Name that tune

by Reid Matthias

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And they sang a new song (Revelation 5:9a).

Read Revelation 5:6–14

The Book of Revelation is generally seen from two different perspectives. On one hand, there are those who think about it as that ‘freaky book of prophecy at the end of the Bible – let’s avoid it’, and on the other hand, there are those who say, ‘The Book of Revelation is the most important in the Bible, and the interpretation of it will unlock everything we need to know about God and the future – let’s study only that one.’

Perhaps somewhere in the middle of these two perspectives is some fertile ground for conversation and devotion. Shall we have a go at it?

There is immense pageantry in this passage of what was revealed to John. He describes the throne room, the hub of heaven. Sitting on the grand chair is God, who has in his hand the scroll that unlocks the secrets of what is most important to him, and he’s looking for someone worthy to read it. None of the four creatures is worthy to open the scroll. The 24 elders are left wanting. In fact, there is no-one in heaven or on Earth who can be found worthy of opening it.

While many might have been wondering what was written, those in attendance at the majesty and pageantry are overwhelmed with awe – deep, intense wonder – at the ‘Lamb who was slain’, who appears at the centre of the throne room. The attendees fall to their knees. Suddenly, everything they might have worried about in the scroll melts away, and they can only see the Lamb of God.

Once they recover their senses, the 24 elders pick up their harps and begin to sing a new song, completely focused on Jesus and what he had done. We aren’t told what their old song was, but if it’s anything like our contemporary world, the song might have been something like this:

I am worthy.
I have been faithful.
I have done all this for you, Jesus.
I have earned my way to heaven.

But the new song sung by the elders, then joined by 10,000 times 10,000 angels, and finally every creature in heaven and on Earth (can you imagine it!), is:

To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honour and glory and power forever and ever!

And they all fell down and worshipped.

You see, faith has never been about us. It’s never been about our good deeds and our ‘thoughts and prayers’. No, it’s always been about Jesus. It’s the song that should continue to be sung from now through eternity.

Here is the core of the Book of Revelation. It’s not simply a glimpse into the End Times, but more a spotlight on the One who has, is and will always love the creation and will bring it back to himself someday in the future.

Now, what will your new song sound like?

To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honour and glory and power, forever and ever. Amen.

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