Revelation is an incredible book. At the midpoint of its stunning symbolism, we see a depiction of the world giving itself over to the evil beasts working with Satan. Despite this rampant wickedness, a very different group stands on Mount Zion. Unlike those in the wider world receiving the ungodly beast’s mark, this assembly had the names of the Father and Christ the Lamb “written on their foreheads” (Rev. 13:16-17, 14:1). They had been “redeemed from the earth” and followed “the Lamb wherever he goes” (Rev. 14:3-4).
Standing with the Lamb, what did this multitude do? They sang. They sang “a new song” that only the redeemed could learn (Rev. 14:3). After the symbol changes and God’s judgment on the sinful world is poured out, words are then given to their song in Revelation 15:3-4. Described as “the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb,” they sang,
“Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God Almighty!
Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations!
Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come and worship you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed.”
Do you know where these lyrics originated? You guessed it: the Psalms.
“Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them” (Ps. 111:2).
“The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works” (Ps. 145:17).
“All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name” (Ps. 86:9).
When you follow the Lamb and sing the Psalms, you are learning that “new song”. The Psalms give us the words to express the joy of being in God’s presence. Yet, the very act of singing them also fills us with the Spirit, God’s presence in us (Eph. 5:18-21). Singing psalms transport us from our present lives of pain and struggle, of sin and injustice to the reality of standing with the Lamb on Mount Zion. The more we experience His presence now, the more eager we are for that day when Jesus comes and we are with Him forever.
Are you ready to have your faith shaped by these powerful songs? Check out our sermon series, Climbing Higher: Songs of Ascents.