We, the church, are commanded to "sing the new song" to God some nine times in scripture. The "new song" is our joyful response to our redeeming Lord. Some want to see music or the "new song" as a stimulant, but it should be a response to the acts of our Lord - as opposed to being used as a stimulant.
I believe there would be a huge difference in the music of the church if Christians recognized and were aware of to whom and with whom they are singing. I wonder if we would be as insistent on having our own musical taste satisfied if we had a stronger awareness that God Himself is our primary audience. Would we be insistent on our personal favorites if we really knew in our hearts that we are a part of the great choir of the church of saints and angels and, even as scripture indicates, the galaxies? "All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and with us sing . . . " Do we realize we are literally part of a cosmic choir, singing in harmony the "new song" unto the Lord? One of the early Christians, Gregory of Nyssa, states "that the concord of all creation is truly a hymn of the glory of the inaccessible and inexpressible God."
I have often said to choirs that there is far more going on around us when we are caught up in singing to and praising our God together. If we had spiritual eyes to see what happens around us when God's people are in unity and harmony of praise, I think, unfortunately, we would be shocked and surprised. May we become more aware of the . . . to whom and with whom of the singing of the "new song" to our Lord. mjm
