Recovered Virginity - Rumor notes 126

 Revelation 14

3 They sing a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the one hundred forty-four thousand, those who had been redeemed out of the earth. 4 These are those who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are those who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These were redeemed by Jesus from among men, the first fruits to God and to the Lamb. 5 In their mouth was found no lie, for they are blameless.

those who were not defiled with women

Nevertheless you have a few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. (Revelation 3:4)

One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, "Come here. I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed sexual immorality, and those who dwell in the earth were made drunken with the wine of her sexual immorality." He carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet-colored animal, full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns. The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of the sexual immorality of the earth. And on her forehead a name was written, "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. When I saw her, I wondered with great amazement. (Revelation 17:1-6)

When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit of it, and ate; and she gave some to her husband with her, and he ate. (Genesis 3:6)

To Adam he said, "Because you have listened to your wife's voice, and have eaten of the tree, of which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat of it,' cursed is the ground for your sake. In toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. (Genesis 3:17)

Sarai said to Abram, "See now, Yahweh has restrained me from bearing. Please go in to my handmaid. It may be that I will obtain children by her." Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her handmaid, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to Abram her husband to be his wife. He went in to Hagar, and she conceived. When she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes. Sarai said to Abram, "This wrong is your fault. I gave my handmaid into your bosom, and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes. Yahweh judge between me and you." (Genesis 16:2-5)

These last two passages involve problems created by men listening more to the suggestions of their wives than paying attention to what God had said. Many try to use this to prop up support for male domination, but that is not the point of these stories. Rather it is about following feelings more than trusting in the word of God without knowing all the answers ahead of time. The result of these choices was defilement, something we would do well to unpack as to is real meaning instead of our gut-level reaction that often leads to misapplication and misinterpretations. Defilement is similar to impurity, which means something or someone is outside defined boundaries for containment.

This is taken from Strong's definition of the word impurity in the Hebrew: to be foul, especially in a ceremonial or moral sense (contaminated): defile (self), pollute (self), be or make unclean.

Don't turn to those who are mediums, nor to the wizards. Don't seek them out, to be defiled by them. I am Yahweh your God. (Leviticus 19:31)

The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn; but, because he defiled his father's couch, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel; and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright. (1 Chronicles 5:1)

Yes, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons. They shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan. The land was polluted with blood. Thus were they defiled with their works, and prostituted themselves in their deeds. (Psalms 106:37-39)

You have despised my holy things, and have profaned my Sabbaths. Slanderous men have been in you to shed blood; and in you they have eaten on the mountains: in the midst of you they have committed lewdness. In you have they uncovered their fathers' nakedness; in you have they humbled her who was unclean in her impurity. One has committed abomination with his neighbor's wife; and another has lewdly defiled his daughter-in-law; and another in you has humbled his sister, his father's daughter. In you have they taken bribes to shed blood; you have taken interest and increase, and you have greedily gained of your neighbors by oppression, and have forgotten me, says the Lord Yahweh. (Ezekiel 22:8-12)

He said to me, Son of man, this is the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel forever. The house of Israel shall no more defile my holy name, neither they, nor their kings, by their prostitution, and by the dead bodies of their kings in their high places; in their setting of their threshold by my threshold, and their doorpost beside my doorpost, and there was but the wall between me and them; and they have defiled my holy name by their abominations which they have committed: therefore I have consumed them in my anger. (Ezekiel 43:7-8)

He said, "That which proceeds out of the man, that defiles the man. For from within, out of the hearts of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, sexual sins, murders, thefts, covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and defile the man." (Mark 7:20-23)

To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. (Titus 1:15)

Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Add your burnt offerings to your sacrifices, and eat meat. For I didn't speak to your fathers, nor command them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices: but this thing I commanded them, saying, Listen to my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people; and walk you in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you. But they didn't listen nor turn their ear, but walked in their own counsels and in the stubbornness of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.

Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt to this day, I have sent to you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them: yet they didn't listen to me, nor inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff: they did worse than their fathers. You shall speak all these words to them; but they will not listen to you: you shall also call to them; but they will not answer you. You shall tell them, This is the nation that has not listened to the voice of Yahweh their God, nor received instruction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth. Cut off your hair, Jerusalem, and cast it away, and take up a lamentation on the bare heights; for Yahweh has rejected and forsaken the generation of his wrath. For the children of Judah have done that which is evil in my sight, says Yahweh: they have set their abominations in the house which is called by my name, to defile it. (Jeremiah 7:21-30)

they are virgins

It is important to understand the meaning of this word to avoid confusion about its symbolism in this context. In the Hebrew this word comes from a root word meaning to separate, and it can also mean a bride. In the Greek it means a maiden or an unmarried daughter. In prophecy a woman very often represents the spiritual condition of a group of people. God's chosen people throughout history have been referred to as His bride or wife. When they went after other gods, meaning they sought out satisfaction, identity, protection and provision from other sources instead of trusting wholly in the God who had chosen them to be His people, they were called an adulterer playing the whore.

