Songs of celebration
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Revelation 15:1-3 (NLT) - "Then
I saw in heaven another marvelous event of great significance. Seven
angels were holding the seven last plagues, which would bring God’s
wrath to completion. 2 I
saw before me what seemed to be a glass sea mixed with fire. And on it
stood all the people who had been victorious over the beast and his
statue and the number representing his name. They were all holding harps
that God had given them. 3 And they were singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb:
“Great and marvelous are your works,
O Lord God, the Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
O King of the nations.
4 Who will not fear you, Lord,
and glorify your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come and worship before you,
for your righteous deeds have been revealed.”
Chapter 15:3 connects the songs of Moses and the Lamb, both accounts of God's supernatural rescue, first of the Israelites and then of all the other peoples. [See also Romans 1:16 - "For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.]
There are many instances of worship and praise in the Book of Revelation. Scenes portray angels and people worshiping and praising the Lord in heaven. In this account of Chapter 15, the Lord Himself is involved in the musical aspect of the celebration.
God has defeated His enemies and a special group of people is being singled out for refusing to take the mark or number of the beast (antichrist) and or refusing to worship the beast statue (image). Rev. 15:2[c] - "They were all holding harps that God had given them." The Lord provided the instruments and the inspiration.
The magnificent "Handel's Messiah" musical borrows from Revelation 11:15, 19:6 and 19:16 for its famous "Hallelujah!" chorus. Once we see Jesus, there is no doubt that untold numbers of people will break out into worship and praise and dance; the already musically gifted will immediately begin composing songs and musicals to mark the event. There will be much to celebrate.
The Song of Moses and Miriam
The deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt's pharaoh and his army was astounding, and it included the parting of the Red Sea. Although they were on the move, no permanent home yet, they were inspired to sign about the Lord's mighty deliverance. The entire song, the lyrics, can be found in Exodus 15:1-21. Here is a part of the account of the musical celebration attributed to Moses and his sister. Aaron, their brother, is not mentioned as leading in the song. Maybe he couldn't carry a tune (smile):
Exodus 15:20-21: "Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing. 21 Miriam sang to them:
“Sing to the Lord,
for he is highly exalted.
Both horse and driver
he has hurled into the sea.”
Deborah and Barak
The "Song of Deborah" was a celebratory song after a mighty victory in battle. The Book of Judges, in the fifth chapter, tells us that Deborah (a judge at the time) and Barak (a military leader) sang this song after teaming up to lead their countrymen. The Lord gave Deborah a prophetic message for Barak, who was to lead the Israelites in battle against their foes.
The full song is in Judges 5:1-41. We don't know if this pair was musical, or who exactly composed the song, much less anything about the tune or instruments. The point was that the achievement by the Lord's hand was so huge that it called for a song!
My prayer is that everyone receives a personal revelation of the enormity of what Jesus had to do to save us.
Shalom!
Acts 2:38 (NIV) - "Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 6:23 (NIV) "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
John 1:12-13 (NLT) - "But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God."
Diana Washington-Valdez/Faith Today Christian Ministries
Exalting the Name of Jesus!
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YouTube user: dwvaldez (Diana shares)
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