THE 144,000 "They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders . . . " -- Tomorrow:
"And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: and they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb" (Rev 14:1-4).
Devotion 15 of 26
Redemption is something that takes place "before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders." Whether concerning an individual, or on a collective basis, it is a reality beheld by heavenly personalities, and is primarily appreciated by them. In salvation, an acute awareness of heavenly realms grips the heart. The redeemed do not sing merely before men, but before the throne!
All of the expressions that flow from salvation are also uttered before heaven's August assembly. Frequently, this Kingdom demeanor is expressed by holy men. "I charge you BEFORE God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels" (1 Tim 5:21). And again, "I charge you therefore BEFORE God and the Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Tim 4:1). The degree to which one has participated in the Divine nature is, among other things, gauged by such a frame of spirit. James says one of the marks of "pure religion" is that it is "BEFORE God" (James 1:27). Without lingering on this point, the fact that this is so uncommon in our time is evidence of a massive departure from the Lord.
A NEW SONG
It is no average song that this multitude sings before the throne! It is not a new kind of singing, a new rhythm, or a new style. It is a "new SONG!" Not only are its contents new, the perception of the singers is new. In fact, the newness of the people is what makes the song new. It is an illuminated song, sung by enlightened singers.
Have you not enjoyed singing such a song when you saw things in the words you never saw before? Many an old song has been made new by an illuminated heart. Such songs are sung with greater fervency. More of the singer, in such a case, is in the song.
How often we read of such a song in Scripture. The admonition is sounded, "Sing unto him a NEW SONG" (Psa 33:1). And again, "O sing unto the LORD a NEW SONG: sing unto the LORD, all the earth" (Psa 96:1). Such a song comes from the perception of the working of the Lord. As it is written, "O sing unto the LORD a NEW SONG; for He hath done marvelous things: His right hand, and His holy arm, hath gotten Him the victory" (Psa 98:1).
Such songs are placed in the mouth by the Lord Himself: "And He hath put a NEW SONG in my mouth, even praise unto our God" (Psa 40:3). This is the result of giving the people a new heart, and writing His Law therein. Those enjoying this benefit affirm, "I will sing a NEW SONG unto thee, O God" (Psa 144:9).
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the newness that characterizes every facet of Your great salvation.