Previously in Revelation 12 we examined a symbolic woman clothed with the sun standing on the moon with stars around her head that represented the body of early believers whose devotion to Jesus launched the Christian movement. She was threatened by the great dragon and fled into the wilderness for protection. Later we will find another symbolic description of a woman in the wilderness, only this time her condition is clearly that of not just an adulterer but is called the Mother of all Whores and a determined enemy to all who cling to their loyalty to heaven. The inference seems clear that this is likely the same woman who morphed into quite the opposite of her condition when she first went into the wilderness, not unlike the history of Israel transforming into what God called whores worse than even the pagans around them.

This virginity is not about physical sex or abstinence from sex but rather the nature of devotion and loyalty of the heart in relation to who is relied on to define who we are and what God we reflect. The 144,000 represent a group of people in the end who are so transformed by beholding and following the Lamb obsessively that they become His groupies, intimate with Him alone, transformed to think and act and love even their enemies just as He loved with a tenacity stronger than death.

This is what separates them from all others claiming to believe in God but who cling to mixed views of Him as being more like the beast and the dragon rather than only like the pure reflection seen in the life of the Lamb. This is the nature of their virginity, for it is a spiritual virginity, a condition of the purified heart that is sanctified, set apart by devotion aroused from dwelling on the revelation of glory seen in the Lamb until they become transformed into that same image from glory to glory. This is what constitutes the preparation of their hearts and lives to become the final bride ready for marriage to the Lamb. Their hearts and the outward fruit of the indwelling Spirit within them is matured to the point of being in full alignment with the same fruit witnessed in the life of Christ when His character as a human was perfected while on earth. They have come into full agreement with the disposition and perspective of the Lamb's heart in full sympathy with God's heart. This is what elicits the fruit of righteousness in their lives, the result of freely receiving and soaking in the love coming from the Lamb in order to freely give it to all around them.

Let us rejoice and be exceedingly glad, and let us give the glory to him. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready." It was given to her that she would array herself in bright, pure, fine linen: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. (Revelation 19:7-8)

Here is the patience of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. (Revelation 14:12)

The princess inside is all glorious. Her clothing is interwoven with gold. She shall be led to the king in embroidered work. The virgins, her companions who follow her, shall be brought to you. (Psalms 45:13-14)

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth; for your love is better than wine. Your oils have a pleasing fragrance. Your name is oil poured forth, therefore the virgins love you. (Song of Solomon 1:2-3)

Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. Those who were foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. (Matthew 25:1-4)

For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy. For I married you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:2)

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it; that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:25-27)

who follow the Lamb wherever he goes

Following a literal lamb would be extremely difficult as it is not a leader and never attempts to get others to follow it. A lamb represents attributes of gentleness, humility and sweetness, and this symbol is intentionally in contrast to the intimidating and forceful characteristics of the beast compelling all the world to wonder after and worship it, just as does the second beast and its image who all reflect the dragon who is behind all of them, relying on coercive control to maintain their power over all who dwell on the earth.

Nevertheless you have a few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. (Revelation 3:4)

Therefore they are before the throne of God, they serve him day and night in his temple. He who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. They will never be hungry, neither thirsty any more; neither will the sun beat on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne shepherds them, and leads them to springs of waters of life. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. (Revelation 7:15-17)

These will war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings. They also will overcome who are with him, called and chosen and faithful." (Revelation 17:14)

The armies which are in heaven followed him on white horses, clothed in white, pure, fine linen. (Revelation 19:14)

A curious thought occurred to me while exploring this. Might it be possible that the cloud that the Children of Israel followed in the desert may have at times had an appearance like a woolly lamb?

Yahweh went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them on their way, and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light, that they might go by day and by night: the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night, didn't depart from before the people. (Exodus 13:21-22)

On the day that the tabernacle was raised up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, even the Tent of the Testimony: and at evening it was over the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until morning. So it was continually. The cloud covered it, and the appearance of fire by night. Whenever the cloud was taken up from over the Tent, then after that the children of Israel traveled; and in the place where the cloud remained, there the children of Israel encamped. At the commandment of Yahweh, the children of Israel traveled, and at the commandment of Yahweh they encamped. As long as the cloud remained on the tabernacle they remained encamped. When the cloud stayed on the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept the charge of Yahweh, and didn't travel. Sometimes the cloud was a few days on the tabernacle; then according to the commandment of Yahweh they remained encamped, and according to the commandment of Yahweh they traveled. Sometimes the cloud was from evening until morning; and when the cloud was taken up in the morning, they traveled: or by day and by night, when the cloud was taken up, they traveled. Whether it was two days, or a month, or a year that the cloud stayed on the tabernacle, remaining on it, the children of Israel remained encamped, and didn't travel; but when it was taken up, they traveled. At the commandment of Yahweh they encamped, and at the commandment of Yahweh they traveled. They kept the charge of Yahweh, at the commandment of Yahweh by Moses. (Numbers 9:15-23)

Notice how Yahweh's commands were conveyed, not verbally but through observation of the cloud.

