The priests of every group had gone through the ceremony to make themselves clean and acceptable to the LORD. The Levite musicians, including Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and relatives, were wearing robes of fine linen. They were standing on the east side of the altar, playing cymbals, small harps, and other stringed instruments. One hundred and twenty priests were with these musicians, and they were blowing trumpets. They were praising the LORD by playing music and singing: “The LORD is good, and his love never ends.” Suddenly a cloud filled the temple as the priests were leaving the holy place. The LORD's glory was in that cloud, and the light from it was so bright that the priests could not stay inside to do their work. 2 Chronicles 5:11-14 (CEV)
…let the Spirit fill your life. When you meet together, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, as you praise the Lord with all your heart. Always use the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to thank God the Father for everything. Ephesians 5:18b-20 (CEV)
“Where words fail, music speaks” - Hans Christian Andersen
This week we went to a flea market of sorts. It was fantastic! So much stuff…so many vendors…so many opportunities to spend money…We were walking around to the back end of this particular place and then, BOOM! We begin hearing “country” music from speakers placed directly above our heads.
Now, don’t get us wrong. We love all kinds of music, but I (Steve) cannot stand anything from the new country genre. It makes me nauseous. I am revolted by it. As a Texan - trust me on this - I know good country music. Today’s trash is not it…(Ok, I’ll stop bashing it now)...but if I ever hear “Body like a back road” one more time in this life I may be in jeopardy of losing my salvation.
Music has always played a part in human history. Your history. Our history. From simple vocals, to clapping, to stomping feet, jumping up and down, swaying back and forth, or closing your eyes and dreaming of being anywhere but where you are - music has been instrumental (pun intended) in our development as God’s creation.
Music brings people together. Think of a concert - do you worry about who is a Trumpster or who is a Yellow Dog Democrat? No. You focus on the music. You don’t care about others or their opinions. You are all united and excited about listening to the music that creates a moment in your life when everyone can be happy and get along.
We read in the Bible of music in heaven. We read about the tribes of Israel singing and blowing trumpets. We learn from the New Testament that music was a critical part of the early church. The Psalms are filled with commands to “make music.” It's why music should play a significant role in our worship services and other gatherings.
One of my proven and authentic rules in life is this: There is a song for everything and for everything there is a song. Try to disprove that!
What role does music play in your life? Streaming? Albums? CDs? Cassettes? 8 tracks?!
What style of music do you like? What brings a smile to your face? What lifts your heart? What fills you with energy? What do you like sharing with your friends?
Right now I am listening to Tommy Johansson - a singer, guitar player from Sweden. Tommy is an unashamed believer in Jesus Christ. He has used his gifts to bless others in ways we can only dream of. There are only two three tenors in life that I could listen to constantly - my Dad; Guy Penrod; Tommy Johansson.
I have never been ashamed of the music I love even though 99% of people would never listen to it. Neither should you be. Just because someone else doesn’t like it does not mean you should not enjoy it!
Here is your homework for today: if you are in your car (roll down your windows) or if you are at home (open your windows) and just play your favorite music. Allow the sun, the wind and the music to bless you and lift you up. There is nothing - we repeat - nothing sinful or evil about music or listening to music. Music makes the heart happy.
The great philosopher Plato put it like this: “Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.”
Is it any wonder that music/singing is important to us? It’s important to God:
“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing” - Zephaniah 3:17
And, finally, for your listening pleasure…I present to you, Tommy Johansson…
(2) YOU RAISE ME UP (1 OCTAVE CHALLANGE) - TOMMY JOHANSSON - YouTube
(2) STEELHEART - I'LL NEVER LET YOU GO (cover by Tommy Johansson) - YouTube
Who are you listening to today? Shoot us a message and let us know!
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