Amen! (Revelation 5)

Since last September we’ve been meditating on and singing about the theme of the ‘new song’ in Scripture. We’ve looked at Isaiah 42, where the new song prophesied from among the nations stirs the Lord in His zeal to come & establish justice. We’ve looked at Psalm 96, where the nations & indeed all creation are exhorted to join the new song in the face of His coming kingdom & judgement. Finally we’ve looked at Revelation 5, where we behold the new song of the slain lamb in heaven who has purchased by His blood a people from every nation to be a kingdom of priests.

“Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.”

— Revelation 5:14

As we draw this series to a close, I’ve been challenged to see afresh the significance of our participation in singing this new song… To see with new eyes and fresh wonder the privilege of how we are invited to respond. The almighty God desires our song. Our simple agreement with the plans of His heart carry such weight and glory in the heavens!

This ‘Amen’ contains so much that we all too often miss! It is dynamic and multi-faceted. As much as it completes a responsive cascade of declaration and song, it takes its place within an unceasing song from the four living creatures. The new song is not an interruption of heaven’s worship. Far from it, the new song gives fresh momentum to the unceasing chorus! This 'Amen' cries 'Holy!'

It expresses worship as an agreement with who God says that He is. But it also expresses intercession. It is an agreement with the Father’s plan to submit all things to the Son. It is worship and prayer…

The response of the twenty-four elders gives me pause for thought. How often, at the simplicity of an ‘Amen’, am I provoked to fall down and worship? It is a proclamation that calls us to put down our own aspirations and agendas, our understanding and perspective, to come under His rule & His word. It is a beginning as much as it is ever an end.

The new song isn’t just about enjoying God with music, it is about responding with sobriety and urgency to the revelation of His kingdom. We only get to do this because the beloved Son poured out His life… That was the price paid for this new song. What are we willing to give to respond and sing?