A Different Tune

“Then I looked, and behold, the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His name and the name of His Father written on their foreheads.And I heard a voice from heaven, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder, and the voice which I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps.And they *sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth” (Revelation 14:1–3).

Revelation 13 records the efforts of the dragon\serpent (Satan, 12:9) to gather allies for his all-out war against the people of God.  A beast arises out of the sea as well as from the earth.  These blasphemous and murderous monsters had one purpose: the destruction of the faithful.  Their very presence on a battlefield would be enough to chill the heart of the most courageous warrior.

But all was not lost.  Revelation 14 tell us that the army of God had its own champion -- not a dragon or a beast but a Lamb, who is the Risen Lord Jesus Christ.  And while a Lamb might not seem like a fearsome leader, do not underestimate this One.  He has been in the heat of battle before and emerged bloodied but victorious (cf. 5:5-6,12).  Here, the Lamb takes His stand with fellow overcomers on Mount Zion in opposition to the satanic forces.  The stage is set for the epic conflict to begin.

I find it instructive that, just prior to engaging the enemy, the hosts of heaven have a new song to teach the faithful soldiers of the Lamb.  These believers had suffered so much for the cause, just like their Leader.  But the day had come for a new song of victory.  They knew well the songs of mourning.  But now they would be singing a different tune.

God loves you!

Mike