There are a lot of things I miss since this COVID-19 shutdown started – giving a friend a hug, eating in a restaurant, watching the Yankees play, getting a full paycheck. I miss all these things, but one of the things I miss the most is singing at church.
We are blessed at the Cashmere Seventh-day Adventist Church to have a lot of talented musicians. I love listening to special music or to the young people playing their flutes and violins, but what I enjoy most is when the congregation all sings together. There’s just something special about dozens of people all praising God at the same time. It’s like a little foretaste of Heaven!
My Bible tells me singing is a big part of Heaven. Job 38:7 says, when God created the Earth, “the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy”. When Jesus was born a vast host of angels celebrated, singing, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (Luke 2:14).
Someday soon Jesus is coming to take us home. Never again will we need to “be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.” No more will we “dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.” (Psalm 91:5, 6). Never again will we have to self-isolate or miss out on worshiping together. In Heaven “there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy!” (Isaiah 35:2).
When Jesus comes to take us home Heaven will ring with the sound of a vast crowd singing, “Praise the Lord! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.” (Revelation 19:1). Even God will sing that day. “He will take delight in you with gladness…He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (Zephaniah 3:17) Can you imagine that? The Creator of the Universe singing and rejoicing? Now that’s something I’ve got to hear!
Even though we’re all looking forward to singing in Heaven someday, we don’t need to wait till then to set the angels singing. Luke 15:10 tells us “there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”
Do you want to make the angels sing this Sabbath? Do you want to make Heaven ring with joy? Then “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” (Matthew 3:2).
Don’t wait till the pandemic is over and the church doors are open. In fact, don’t wait a minute longer. “Indeed, the ‘right time’ is now. Today is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Accept Jesus as your Savior today and then listen closely – you just might hear the angels singing!
Have a Happy Sabbath!