A New Song

(10-30-05)

Psalm 98

"PS 98:1 Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. ² The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations." (NIV)

Singing is as old as mankind, and maybe even older if we include the angels singing or the land, the trees, the rivers, the sun and moon and stars, and all creation. Song has been and likely still is one of the greatest of learning tools. That is why great events are recorded in song, then the future generations will learn from the past what mighty works the Lord has done.

Exodus 15:1 begins a good example of the Israelites adventure as they journeyed to the land of promise. Numbers 21:16-18 and especially Deut.31:19-22, 30, 32:1-47 which shows us God’s own command for song and the purpose for which it is used. Let us also note the commanding force and power and authority that the words bring to the hearer. "Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. ⁴⁷ They are not just idle words for you--they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess." (Deut.32:46b-47 NIV)

Through out the history of the people of God song has been employed as a teaching tool. When ever God is worshiped singing to His praise and glory seems to be a part of it. Even in the days of the early church song is again commanded for use in instruction. Examples –

^Eph.3:19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)

And

^{Col.3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as
you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms,
hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. ¹⁷
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord
Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (NIV)}

Rev.5:9-14 records a visionary event in heaven, a new song being sung and we are recipients of that event.⁹ And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. ¹⁰ You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth." (NIV)

If you have accepted the gospel message as proclaimed in scripture and have followed its dictates, then this passage speaks about you. You have been purchased by the purchasing price of Jesus’ blood. You, as now belonging to God, have good reason to write the songs of your journey heavenward so that your children’s children will know where you have come from and where you are going and how Jesus has kept you on the road to heaven.

If you are still sitting on the shelf, waiting to be purchased, be of good cheer, there is enough of Jesus’ blood to buy you. Inflation has had no effect on the enduring value of the blood of Jesus, once slain for all.