Yes, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt, and had committed awful blasphemies; yet you in your manifold mercies didn't forsake them in the wilderness: the pillar of cloud didn't depart from over them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way in which they should go. (Nehemiah 9:18-19)

A scribe came, and said to him, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." (Matthew 8:19-20)

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (Matthew 16:24)

Jesus said to them, "Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on the throne of his glory, you also will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Matthew 19:28)

As they went on the way, a certain man said to him, "I want to follow you wherever you go, Lord." Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

He said to another, "Follow me!" But he said, "Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father." But Jesus said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead, but you go and announce the Kingdom of God."

Another also said, "I want to follow you, Lord, but first allow me to bid farewell to those who are at my house." But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God." (Luke 9:57-62)

She said, Behold, your sister-in-law is gone back to her people, and to her god: return you after your sister-in-law. Ruth said, "Don't entreat me to leave you, and to return from following after you, for where you go, I will go; and where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God; where you die, will I die, and there will I be buried: Yahweh do so to me, and more also, if anything but death part you and me." When she saw that she was steadfastly minded to go with her, she left off speaking to her. (Ruth 1:15-18)

This is the kind of tenacity needed to follow the Lamb wherever He goes, regardless of the cost of suffering, shame or persecution or the level of enticements of potential glory. Following the Lamb has to become an obsession of a heart connection that is at last liberated from all motives of fear or desire for honor or advantage. This is what it looks like to be drawn by cords of love.

Again, the next day, John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which is to say, being interpreted, Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come, and see." They came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about the tenth hour. (John 1:35-39)

Again, therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one." (John 10:27-30)

Peter said to him, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." Jesus answered him, "Will you lay down your life for me? Most certainly I tell you, the rooster won't crow until you have denied me three times. (John 13:37-38)

So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." (John 21:15)

redeemed by Jesus from among men

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11)

They sang a new song, saying, "You are worthy to take the book, and to open its seals: for you were killed, and bought us for God with your blood, out of every tribe, language, people, and nation, (Revelation 5:9)

Remember your congregation, which you purchased of old, which you have redeemed to be the tribe of your inheritance; Mount Zion, in which you have lived. (Psalms 74:2)

Sing, you heavens, for Yahweh has done it! Shout, you lower parts of the earth! Break out into singing, you mountains, O forest, all of your trees, for Yahweh has redeemed Jacob, and will glorify himself in Israel. (Isaiah 44:23)

Whoever desires to be first among you shall be your bondservant, even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:27-28)

But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction, for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; whom God set forth to be an atoning sacrifice, through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God's forbearance; to demonstrate his righteousness at this present time; that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus. (Romans 3:21-26)

giving thanks to the Father, who made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love; in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins; (Colossians 1:12-14)

looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works. (Titus 2:13-14)

knowing that you were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from the useless way of life handed down from your fathers, but with precious blood, as of a faultless and pure lamb, the blood of Christ; (1 Peter 1:18-19)

How does the blood of the Lamb redeem us? What is the true meaning of His blood? Pay close attention to what we are redeemed from as well as what we are redeemed to.

Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Hebrews 2:14-15)

New Song, Location and Capacity - Rumor Notes 125

 

Revelation 14

3 They sing a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the one hundred forty-four thousand, those who had been redeemed out of the earth.

before the throne

John, to the seven assemblies that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from God, who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits who are before his throne; (Revelation 1:4)

Out of the throne proceed lightnings, sounds, and thunders. There were seven lamps of fire burning before his throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. Before the throne was something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal. In the midst of the throne, and around the throne were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind. (Revelation 4:5-6)

the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever, and throw their crowns before the throne, saying, "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, the Holy One, to receive the glory, the honor, and the power, for you created all things, and because of your desire they existed, and were created!" (Revelation 4:10-11)

All the angels were standing around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before his throne, and worshiped God, (Revelation 7:11)

