The Soundtrack to Hope
We often remember the first time we experienced something wonderful, and we can often we can associate a song or sound with that first experience. A song playing in the car, the first time we drove alone having got a license, the song from a first date, night sounds from our first holiday in the wild. The Scriptures in Psalms, Isaiah and Revelation mention a New Song nine times. Every mention has a number of things in common. As we prepare to enter the new year, this New Song can teach us to navigate each new experience this year in a way that will strengthen and encourage us and those we meet for years to come.
Scripture
Isaiah 42:5-10 ESV Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it: [6] “I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, [7] to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. [8] I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols. [9] Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.” [10] Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise from the end of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that fills it, the coastlands and their inhabitants.
Bible Study Questions
Psalms 33:1-6 introduces the idea of a “New Song”. What attributes or actions of God are we called to respond to in worshipping Him with a New Song?
According to Psalms 40:1-3, where does a “New Song” come from, what is it about, and who is it for?
Where in Matthew 12 do we see that Isaiah 42:5-10 is a prophecy of the coming Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ?
What major theme accompanies a “New Song” in Scripture especially in Psalms 98:8-9 and Psalms 149:6-9?
What theme is evident in Psalms 40:1-3 and Psalms 144:9-11, both of which talk about the “New Song” in praise of God?
The themes of creation, rescue and judgement are evident in all the references to the “New Song”. How does Jesus Christ embody these themes? (Revelation 5:9-14)
Reading through all the Scriptures that mention the “New Song” how often can you find a reference to the peoples, nations or gentiles? How is the “New Song” connected with the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ?
Prayer
Dear Father God in Heaven, Thank You for creating this beautiful world and everything in it. Please help us to see You and Your glorious goodness in everything. Please forgive us for not honouring You as our faithful creator, and please forgive our sin against You. We know that we deserve Your righteous wrath Lord, thank You for Your mercy and for sparing us through grace, and faith in Your Son, Our Lord Jesus. Please help us to meditate on His awesome act of rescue as we realise how deeply You love and care for us. Thank You that You will judge the earth with fairness, and that by Your grace we can trust in Your eternal mercy. Please help us to go out singing about Your grace and telling people all over about Your power and love in whatever way You have equipped us to. In Jesus Name Amen.
Worship
Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch; like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
The Lord hath promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun.
Service
Some of us have been given a gift of words, some a gift of music. If we have these gifts we can literally sing a “New Song” about God’s grace. Most of us may have to approach this differently, our “Song” can be the way we forgive, the way we love, the way we serve the basic needs of others or even the cause that we stand and fight for. Whatever abilities God has given us, we need to take time to see His goodness and saving grace, and then make sure we find ways of telling others. God will judge this world, we have to tell people about His mercy before it’s too late.