Continuing to work my way through the book of Revelation. Chapter 15 is kind of the prologue to the final outpouring of God’s wrath on a world that has steadfastly rejected Him . . . a world where those who do believe are martyred . . . a world left only with those who have embraced sin as their right and the enemy as their king. In this vision John sees in heaven those who have “conquered the beast and its image and number of its name” (15:2) . . . aka those who died for Jesus, refusing to bow to the world system. He sees them beside a sea of glass . . . I’m guessing it’s the sea of glass described in chapter 4 . . . so they are before the throne . . . the place of worship of Him who sits on the throne . . . and John says they sing . . . seems to be a pretty common activity before the throne . . .

And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and amazing are Your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed.”   (Revelation 15:3-4 ESV)

After they had crossed the Red Sea and witnessed the destruction of Egypt’s powerful army under the mighty hand of God, the ancient Israelites sang, “I will sing to the LORD, for He has triumphed gloriously . . . the LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation” (Ex. 15:1-2). And now, these saints delivered through faith and by grace from the slavery of a rebellious world, and delivered by death from the physical presence of a dying world, sing as well . . . they sing the song of Moses . . . and they sing a new song . . . the song of the Lamb. It’s what the redeemed do . . . they sing songs of deliverance.

If there’s reason for anyone to sing, it’s those who have been delivered from bondage. If there’s cause for anyone to lift their voice toward God’s throne in heaven, it’s those who once were captive to sin, living in darkness, but are now freed through the blood of the Lamb and the grace of God and have been brought into marvelous light.

The song of the Israelites on the other side of the Red Sea was in the aftermath of God’s victory over the army of Egypt. The song of these saints in John’s vision, is in anticipation of God’s impending final victory over the armies of the nations assembled to oppose Him. And I have song too . . . a song in response to a victory won on a cross . . . a victory over sin and death . . . a victory won through the death of God’s beloved Son . . . a victory to be sung of for all ages.

Great and amazing are Your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! That You would send heaven’s best for earth’s worst . . . that You would sacrifice Your Son in order to redeem a family of born-again adoptees. That You would raise Him from the dead . . . in order to receive Him again to Yourself . . . in order to send in His place the Comforter . . . a seal guaranteeing our inheritance . . . a Teacher leading us into all truth . . . a Sanctifier conforming us into the image of Your Blessed Son.

Just and true are Your ways! Sin atoned for that You might be just and the justifier of all who believe and receive the gift (Rom. 3:6). The splendor of Your glorious Name made known . . . “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin . . . ” (Ex. 33:6-7). Your holiness upheld as You judge those who refuse Your cover for their guilt . . . for You alone are holy.

Songs of deliverance. Are they any better songs? I don’t think so.