2-26-07 Heaven's Song "Revelation 5:8-14"

Memory Verse: Revelation 5:9: And they sung a new song, saying, Thou are worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.

Peter MacKenzie was an English preacher, full of native humor, and most godly man. Once while preaching from our text he said: "Yes, there will be singing in heaven, and when I get there I want to have David with his harp, and Paul and Peter and the other saints gather around for a sing. And I will announce a hymn from the Wesleyan Hymnal, number 749.

'My God, my Father, while I stray . . .' But someone will say, 'That won't do. You are in heaven, Peter; there's no straying here.' And I will say, Yes, that's so. Let us sing number 651 --
'Though waves and storms go o'er my head,
Though friends be gone and hopes be dead . . .'

But another saint will interrupt, 'Peter, you forget you are in heaven now; there are n o storms here.' Well, I will try again; number 536 --
'Into a world of ruffians sent . . .' Peter! Peter!' someone will say, 'we will put you out unless you stop giving out inappropriate hymns.'
I will then ask -- What can we sing?
And they will say: 'Sing the new song, the song of Moses and the Lamb.' "

Though some may dislike songs about the cross and the blood of Christ, that is the theme of the song of heaven. Those who wish to rehearse for the heavenly choir had better practice songs that tell the message of the cross. Get your heart in tune!