One of the elders answered, saying to me, "These who are arrayed in white robes, who are they, and from where did they come?" I told him, "My lord, you know." He said to me, "These are those who came out of the great tribulation. They washed their robes, and made them white in the Lamb's blood. Therefore they are before the throne of God, they serve him day and night in his temple. He who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. (Revelation 7:13-15)

Another angel came and stood over the altar, having a golden censer. Much incense was given to him, that he should add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. (Revelation 8:3)

I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and they opened books. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works. (Revelation 20:12)

before the four living creatures and the elders

Keep in mind that these locations being listed, before the throne, before the creatures and elders, set the atmosphere for what is transpiring here. A New Song is being sung, one that no one else can learn, not because it is impossible to memorize, but rather because it is unique to the experience of people who have been transcended beyond the narrow, dark opinions about what God is like, that are promoted by those who view Him as being like the beast and the dragon.

But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God. (John 3:21 NRSV)

In other words, they face the origin of light directly so the truth about its Source becomes unavoidably clear to everyone by its reflection in their lives.

To explore more about what these creatures and elders represent, review what we studied in chapter 4 where they are first introduced.

No one could learn the song except the one hundred forty-four thousand

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes, to him I will give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows but he who receives it. (Revelation 2:17)

The question here is, why can no one else learn this song? What is it about this song that makes it impossible to learn except those who make up the 144,000?

One reason is that it is not referring to music composed of tones and lyrics like we think of music. This is about a unique, deeply intimate, internal emotional and spiritual experience in lives that reflect God's glory, particularly in the midst of wicked and perverse contexts.

So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputes, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world, holding up the word of life.... (Philippians 2:12-16)

Those who continue to resist allowing God full access to cure their hearts of selfishness and dark notions about God, who cling to staying in control of their lives, cannot have this New Song experience. They fail to enter into the rest of believing that God's heart is worthy of their trust. Their hearts are locked and do not reflect the beauty praised in this Song, for it only experienced by those who have embraced their New Name, their true identity implanted in them by Jesus.

Let us fear therefore, lest perhaps anyone of you should seem to have come short of a promise of entering into his rest. For indeed we have had good news preached to us, even as they also did, but the word they heard didn't profit them, because it wasn't mixed with faith by those who heard. For we who have believed do enter into that rest.... (Hebrews 4:1-3)

The New Song is learned through daily, intentional resting and soaking and absorbing the love of the Father directly through exposure to His presence in the secret place. I like to refer to this as marinating, for that conveys how the flavor and essence of something can come to completely saturate my entire experience. By marinating in the presence of pure love, choosing to believe it is not only true but meant personally for me, and that the Lover is worthy of all my trust and affection and the Source is completely reliable, my life can be transformed through the renewing of my mind and heart until like Jesus who first fully reflected that same love, when people see me and feel the influence of my spirit saturated with God's Spirit, they only see and experience the love of the Father for them reflected through me.

You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust." (Psalms 91:1-2 NRSV)

This New Song is tightly linked to the truth about our identity as found in Jesus Christ, the new and everlasting Father of the human race, who alone has received full authority to define who we are and what it looks like to act like ourselves. This New Song is experienced and expressed as a result of opening the heart to the same glory of the Father that was mirrored by the Son of Man. He is the one who brings to us the authentic truth about God's heart, and He lived it out in the midst of His own perverse and crooked generation. This is the example He has given for us to follow.

In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn't overcome it. (John 1:4-5)

While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become children of light..... (John 12:36)

But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

The theme being described here is developed throughout this book. It is the refining of a group of people who are matured into the likeness of the Son of God until their reflection of God's character comes to completely reflect the same as witnessed in the life of Christ. Yet they do so, not by striving to keep God's rules or trusting in external merits from somewhere to supplement their own merits to earn God's favor. No, these ones reflect the truth about God in their lives because they take seriously the words and example of Jesus who shows us how to live as human reflectors of God as we were created to do – through saturation of our mind, heart and imagination with the glory of God so much that we are transformed into the same image as was reflected by His Son. This will become even more clear in our study in the next chapter.

Yes, take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and speak to him, saying, 'Thus says Yahweh of Armies, "Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: and he shall grow up out of his place; and he shall build the temple of Yahweh; even he shall build the temple of Yahweh; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule on his throne; and he shall be a priest on his throne; and the counsel of peace shall be between them both. (Zechariah 6:11-13)

So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone; in whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22)

...no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ; from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:14-16)

Putting away therefore all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil speaking, as newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious: coming to him, a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God, precious. You also, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:1-5)

You therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware, lest being carried away with the error of the wicked, you fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 1 John (2 Peter 3:17-18)

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: (1 Peter 2:9)

This last verse zeroes in on the very essence of what this New Song is all about. It is the testimony of people in both words and how they relate to others, of the power of God's love to so transform sinners into passionate lovers of God that their witness cannot be controverted, for it is obvious they have been with Jesus.

