November 25

How The Song Of The Lord Began

And Hezekiah ordered that the burnt offering be sacrificed on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD and the trumpets began as well, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel. — 2 Chr 29:27 BSB

And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. And no one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. — Rev 14:3 BSB

At the age of twenty-five, Hezekiah became king and immediately set out to reverse his father’s evil policies. He reopened the doors of the Temple and instructed the Levites to cleanse the courts of all the rubbish and filth that had accumulated. After eight days of hard work, they were able to report that the altar of burnt offering and the table of showbread were ready for service. This was good news, and early on a memorable morning, the king, along with his officials and princes, participated in a solemn service of rededication. As the vast congregation watched expectantly, Hezekiah commanded that the burnt offering be made. “When the burnt offering began, the song of the Lord also began.”

Those ancient sacrifices have passed away forever. “Sacrifice and offering You do not desire; but You have pierced my ears [nailed me to the Cross]; burnt offerings and sin offerings You do not require. Then I said, ‘Here I am, I delight to do Your will, O my God.’” To yield one’s life to the Savior, to give ourselves for others for His sake, and to resolve to live in constant self-sacrifice—this is the modern-day equivalent of the burnt offering that Hezekiah commanded. Is it any wonder that the song of the Lord began with the offering? Doesn’t that same song arise in every heart when the sacrifice of love and obedience begins?

It is the self-contained life, safe within its walls, immune to pain, sorrow, and love, that is songless and pitiable.

Jesus said, “Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” That life, found in Him, is the source of the “Song of the Lord.” Unite yourself with Jesus on the Cross, and one day you will find yourself singing the new song of redemption with Him!

Prayer

Lord, give us loving and thankful hearts. May Your mercies bind us to Your altar. As the burnt offering of our lives begins, may the Song of the Lord begin in our hearts. Amen.