READING: 1 Chronicles 25-27
If the Lord would allow me to do so, one of my dreams would be to be a preacher who sings — you know, the guy who can lead the worship songs, sing the special music, and then preach the sermon! I don’t think I want that dream because I want to star in everything, but because I know the power of music in my life. As a young believer, I was introduced first to Southern gospel music, and I can still remember trying to figure out how to sing the tenor part with quartets that sang of heaven and the second coming of Jesus. I never even came close to figuring out how to sing parts, though, so the best I can do is stand next to somebody and echo whatever he’s singing. Maybe somebody the Lord will grant my wish . . .
That history makes me stop when I read words like these below in today’s Bible reading. In the midst of a list of names is the reminder of the importance of music in worship:
David, together with the commanders of the army, set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals. Here is the list of the men who performed this service: . . . . As for Jeduthun, from his sons: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah and Mattithiah, six in all, under the supervision of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied, using the harp in thanking and praising the Lord. . . . All these men were under the supervision of their father for the music of the temple of the Lord, with cymbals, lyres and harps, for the ministry at the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman were under the supervision of the king. Along with their relatives—all of them trained and skilled in music for the Lord—they numbered 288. (1 Chron 25:1-7)
Music — it can take a wounded heart and turn it in the direction of healing. It can stop us in our tracks when we’re heading in the wrong direction toward sin. It can take us in memory to days gone by when life seemed much less chaotic, or it can take us to a future where God reigns in heaven. It can prepare us to hear the Word, and it can drive home the preached Word at the same time. Indeed, I’ve seen the Word put to music bring grown men to tears as the Word convicts at a heart level.
This coming Lord’s day, let the Spirit of God use music to move you — regardless of whether or not you like the style. The worship is not about us in the first place.
ACTION STEPS:
- Say a prayer today for the musicians who lead worship at your church.
- Even if life is hard today, pick some favorite Christian music and sing it throughout the day.
PRAYER: “God, You are good. Let me sing about you all day long.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Chronicles 28-29