“Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; break forth into singing, O mountains: for the Lord hath comforted His people, and will have mercy upon His afflicted.” Isaiah 49:13
Dear Ones:
In one of Jesus’ parables, He speaks of ninety-nine sheep which are safe in the fold. However, there is yet one which is somewhere, lost in the wilderness. The story reveals to us the heart of a true shepherd, and the value that he puts on just one life, one sheep. So great is the potential loss, that the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep which are secure, then ventures out in search of the lost sheep. That which confirms the true, and good heart of the shepherd, is his resolve to search until he find the sheep. This he will do, and succeed, putting the sheep on his shoulders and returning home, calling his friends and neighbors to rejoice with him. The Lord Jesus at this point applies the truths of this parable to that which actually transpires in heaven. “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7) That which needs to be underlined in this picture, and the consequent reality “in heaven,” is the expression of joy, fullness of joy. That joy is certainly translated and demonstrated by the singing of those who are joyful. The Apostle John testifies to this reality, when he writes: “And they sang a new song, saying, ‘Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.'” (Rev. 5:9) This song is one of triumph, the victory of Christ revealed in the salvation of souls from every tribe, tongue, and nation. It is a song of triumph in finding the lost sheep on the face of this earth, for whom Christ died, and whom He seeks to save.
In a most “inconvenient” moment in the life of Christ, at the close of the last supper, just before going out into the night to the Garden of Gethsemane, the Apostle Matthew writes: “And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.” (26:30) How could a song, a hymn, be sung at a time like this, when the impending storm of suffering and shame, was to envelope Calvary? How could one sing before such an ordeal? Christ alone could do so in fullest measure because of the hope, and certainty, of a promise: “I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.” (Jn. 10:17) Christ’s hymn, or song sung, was one of singular, all encompassing triumph. Christ was leaving all, and everyone, to venture forth into the wilderness, the darkness of sin and suffering, to embrace a suffering and death that would result in the saving of countless lost sinners. From a heart of perfect faith and love, and submission to His Father’s will, He would sing that night with profound resolve, even while knowing the sadness and coming sorrow. This is the testimony of Christ’s song of triumph: “For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb. 12:2)
The Lord, through Isaiah, paints us a picture of this “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” He is described as the One who was, “…bruised…put to grief…” (53:10) Isaiah writes: “He (Christ) shall see the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by His knowledge shall My righteous servant justify many; for He shall bear their iniquities.” (v.11) What is the song of Christ’s triumph except the proclamation of His victory over every enemy, to give eternal life, to those who are lost? The song of triumph is Christ’s song. He gives that same song in the heart to every believer who truly follows Him.
Dear Father, Fill us with Christ’s resolve, His joy, singing His song of triumph, as we love and serve Thee this day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad