October 10: THE JOY OF RENEWAL
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
The tender heart of the Infinite Mind accompanies every one of His people in the form of His Holy Spirit. Experiences of miraculous deliverances have been described throughout God’s word, and each delivered one can look back and see that He was there from beginning to end! Even in the darkest part of a trying experience, during which one cannot “feel” or “sense” the divine Presence – “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” – such a one must hold fast to His promise: “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5b)
At the end of earth’s history, God’s people who are still alive will go through an experience of unimaginable horror and persecution. Compounded by the emotional pain of loved ones and trusted friends who turned against them (Psalm 41:9, Matthew 10:34-36), only a steadfast faith in the immutable character of the Creator and Redeemer will suffice to preserve the sanity of His people. This experience will elicit not only a new song, but a renewal of life! It is often compared to the song of miraculous deliverance just after the children of Israel were brought through the Red Sea (Exodus 15). It is the LORD who puts a joyful song in our hearts! Coming victoriously through challenging experiences, even in our mundane, day-to-day routines, can effectively remind us of His indescribably marvelous gift of salvation to come...
The hundred and forty-four thousand, a symbolic number for spiritual Israel at the end of earth’s history (Revelation 7:4-9, 14), will indeed be given an incredibly beautiful song unique to their experience of deliverance at the end of this age. And though only they can learn that song, there should be no doubt that the entire universe (all of those from unfallen worlds, all of the redeemed from our fallen one, and the angels* who remained loyal to God) will absolutely thrill upon hearing it! Perhaps it will become a concert that is presented every seven thousand years or so, in celebration of our awesome, personal Savior Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.
Music is very personal. King David, a man after God’s own heart (see Acts 13:22), possessed a deep affinity for music, through which countless blessings have come into our world. Beloved, as you keep your focus heavenward, accept the joy of renewal that only the LORD can bring. Let Him put a song in your heart today.
I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:1-3
*1 Peter 1:12