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled. They recognized that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)

What must be developed in order for final events to be brought to a close at the second coming of Christ, is a faithful witness of God's character through human exhibition on earth, a witness so clear that all the wiles of the enemy become exposed in the light of the true glory of God, reflected in the lives of those remaining loyal and faithful to the Lamb who is their hero, idol and trusted Savior.

This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn't come to the light, lest his works would be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done in God." (John 3:19-21)

(An excellent resource for exploring this secret place experience is a book titled The Path of Prayer.)

What we are studying here is the beginning of a linear description extending to the end of chapter 16 where we discover a pinnacle of intensity as God's reflected glory is released through this group of people. This activity finally cracks the very foundation of the entire empire of evil. From there on we watch the spectacular collapse of Satan's whole system as the complicated matrix of his kingdom crumbles to the earth from the sheer weight of its own internal corruption. But keep in mind that the only weapons relied on by these Lamb-followers are intercessions and praises to God through the songs of their own lives reflective of the same glory as seen in the testimony of the Lamb.

Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:17-18)

It is the power inherent in this glory and released through the prayers and praises of the special ops forces of the Lamb – their revelations of the truth about what God is really like, His disposition, His character of love, the truth that there is no darkness in Him whatsoever – it is this power alone that will effectively disarm all the powers of darkness, evil, deception and wickedness. Force has no place in God's kingdom of love, but a revelation of the truth of God's goodness, kindness, graciousness and willing humility re-presented in the lives of those fully united and synchronized with His passionate heart of love and forgiveness, is more than a match to defeat all the slander, lies and accusations brought against Him by the accuser of the brethren, all the demons of hell or any other agent of evil.

those who had been redeemed out of the earth

They sing a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation; (Revelation 5:9 NRSV)

Here the New Song is directly linked with the redemption of all who are willing to be transformed by the revelation of truth from God's heart as most explicitly revealed in the evidence of the blood of the slaughtered Lamb of God. This blood must be unlinked from any notion of appeasing an offended deity who is bent on punishing offenders unless payment sufficiently valuable purchases his willingness to forgive. That is pure paganism and blasphemy against our loving Father in whom is no shadow or hint of darkness. This redemption/ransom was not paid to God but was paid by God, and that is a huge paradigm shift for many. Yet those who learn this New Song appreciate this, so their lives glow with gratitude, joy, thanksgiving and praise as they intercede with prayers for the salvation of their enemies. This is true power, and this disposition can be found in its pure form in the testimony of the Lamb-followers who reflect how the Lamb related to His enemies while they unleashed all hell against Him after He came to live on this world the first time.

But now I come to you, and I say these things in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves. I have given them your word. The world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that you would take them from the world, but that you would keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, even so I have sent them into the world. For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. (John 17:13-19)

For I will proclaim the name of Yahweh. Ascribe greatness to our God! The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice: a God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and right is he. They have dealt corruptly with him, they are not his children, it is their blemish. They are a perverse and crooked generation. Do you thus requite Yahweh, foolish people and unwise? Isn't he your father who has bought you? He has made you, and established you. (Deuteronomy 32:3-6)

The New Song runs like a hidden river all throughout history, though very often blurred in the witness of those chosen by God to reveal Him to the world. This New Song amplifies the truth about God's character of love, His name absorbed internally rather than superficially. Notice this does not mention anything about God being offended by our foolishness, but how we are foolish in how we respond to God despite His goodness, faithfulness, greatness and having been purchased by Him.

But Jesus summoned them, and said, "You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you, but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. Whoever desires to be first among you shall be your bondservant, even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:25-28)

This ransom payment comes from God, not something paid to God. God so loved that He gave His beloved Son to save us. Anything less than this perspective is a terrible insult to His reputation.

But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction, for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; whom God set forth to be an atoning sacrifice, through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God's forbearance; to demonstrate his righteousness at this present time; that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus. (Romans 3:21-26)

Therefore don't be anxious, saying, 'What will we eat?', 'What will we drink?' or, 'With what will we be clothed?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:31-33)

Making God's salvation and the truth about His character of love preeminent in our priorities is the essence of this New Song. Choosing to saturate our imagination with praise and gratitude for God's goodness and faithfulness is the most powerful antidote to worry, fear and anxiety. It arouses trust and peace in us by re-framing our perspective, making problems opportunities for God to display His glory in our lives rather than rehearsing doubts that only increase our unbelief.

