Let us glorify the Lord with both our voices and our hearts, as well as through our actions; and in accordance with the instruction of this Psalm, let us offer Him a fresh song. It begins with the words, "Sing unto the Lord a new song." His exaltation is present in the assembly of the holy ones, as stated in Psalm 149:1. The old self has an old song, while the new creation sings a new melody. The Old Testament is a song of the past, while the New Testament brings forth a new refrain. The former holds promises that are temporal and earthly; those who cherish earthly matters sing the old tune. But for those who desire to sing a new song, let them embrace the eternal. Love itself is both new and everlasting; thus, it is perpetually refreshing, as it never ages. This song speaks of peace and mercy. Those who withdraw from the communion of the faithful do not engage in the new song; rather, they are entrenched in old battles, lacking new love. What constitutes this new love? It is peace, the unifying bond of sacred fellowship, a spiritual solidarity, a collective of living stones. Where is it found? Not confined to a single location but manifest across the globe. As another psalm declares, "Sing unto the Lord, all the earth." From this, we infer that anyone who does not sing along with the entire world is reciting an old song, regardless of their words. Brethren, we have already declared that the whole earth is offering a new song. If one does not join in singing this new song with the entire earth, they may utter whatever they wish, their lips may proclaim Hallelujah day and night; yet my ears incline not to merely hear their voice but seek the deeds of one who genuinely sings. For I inquire, "What is it that you sing?" The response, "Hallelujah, which denotes praise for the Lord. Let us join in proclaiming His praise." If you praise the Lord and I praise the Lord, why stand we in disagreement? Love glorifies the Lord, while conflict dishonors Him.
The field of the Lord is peace, not simply a distant land. The Lord's field transcends our own endeavors, where some regions yield bountiful harvests, while others do not produce as abundantly. Yet everywhere, the fruits are offered to Him in multiples. You must choose what you shall become if you wish to bear the Cross of the Lord. Thus, the Church of the saints is the universal Church, distinct from the assembly of heretics. The Church of the saints is a vision originally framed in God's design before its earthly appearance; it has now transcended mere reading to encompass participation in the nations. Previously, its existence was only on the page, now it is both read and witnessed. When it was just a concept, faith upheld it; now it is both observed and countered. Praise Him among the children of the kingdom, that is, in the Church of the saints.
Let Israel rejoice in the One who formed him, as stated in Psalm 149:2. What does it mean to be Israel? It signifies a vision of God. Those who behold God rejoice in the One who created them. So, dear friends, we have proclaimed our belonging to the Church of the saints. But do we perceive God? How can we identify as Israel if we do not see? There exists a form of vision pertinent to our current time, and a future form yet to come: presently, we see by faith; in the future, reality will reveal itself. If we believe, we perceive; if we love, we glimpse God. John declares, "God is love" (1 John 4:16); we ought to bless His holy Name, taking joy in God while rejoicing in love. To those who possess love, why send them far to find God? Let them turn inward, for there they will behold Him.
Let the children of Zion exalt over their King. The sons of the Church represent Israel. While the historical Zion fell as a singular city, among its ruins lived some earthly saints; the true Zion, the true Jerusalem—both Zion and Jerusalem are one—endures eternally in the heavens (2 Cor 5:1) and is our mother (Galatians 4:26). She is the one who gave us life, the Church of the saints, nurturing us as she inhabits both realms: part in the glory of heaven, part in the hope of the righteous. Of those above, it is proclaimed, "Glory to God in the highest"; for those below, "and peace on earth to men of goodwill" (Luke 2:14). Therefore, let those who groan in this life, yearning for their homeland, soar not with their feet but with love. They should not seek ships for passage but should take up the wings of love. What are these wings? The love of God and the love of neighbor. Presently, we wander, groaning and sighing. A message has arrived from our true home; we share it among you. The sons of Zion will rejoice in their King. The Son of God, who has created us, has become one with us and reigns over us as our King, for He is our Creator. The One who formed us also governs us, and we are Christians because He is the Christ. He is known as Christ by the anointing.
Let them exalt His name with a chorus, as indicated in Psalm 149:3. What does a choir represent? It signifies a collective of singers, familiar to almost everyone. A choir embodies a union of voices. If we sing in harmony, we ought to do so in unity. Should an individual sing off-key among the singers, it disrupts the ear and disturbs the entire choir. If dissonance distracts the harmony of those who sing together, how does the discord of heresy disrupt the united praise of believers? The entire world now forms the choir of Christ, harmonizing as far as the east stretches to the west. Let them sing to Him with cymbals and stringed instruments. Why employ these instruments? To express not only vocal praise but also to reflect our actions. When we take up the instruments, our hands harmonize with our voices. Likewise, when you proclaim Alleluia, share your bread with the hungry, clothe the needy, and welcome the stranger; then your voice does not only sound, but your deeds resonate in unison with your words. You have engaged your instrument, with your fingers responding in agreement with your tongue. We must not overlook the deeper meaning of the cymbal and string instrument. The drum head is stretched, and the string is taut; through these, the flesh is symbolically crucified. How well does the psalm resonate with the instrument, declaring, "For me, the world is crucified, and I for the world" (Galatians 6:14). This psalter or instrumental accompaniment you will embrace, you who cherish a new song, guiding you with the words, "Whoever desires to be my disciple, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me" (Matthew 16:24). Do not lay down your psalter or your instruments; do not remain passive, nor allow the cravings of the flesh to dry up your willingness. The tighter the strings are drawn, the clearer the sound. What did the apostle Paul declare to make his psalms resonate sharply? He reached forward, and with Christ’s touch, the sweetness of truth rang forth.
