August 26: 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
Do you enjoy a good concert? Beloved, mere words cannot express the joy that will radiate as the last-day remnant, the hundred and forty-four thousand sing of the experiences they endured and the amazing faithfulness of God as the worst-ever period of tribulation came like a tidal wave over the earth. This is why no one could learn that song except them. This song will thrill the vast assembly of those present. When the LORD hears it, He will be immeasurably blessed!
King David, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, wrote incredible insights into their experiences and their determined will to remain loyal to the true God who always shows Himself faithful (see Psalm 40). David’s thoughts sprang from numerous experiences of his own. Having been in a pit of despair, he spoke of a wide range of cruelties intended by the enemies of God against His people and the need to endure with patience. David also declared, “I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is written within my heart.” (v.8) He prayed, “Let Your lovingkindness and Your truth continually preserve me. For innumerable evils have surrounded me” (vv.11b-12a); and he trembles as he thinks back on his own regrettable actions: “My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; They are more than the hairs of my head; Therefore my heart fails me.” (v.12b) The unutterable gratitude for divine forgiveness and the tender mercies of God led David to pen these words: “Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; O LORD, make haste to help me! . . . Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, ‘The LORD be magnified!’ But I am poor and needy; Yet the LORD thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God.” (vv.13,16-17)
He will not delay! The Lord’s salvation will be right on time. David was enabled to sing a new song because of what the Lord had done for him. The experience of salvation so lifted his spirit that he could not help but sing! The Bible consistently connects the Lord’s acts of salvation with new songs of praise.* His deliverance brings new life, infusing each dear, repentant soul with His own character.
The 144,000 will likewise be delivered through the great tribulation that is ahead (Revelation 7:14). This singular experience bears similarities with the experience of Jesus during the last days of His earthly ministry. They will have faced the coalition of religious, secular, and political powers of earth, standing firm in the midst of Satan’s deceptions. Their loyalty severely tested, they will have faithfully preached the everlasting gospel without regard to the difficulties of this hostile world. What an amazing God we have! He reveals to us in prophetic vision the sure victory that His people will gain when He—the Creator—has recreated the righteous unto everlasting life. And He is the Source of the new song in the mouths of His creation.
Behold, the former things have come to pass, And new things I declare; Before they spring forth I tell you of them. Isaiah 42:9
*Psalm 33:1-3; 96:1-3; 98:1-3; 144:9-10; 149:1; Isaiah 42:10