He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)

Or don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

The real truth about this ransom paid by God is the incentive for the redeemed to glorify their Father both in body and in spirit. We need to be aware of what it means to glorify God, for this is what the New Song is about. It is combining petitions and praises that transforms our perspective of how completely God loves and cares for us. This is how we follow the Lamb wherever He goes.

For this cause, we also, since the day we heard this, don't cease praying and making requests for you, that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, that you may walk worthily of the Lord, to please him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love; in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins; who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. (Colossians 1:9-15)

looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works. (Titus 2:13-14)

Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Hebrews 2:14-15)

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)

Sin at its core is distrust of God's motives towards us, believing God is a mixture of light and dark, using love and fear to manipulate us. When the true gospel conveyed through the evidence of the blood of Jesus Christ who reveals the true heart of the Father that sent Him to reveal this, becomes clear in our hearts, that truth sets us free to love with His love, trust God with the faith of Jesus and this is how we are cleansed from all distrust – sin. This is how we are reconciled to God – coming to agree with and embrace God's passionate love for us. This is the true meaning of atonement – not appeasement but being brought into oneness with our Father, at-one-ment by believing His reflection as witnessed by His Son. This is the true meaning and purpose for the blood of the Lamb.

My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have a Counselor with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous. And he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world. (1 John 2:1-2)

Ammunition for Saints - Rumor notes 124

 

Revelation 14

3 They sing a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the one hundred forty-four thousand, those who had been redeemed out of the earth.

They sing a new song

The Lamb's tactical maneuvers alone will prove effective in the war to overcome all the powers of darkness, evil, violence and deception. The reason this song is new is not because it has been unknown previously or didn't exist, but rather because from our perspective, and even in the eyes of the watching universe up until the death of the Lamb, this approach seemed unfeasible at best. Yet this merely exposes the intensity of the deceptions of the enemy and proves how subtle the great deceiver has effectively distorted the reasoning of even unfallen beings, causing us to imagine that at some point God will be compelled to resort to the use of force or He will never be able to overcome the diabolical machinations of the enemy and the intimidating power of raw evil. Yet this very reasoning exposes how much we project our infected perceptions onto what we believe God must do to overcome evil, when in truth we need to embrace the Lamb's methods and motives for overcoming evil and darkness with only light.

God could have destroyed Satan and his sympathizers as easily as one can cast a pebble to the earth; but He did not do this. Rebellion was not to be overcome by force. Compelling power is found only under Satan's government. The Lord's principles are not of this order. His authority rests upon goodness, mercy, and love; and the presentation of these principles is the means to be used. God's government is moral, and truth and love are to be the prevailing power.

It was God's purpose to place things on an eternal basis of security, and in the councils of heaven it was decided that time must be given for Satan to develop the principles which were the foundation of his system of government. He had claimed that these were superior to God's principles. Time was given for the working of Satan's principles, that they might be seen by the heavenly universe. {DA 759}

(For anyone interested, I have compilations of quotations that flush these principles out more clearly.)

Coming to understand, appreciate and embrace the New Song is the most important choice we can ever make if we want to get serious about participating with heaven in this war against evil. In addition, this New Song is key to unlocking this entire prophetic revelation of Jesus Christ. Without a deeper appreciation and appropriation of this New Song in our own lives, it will be impossible to be among the overcomers who inherit the promises for them listed clearly in chapters 2 and 3. This is why it is so important for us to spend time soaking in the real meaning of what this New Song is all about, even though we introduced it in chapter 5. The truth is this – the essence of this New Song is the primary ingredient of the ammunition vitally essential for winning this war, not only by God but particularly on the part of all who are serious about following the Lamb wherever He goes.

Now when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. They sang a new song, saying, "You are worthy to take the book, and to open its seals: for you were killed, and bought us for God with your blood, out of every tribe, language, people, and nation, and made us kings and priests to our God, and we will reign on earth."

I saw, and I heard something like a voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousands of ten thousands, and thousands of thousands; saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who has been killed to receive the power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing!"

I heard every created thing which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them, saying, "To him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion, forever and ever! Amen!" The four living creatures said, "Amen!" The elders fell down and worshiped. (Revelation 5:8-14)

Note the strategic timing of when this New Song first appears in the flow of events. It is immediately after the Lamb takes the sealed book to begin cracking open its system of lies that blocked access to the real truth that could vindicate the Father's reputation. The onlooking universe had long puzzled over some of the very same issues we struggle to make sense of ourselves, and it was only when God announced His strategy to go to the very heart of the enemy's stronghold in order to neutralize his power and break his spell, did it begin to dawn on unfallen beings that God's radical love and willingness to humble Himself to any level to win back alienated hearts was the way to win the war.

