I was enjoying a concert by a singing group when I noticed what was happening in the front rows of the auditorium. A sign-language interpreter was gracefully communicating the words of each song to about twenty-five people who were deaf.

When the vocalists sang “Victory in Jesus,” the man who was both the pianist and emcee asked the translator if her group would “sing” the chorus. She agreed, and he began to play. No voices were heard, but we sat in awe as her group joyfully expressed the words with their hands. Their faces beamed, reflecting the meaning of each phrase.

I glanced at the five vocalists on the stage. Their faces were fixed intently on that group of twenty-five as they “sang” “O victory in Jesus, my Savior forever!” It was a thrilling experience.

I couldn’t help but think of what it will be like in heaven. The hearing impaired will be able to hear and sing. They will be part of the vast chorus of the redeemed as they join the angels in proclaiming the praises of the Most High God and of the Lamb.

A day of rejoicing awaits every believer in Jesus Christ. We’ll all be transformed, glorified, made whole. When we all get to heaven, we’ll “sing and shout the victory.”   

David C. Egner, Our Daily Bread, August 26, 2001