For the Lord has performed wondrous deeds among His people, as noted in Psalm 149:4. What act of grace exceeds that of dying for the wicked? What could be more gracious than the blood of the righteous, which cleanses the transgressions of sinners? What greater grace than to say, "I overlook what you once were; now you can become something new"? He graciously redeems the rejected, aids the struggling, and crowns the victorious. The humble He elevates to salvation. For the proud are raised, but not towards salvation; they are elevated only to face downfall, while the humble experience exaltation in preservation.
The saints shall rejoice in glory, as stated in Psalm 149:5. I would like to address the glory of the saints, for all appreciate glory. However, the glory sought by the foolish, often termed popularity, entraps one in deception, leading individuals to seek acclaim from insignificant voices. Thus, those consumed by pride and madness squander their wealth, funding entertainers, fighters, and thrill-seekers, discarding the needs of the impoverished. No one cheers for gifting to the needy, yet they rally to support those who compete for entertainment. When cries to give cease, they withhold, but when madness calls, they conform. This empty pursuit of glory is reproached by the Lord, as it is burdensome to the Most High... You adorn entertainers as though they were beasts to be triumphed over, yet Christ remains undefeated; He has triumphed over adversity, a victor for you and among you; such a champion you prefer not to exalt. Why? Because of less outcry, less folly. Those who chase this fleeting glory possess unsettled consciences. Just as they drain their treasure to pamper these pursuits, they deplete their souls, holding nothing of substance within.
With respect to the saints rejoicing in glory, we need not elaborate much; the ensuing verse of the Psalm suffices: "The saints shall rejoice in glory; they shall rejoice in their chambers." They rejoice not in theaters, amphitheaters, or places of debauchery but in their inner sanctuaries. What exists within their chambers? Within their hearts. Consider the apostle Paul, rejoicing in solitude: "For our glory is in the testimony of our conscience" (2 Corinthians 1:12). Conversely, we must be cautious not to indulge in self-pleasure or pride in our conscience. Each should rejoice with humility, acknowledging that such joy is a divine gift rather than personal achievement. Many take delight in self-justification, believing themselves righteous, but scripture poses a challenge to that notion, stating, "Who can claim their heart is pure and free from sin?" (Proverbs 20:9). Thus, we must recognize the boundaries of glory within our conscience, which is to be certain that our faith is genuine, our hope steadfast, and our love sincere. The rejoicing of God is ever in their mouths (Psalm 149:6). Therefore, they shall rejoice in their privacy, withholding any impulse to attribute their goodness to themselves, but shall instead praise Him from whom they derive their identity, who calls them toward what they are not yet, and whom they hope to become perfect, offering thanks for what He has initiated.
They wield swords that are sharpened on both sides, a symbol of significant mystique, for their cutting edges reflect the Word of the Lord (Hebrews 4:12). It is one blade, yet referred to as many, due to the multiple mouths and tongues of the saints. How is it two-edged? It speaks of both the temporal and the eternal. In each aspect, it affirms its truth, severing those it confronts from worldly attachments. Is this not the sword spoken by the Lord when He declared, "I did not come to bring peace to the Earth, but a sword" (Matthew 10:34)? Consider how He intends to separate; He draws a distinction. He separates saints from sinners, unbinding what hinders one’s call. A son wishes to serve God, yet the father resists; the sword descends, the Word of God intervenes, and separates the son from the father... Why do they hold swords instead of making proclamations? The swords signify their power. They have received God’s Word with authority, enabling them to speak wherever and to whomever they wish, unthreatened by power or disheartened by lack of wealth. They handle the sword at will; where they choose, they draw it, striking forth in the strength of their preachings. Should the Word not be in their grasp, why then does it say, "The word of the Lord was given into the hand of Haggai, the prophet"? Certainly, God did not place His Word solely in Haggai's fingers. What does it mean that it was given into his hand? He was designated to preach God’s Word. Furthermore, we can perceive these hands in another facet. Those who spoke bore the Word of God upon their tongues, while those who inscribed had it literally in their hands.
THEOSIS