and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. (Revelation 14:3 ESV)
Singing and Hope
I have recently been pretending to play chess again. Many years ago, I was good enough to compete, but I have fallen out of practice. And now, it is a struggle to regain my chess skills of long ago. I have some hope… but not much. I might be too old.
I have recently been renewing my sleight-of-hand magician skills. Many years ago, I could perform card tricks, levitate small objects, and make coins disappear. Now it takes a lot of tedious repetition to reach my skill levels of long ago. I have some hope… but not much. My fingers might be too slow.
I have always wanted to fly a helicopter. It just seems cool. But not only are my reaction speeds too slow, my eyesight too poor, and my fear of heights too intense… but helicopters are expensive! I have no hope.
But some day I will sing! And so will all of Christ’s folk! Even if you have NO musical ability… even if you can not carry a tune in a basket… even if you are tone deaf… even if you can not memorize long verses… even if you have no musical talent…
You will sing!
And it will be grand.
The 144,000 is a symbol for ALL of God’s people, all of Christ’s redeemed, all of those who have entered heaven by way of Christ’s graceful gate.
We will sing!
Take the hope God grants us.