I don’t know about you, but it’s challenging for me to consider doing any one thing forever. Especially when considering through the years, my interests and likes have changed. As a result, I’ve redirected my time and energy towards other activities on more than one occasion. I imagine on some level this is true of you as well. And this is only positive as change is necessary and healthy, resulting in fruitfulness and spiritual growth.
But have you ever considered that in heaven we will do the same things consistently forever? If this seems overwhelming, I understand. It is for me as well. But this is only because, as finite beings, we lack any context for eternity. Thankfully we are assured through Scripture that one day, in the twinkling of an eye, we will be made completely new! (See I Corinthians 15:52.) And when this instantaneous transformation occurs, we will be prepared for all things forever in our new home!
A Whole Lot of Singing
While the Bible doesn’t provide an itemized list of the ongoing activities in heaven, we are told that there is indeed singing in heaven. To be clear, there is not merely some singing in heaven. Rather there is a whole lot of singing in heaven! Furthermore, singing is an all-inclusive activity in which every citizen of heaven engages. And this includes the voices of thousands and millions of angels (Revelation 5:11), people from every tribe, tongue and nation (Revelation 7:9), and twenty-four elders and four living beings (Revelation 7:11)!
Finally, we glean through Scripture that singing in heaven is continuous.
Day and night [four living creatures] never stop singing: “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was, who is, and who is to come.” (Revelation 4:8 GNT)
Rethink Singing
Singing is most identified as releasing lyrics (words) to a tune (melody). Truthfully, this is the way in which most people engage in singing. However, there are other legitimate genres of singing that include only a single monotone pitch like ancient Gregorian chant and others that have no melody at all, like modern rap.
[I]n many cultures, the line between singing and speaking is a fine one.… [And] …ancient singing was more like chanting than what we today call singing.
Robert S. Smith, Songs of the Seer: The Purpose of Revelation Hymns
I share this as the “forever songs” recorded in Revelation cause us to rethink our traditional view of singing. Included in the varied song list are songs that are specifically noted as being sung. Others, however, are spoken or recited songs and others are described as victorious shouting! The point is they are all songs, and they are each sung in the specific manner that Yahweh intended. I say this with confidence as He is the Author of His songbook, which would include these songs, and the way in which they were/are meant to be sung.
“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was, who is, and who is to come.”
The Forever Playlist
Included on my church’s website is a playlist of songs we sing in each week’s service, and it often includes new songs that will be introduced to the congregation. However, in heaven, new songs will no longer be introduced. Just as the Word of God is unchanging, so also are the songs of heaven.
Repeatedly together we will sing songs declaring God’s worthiness, holiness, power, strength and victory forever. And this will never grow old, instead richer and more beautiful with each passing year.
And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near, and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore
Forevermore
Ten Thousand Reasons by Matt Redmond
Free of distraction, inhibition or fear, we will sing the songs of heaven together forever!
Prepare to Sing!
When you think about it, life in the present is preparation for life in the future. Because of this, Jesus devoted much of His teaching to the reality of the Kingdom of Heaven. In a very real sense, He encouraged His followers to live then as they would one day live forever. Accomplishing this, however, would require putting His teachings into practice with intentionality and tangible action.
And this is no less true of our singing. The truth is we will all one day sing together forever; the Bible is clear on this. This isn’t a chore, duty or obligation. Instead, it is an extreme privilege and great honor granted to us by the One who is worthy of all we have and all we are.
This is why we mustn’t shrink back or procrastinate any longer. Instead, we must prepare our hearts for heaven’s song today by singing wholeheartedly, enthusiastically, committedly, regularly, gratefully and with great anticipation!
Blessed are those who dwell in your house [for]ever singing your praise! (Psalm 84:4 ESV)
Extend grace to others!
If you’ve been encouraged, strengthened, or edified by this week’s post, please consider sharing Grace Notes for You with a friend.
Song Share of the Week
Please encourage others by sharing a song that is either inspired by the text of Revelation or is heaven-themed. Consider explaining any personal connection to the song you’ve chosen. I look forward to listening to and reading your responses. HERE!
Reflect
What specific images come to your mind and heart as you envision singing in heaven with people from every tribe, tongue and nation? Who are some of the people in heaven now that you look forward to singing with?
Pray
Holy God, thank you for being the inspiration, reason, and purpose for everything I do. May my songs of gratitude and worship both now and forever bring glory, honor and great praise to your Holy Name. Amen
Worship
Many of the themes included in Revelation’s songbook have been the inspiration for songwriters in every generation, including George Frederick Handel’s beloved Hallelujah Chorus! In addition, contemporary songwriter Andrew Peterson’s Is He Worthy? is a beautiful song inspired by the text found in Revelation 5. And there are many more wonderful songs inspired by the book of Revelation. I’ve included a playlist link HERE to some of these songs.