Before Christ's first advent, the sin of refusing to conform to God's law had become widespread. Apparently Satan's power was growing; his warfare against heaven was becoming more and more determined. A crisis had been reached. With an intense interest God's movements were watched by the heavenly angels. Would He come forth from His place to punish the inhabitants of the world for their iniquity? Would He send fire or flood to destroy them? All heaven waited the bidding of their Commander to pour out the vials of wrath upon a rebellious world. One word from Him, one sign, and the world would have been destroyed. The worlds unfallen would have said, "Amen. Thou art righteous, O God, because Thou hast exterminated rebellion."

But "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God might have sent His Son to condemn, but He sent Him to save. Christ came as a Redeemer. No words can describe the effect of this movement on the heavenly angels. With wonder and admiration they could only exclaim, "Herein is love!" {RC 58}

The effect of God's strategy in sending His personal representative to save instead of condemn as the angels expected Him to do, constitutes the essence of why this Song is called New. It was startlingly different from what the watching universe expected, and that in itself is indicative of the insidious infection of Satan's logic that has permeated thinking everywhere. This is primarily about God's salvation, the salvaging of God's reputation from the damage brought to it through Satan's assertions.

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could number, out of every nation and of all tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands. They cried with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation be to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" All the angels were standing around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before his throne, and worshiped God, saying, "Amen! Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might, be to our God forever and ever! Amen." (Revelation 7:9-12)

I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who overcame the beast, his image, and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. They sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God, the Almighty! Righteous and true are your ways, you King of the nations. Who wouldn't fear you, Lord, and glorify your name? For you only are holy. For all the nations will come and worship before you. For your righteous acts have been revealed." (Revelation 15:2-4)

[Old Song] After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, "Hallelujah! Salvation, power, and glory belong to our God: for true and righteous are his judgments. For he has judged the great prostitute, who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality, and he has avenged the blood of his servants at her hand." A second said, "Hallelujah! Her smoke goes up forever and ever." The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sits on the throne, saying, "Amen! Hallelujah!"

[Invitation to recalibrate] A voice came forth from the throne, saying, "Give praise to our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, the small and the great!"

[New Song] I heard something like the voice of a great multitude, and like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of mighty thunders, saying, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns! Let us rejoice and be exceedingly glad, and let us give the glory to him. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready." (Revelation 19:1-7)

Rejoice in Yahweh, you righteous! Praise is fitting for the upright. Give thanks to Yahweh with the lyre. Sing praises to him with the harp of ten strings. Sing to him a new song. Play skillfully with a shout of joy! For the word of Yahweh is right. All his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice. The earth is full of the loving kindness of Yahweh. (Psalms 33:1-5)

I waited patiently for Yahweh. He turned to me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay. He set my feet on a rock, and gave me a firm place to stand. He has put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God. Many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in Yahweh. (Psalms 40:1-3)

It is new because it is opposite of fear, despair and self-focus. It is all about elevating God's reputation.

Sing to Yahweh a new song! Sing to Yahweh, all the earth. Sing to Yahweh! Bless his name! Proclaim his salvation from day to day! Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples. For great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised! He is to be feared above all gods. (Psalms 96:1-4)

What is becoming clear from all these references is that the New Song, the most potent ammunition in this war over God's reputation, is what must motivate all who choose to follow the Lamb wherever He leads them. When we come to appreciate the true nature of this Song, we begin to see it scattered all throughout Scripture and we can learn to add our own personalized experience to it just as so many have throughout history. The core message of the New Song is to focus on honoring God's reputation and withholding attention from all that is connected with the darkness. Giving glory to our God is how He is given authority by His children and accomplishes His salvation, meaning His reputation is fully salvaged.

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our ancestors trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried, and were saved; in you they trusted, and were not put to shame. (Psalms 22:1-5 NRSV)

Yahweh our God, other lords besides you have had dominion over us, but by you only will we make mention of your name. (Isaiah 26:13)

For though the fig tree doesn't flourish, nor fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive fails, the fields yield no food; the flocks are cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in Yahweh. I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

Heal me, O Yahweh, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for you are my praise. (Jeremiah 17:14)

These last few references alert us to the need to practice the New Song even more when everything seems to be going wrong and our lives are falling apart all around us. This is actually when the New Song releases its power most effectively, for it is like the light of a single candle that becomes most obvious when found in the deepest darkness of night.

