They Sang a Hymn

Mat 26:30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

Jesus had just announced that He would be betrayed. He had just served them the "Last Supper" commemorating His impending death. He was heading out to Olivet for betrayal, arrest, trial and crucifixion. Yet, He and the disciples took the opportunity to sing a hymn.

Traditionally, the appropriate song would be the Egyptian Hillel, Psalm 113-118. This Hymn included the words, "This is the day which the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it."

Indeed, this was the day of all days, crucifixion day, the day of redemption!

But, to be able to sing in the face of injustice, sorrow, pain and suffering? Singing praises when betrayal, denial and abandonment loomed?

How could Jesus lift His voice at such a time?

First, He was fulfilling the prophecy of Psalm 22:22 "I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee." This is the Psalm of the suffering Saviour.

Second, He had great reason to rejoice in song. Hebrews 12:2 states, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

There was joy set before the Saviour. Beyond the pain lay Paradise. After the suffering waited the seraphs. Past the trouble awaited the throne. The suffering would endure for a while, but joy would come in the morning! When the sun rose on Sunday morning, it would reveal an empty tomb. Paradise would be robbed of its inhabitants as they relocated to heaven. Jesus would soon ascend back to His place on the right hand of the Father's throne.

We can learn a valuable lesson. When everything is at its very worst, the joy that’s coming the morning will dispel every memory of sorrow and pain.

You may be under water on a mortgage right now. Your car may be on its last legs. You may not have two dimes to rub together in your pocket. Your health might leave a lot to be desired. But if you are a born again child of God, the morning is coming when all will be made right. You will turn in those crosses for glorious crowns.

Oh friend, the sufferings of this present world are not even worthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed in you.

The half has not even been told, eyes have not seen, ears have not heard, it hasn’t even entered into the hearts of man the things that God has in store for those that love Him.

So, keep on keeping on! Sing through your tears, praise through your pain, give thanks in your poverty!

Oft times the day seems long, our trials hard to bear,
We're tempted to complain, to murmur and despair;
But Christ will soon appear to catch His Bride away,
All tears forever over in God's eternal day.

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

Sometimes the sky looks dark with not a ray of light,
We're tossed and driven on, no human help in sight;
But there is one in heav'n who knows our deepest care,
Let Jesus solve your problem - just go to Him in pray'r.

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

Life's day will soon be o'er, all storms forever past,
We'll cross the great divide, to glory, safe at last;
We'll share the joys of heav'n - a harp, a home, a crown,
The tempter will be banished, we'll lay our burden down.

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.