Sing A New Song

Singing in the church worship service has been a big deal for a long time. Some people think we should only sing psalms from the Bible, some think we should only sing hymns, some think we shouldn't use instruments, some think that music should match the culture it is in, and some people just don't like to sing. I spent a good portion of my life in the last category.

But singing is a powerful part of our relationship with God. Much of the old testament is written in poetic form and many of the psalms refer to the use of instruments in praising God. There was even an established worship band in the temple. Paul and Silas were singing praises to God in jail and Jesus and the disciples sang some hymns on the way out to the garden of gethsemane. I have recently discovered that by the praise of my lips combined with the power of music, God can move His holy spirit in His people in a powerful way.

But there is a new song that the book of Revelation talks about. In Revelation 4:9-10 it says, "and they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth."

We have been redeemed! That's our new song. So many people in the world around us are banging the same drum. "The economy's bad", "my marriage is in tough shape", "my life feels empty", "how's the weather", "how'd the magic do last night", and on and on and on. Or as Solomon said, "there is nothing new under the sun." Nothing new, except the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. This is a great reason to rejoice.

Here's the sticking point. Do people hear us singing a new song about the redemption price paid by the blood of God Himself, or do they hear us singing the same song as everyone else? What separates us is that we have a purpose in life and that purpose is to glorify God in everything we do. That's our new song. And each one of us has a new story to tell. For me it all began with a song on a cool summer night in the mountains of NC.

Just as I am, without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me, and that thou bidst me come to thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not to rid my soul of one dark blot, to thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt, fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; sight, riches, healing of the mind, yea, all I need in thee to find, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse,
relieve; because thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, thy love unknown hath broken every barrier down; now, to be thine, yea thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.