So the king will desire your beauty, honor him, for he is your lord. The daughter of Tyre comes with a gift. The rich among the people entreat your favor. The princess inside is all glorious. Her clothing is interwoven with gold. She shall be led to the king in embroidered work. The virgins, her companions who follow her, shall be brought to you. With gladness and rejoicing they shall be led. They shall enter into the king's palace. (Psalms 45:11-15)

Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, Rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)

See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good, for one another, and for all. Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you. Don't quench the Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:15-19)

Through him, then, let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name. (Hebrews 13:15)

The enormous power of this approach has seldom been seriously tapped throughout much of history. But that is going to change when the elite troops of the Lamb learn how to fight right like He does. Yet there are moments in history when we catch a glimpse of what could have been as well as what can still be if we would but learn to rely on praise to God in every situation instead of relying on our own perceptions and understanding. Here is one of the most vivid examples of the nature and power this New Song can release when people are willing to align with its purpose and spirit.

We pick up the story listening in on king Jehoshaphat appealing to God for deliverance from a coalition of forces bent on exterminating Judah and Jerusalem. Instead of casting about for allies or searching for clever resources to defend themselves, the people came together as one and focused all their attention on seeking God as their only option.

Now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned aside from them, and didn't destroy them; behold, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. Our God, will you not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that comes against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are on you.

All Judah stood before Yahweh, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. Then on Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, the Levite, of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of Yahweh in the midst of the assembly; and he said, Listen you, all Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you king Jehoshaphat: Thus says Yahweh to you, Don't be afraid you, neither be dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. Tomorrow go you down against them: behold, they come up by the ascent of Ziz; and you shall find them at the end of the valley, before the wilderness of Jeruel. You shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand you still, and see the salvation of Yahweh with you, O Judah and Jerusalem; don't be afraid, nor be dismayed: tomorrow go out against them: for Yahweh is with you.

Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground; and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before Yahweh, worshipping Yahweh. The Levites, of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites, stood up to praise Yahweh, the God of Israel, with an exceeding loud voice.

They rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: believe in Yahweh your God, so shall you be established; believe his prophets, so shall you prosper. When he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who should sing to Yahweh, and give praise in holy array, as they went out before the army, and say, Give thanks to Yahweh; for his loving kindness endures forever.

When they began to sing and to praise, Yahweh set ambushers against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were struck. For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, utterly to kill and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, everyone helped to destroy another. When Judah came to the place overlooking the wilderness, they looked at the multitude; and behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and there were none who escaped. (2 Chronicles 20:10-24)

I am convinced that this story is God's message to the universe exposing how evil will be finally defeated in the end. It was not God who killed all those enemies, but rather they turned on each other in reaction to the power of praise for God's goodness and graciousness. Evil cannot stand to abide in the presence of God's graciousness. That was evident when demons possessing human beings were confronted with the loving presence of Jesus; they became extremely agitated and could not remain long, even accusing Him of coming to torment them. Torment is what naturally occurs whenever evil is exposed by the light of God's love. Jesus called this reaction judgment. This is how God wins and neutralizes the power of the enemy in the end. The light of His love and truth becomes so evident that in the end no one can hide from it and evil looses all its force against righteousness but turns its power inward on those who continue to cling to it, bringing confusion, terror and rage that is unleashed against anyone nearby. The method for winning this battle in Jehoshaphat's time parallels the method that will accomplish the same result both in our days as well as at the end of time after the millennium. And central to this victory is the power of the New Song unleashed by those choosing to trust God with all their heart and depend entirely on Him regardless of any amount of danger threatening them.

This New Song is called new partly because it is linked with a number of other new's throughout Scripture. Consider the importance of these other things identified as being new:

A new covenant (Jer. 31:31; Matt. 26:28; Mrk. 14:24; Luke 22:20; 1 Cor. 11:25; 2 Cor. 3:6; Heb. 8:8,13; 9:15; 12:24)

A new commandment (John 13:34; 1 John 2:7-8; 2 Joh 1:5)

A new way (Heb. 10:20)

A new name (Rev. 2:17; 3:12; Isa. 62:2)

A new heart (Eze. 18:31; 36:26)

A new spirit (Eze. 11:19; 18:31; 36:26)

A new creation/creature/identity (2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15; Eph. 2:15; 4:24; Col. 3:10)

Jesus' version of new wine (Matt. 9:17; Mrk. 2:22; Luke 5:37-39)

New treasures (Matt. 13:52)

New teaching (Mrk. 1:27; Acts 17:19)

God's love is new every morning (Lam. 3:22-23)

New fruit from Tree of Life (Rev. 22:1-2; Eze. 47:12)

A new heaven and new earth (Rev. 21:1; Isa. 65:17; 66:22; 2 Pet. 3:13)

All things made new (Rev. 21:5; Isa. 42:9; 43:19; 48:6; Jer. 31:22; 1 Cor. 5:7; 2 Cor. 5:17)

(For those who want more, I have compiled several documents related to this New Song in my pursuit to not only understand the nature of it, but how I may personally experience its inherent power.)