his household were brought to salvation.

When the Israelites were carried away into Babylonian captivity, however, the pain caused by their sin crushed their hearts. They sat by the rivers of Babylon and wept as they remembered Zion (Psalm 137:1). Their captors mocked them and asked them to sing one of the songs of Zion. But they could not sing. Their hearts cried out: “How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a foreign land?” (Psalm 137:4) They were far from Zion, and their hearts were overwhelmed with grief.

But we have a glorious hope! When we stand upon Mount Zion as victorious saints, redeemed by Christ, our hearts will overflow with joy. New songs will continually spring forth from within us like water flowing from a living fountain.

The Word of God says: “Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.” (James 5:13) Mount Zion is a place of great joy. The psalmist describes Zion as “the joy of the whole earth” (Psalm 48:2).

May the joy of Zion fill our hearts even today, as we look forward to the glorious day when we will worship the Lord forever with the redeemed.

Verse for further meditation: “Let Mount Zion rejoice, Let the daughters of Judah be glad, Because of Your judgments. Walk about Zion, And go all around her. Count her towers.” (Psalm 48:11)