The Power And Influence Of Music: In Praise Of Singers.
Revelation 14
KJV
1+ 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.
2 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:
3+ 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.
What you’ve read is a very impressive assembly and event that John was privileged to see! I have no time nor interest in the technical discourse or meaning but rather in the literal image and scene.
Not that I can not explain these, any Bible student knows what these represent. I just want to literally enjoy and feel the scene! It is awesome to see.
In any case here is why I quoted the passage. Yesterday we read of the death of a great icon whose music influenced and gave hope, joy and meaning to many a downhearted. Jimmy Cliff was his name.
His songs covered many themes in life, from “ Vietnam”, to Suffering In The Land, To I Can See Clearly Now! Etc. Not forgetting “ you can get it if you really want “ and of course “ the harder they come, the harder the fall “. Yes, this was arguably the best of the singers of his generation! The lyrics of his songs are unsurpassed!
Jimmy Cliff blessed our hearts with songs that resonate with human situations! I am reminded of the words in the hymn “Now Praise We Great And Famous Men”. Two verses read ;
2 Praise we the wise and brave and strong,
Who graced their generation;
Who helped the right, and fought the wrong,
And made our folk a nation.
3 Praise we the great of heart and mind,
The singers sweetly gifted,
Whose music like a mighty wind
The souls of men uplifted.
The command to “ speak to one another through songs hymns “ etc cuts across and is not limited to the spiritual but equally to the social settings
The scripture passages above present us with a pictorial view of a large number assembled to sing. We are told they sang a song that no man knows This probably is a large group of singers and their voices alone can shake a foundation! How I’ll love to hear them sing.
Read it,
Revelation 14:3
NIV
[3] And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.
As stated I am not concerned with the “number” who sang but the fact that they sang a song that no one could learn! What could this song be? We are told. What were the words? We are not told.!
We are told of another gathering where they sang the song of Moses and the Lamb! At least it seems here we were given the words of this song
Read it
Revelation 15:3-4
NIV
[3] and sang the song of God's servant Moses and of the Lamb:
“Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the nations.[4] Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”
Definitely, He who sits on the throne will enjoy it.
I have cause to believe that my opening scriptures inspired the popular hymn; On Glorious Summit Stood!
On Zion’s glorious summit stood
A numerous host redeemed by blood!
They hymned their King in strains divine;
I heard the song, and strove to join,
I heard the song, and strove to join.
2 Here all who suffered sword or flame
For truth, or Jesus’ lovely name,
Shout vict'ry now and hail the Lamb,
And bow before the great I AM,
And bow before the great I AM.
3 While everlasting ages roll,
Eternal love shall feast their soul,
And scenes of bliss, forever new,
Rise in succession to their view,
Rise in succession to their view.
Indeed a favourite of mine. ! Beloved, learn to sing and appreciate songs! The composers have blessed our hearts and lifted our spirits.
Thoughts to share, a tribute to Jimmy Cliff.