Music from and for millenia

While listening to praise music, I thought about how many good songs there are. Whatever your mood or circumstances, there is a song to reflect where you are, from exuberant, joyful praise to sorrowful laments to doctrinal reminders of God's promises; from orchestral anthems to simple children's songs. I wonder if we'll sing them all in heaven, every song declaring God's faithfulness from Eden to eternity; every melody of His mercy and goodness; every psalm of thanksgiving; every refrain of His glory.

I envision first-century Christians teaching 21st-century believers their simple songs explaining the gospel of Christ. King David and Isaiah instructing us on the tunes to those wonderful words from the Old Testament. Those from the Reformation sharing their hymns with folks from the persecuted church in Asia. Believers that in their earthly life could only whisper songs in darkness while hiding from enemies of the cross will burst forth, singing and shouting choruses at the top of their voices. African villagers teaching their rhythmic dances to Puritans and the Amish.

Can you imagine the delight of our heavenly Father as He receives the praises of the ages from all His children? As He recalls the origins of these songs of worship, the times they were taught around campfires and in caves and fields and cathedrals, passed down by pastors and singers and mothers and Sunday school teachers. The individuals who found expression of their heart's cry in those words; the harmonies that were developed around the family piano. The lyrics meticulously saved by monks in monasteries as well as changing over time as they are passed from generation to generation, adapting to the culture, local dialects and musical skill, influenced by the move of the Spirit on those who sang.

Millions upon millions of songs expressing our praise, along with the songs of the angels. Heaven must be filled with music.