Throughout Scripture God’s children are encouraged to sing. “Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.” (Psalm 30:1) “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.” (Eph. 5:19) There’s just something about singing that moves the soul closer to Jesus.
Just recently I heard a Christian soloist sing a song I hadn’t heard for a while. It talked of the day approaching when Jesus will return for his people and usher them to their eternal home where no sin will be present and not a worry, heartache, or disappointment will ever again be experienced. The song was, “These are They” by Bill Gaither.
It spoke of people throughout history who had been called on to endure different forms of hardship yet remained strong as they kept their heart fixed on their hope in God. The writer of Hebrews directs us to look to Jesus, not just as the author and finisher of our faith (12:2) but also as our example of endurance. “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (12:3) In the song Gaither states, “These are they who have come out of great tribulation. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb. They have come through much sorrow into great jubilation. They’re redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Like a strong, mighty army, their voices are ringing. The great cloud of witnesses, sing freedom’s song. As they enter the country built by their own Father, the promised homeland they’ve looked for so long.”
In that moment I found my heart soaring – reminiscing about heaven. The words took me to a future day when Jesus will break through the heavens and come again. (I Thess. 4:13-18) In the flash on one moment – graves will be opened. The dead in Christ will rise. And together with those still living, we will be caught up to be forever with Jesus. (John 14:1-3) “I do not know how near or far that may be to us,” said evangelist D.L. Moody. “But one gaze at Him will be enough to reward us for all we have had to bear.”
Do you find yourself today weighed down by circumstances? Has the joy within all but disappeared? Are you dragging yourself spiritually, wondering if you have the strength to make it? If that in any way describes you – “hope in God for you shall yet praise him.” (Psalm 42:11) Take a moment to rejuvenate yourself with a fresh view of heaven. (Heb. 11:10, 16; Rev. 21) The Apostle Paul did and concluded, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Rom. 8:18)
“Sing to the Lord, you saints of his; sing praise to his holy name.” (Psalm 30:4) “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Rom. 12:12)
Be blessed my friend.
Glen (Pitts)
The Barnabas Group / Loads of Love
Hebrews 11:32-40; 12:1-3; Psalm 63:1-8; Colossians 3:16; Psalm 46
