Of the many things that affect our lives in a multitude of seemingly unnoticeable ways, is music. One would tend to believe that the main purpose of melodious communication is to bring pleasure to the hearer. Although this is indeed one purpose of music, it can also be used to instill into our being feelings, thoughts and responses in which the composer intentionally planned. The National Anthem, for example, gives one a sense of patriotism, and love of country, and then there are the ‘fight’ songs of our favorite football teams. The Christmas season heralds music and songs which remind us of the birth of the Lord Jesus. A Sunday morning would not be complete without singing hymns of praise and adoration to our God and Savior. The Bible gives us other illustrations of how music is used in the life of an individual.
In the Book of Exodus 15: 20,21 we are introduced to a song by Miriam, the sister of Moses, who sang to the Lord in praise for destroying Pharoah’s army in the sea. Further on in the Book of Judges chapter 5, we read of Deborah and Barak’s song to the Lord in the defeat of the army of the Canaanites. Within this song is the praise of Jael for killing Sisera, the cruel captain of the army of King Jabin. Lest we not forget, the Apostle Luke records Mary’s song to the Lord in allowing her to be the vessel whereby he would enter the world as a man.
The New Testament records in the book of Luke how that music was played in the rejoicing of the return and repentance of the prodigal son. Looking into the books of Ephesians and Colossians we are encouraged to teach and admonish one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. The Scriptures also relate the singing of a multitude of heavenly angels when one lost sinner repents and accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior We learn in Zephaniah 3:17 ,that even God sings: The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
Music is also used, and more so in this day and age of wickedness, to appeal to the emotions. Not only is lust a prime reason for much of today’s music but also rebellion, hate, crime and virtually all the sins of mankind. Unfortunately we are exposed to these tunes of tyranny and destruction not only in television commercials but also in shopping center, restaurants and sadly, in some of the churches in America, Where did all of the sin promoting music come from? Well, I am glad that you asked that question,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Ezekiel 33: 13 informs us, much to our amazement, that God created Lucifer to be the Angel of Music!…………..the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. He was God’s appointed cherub, leading the other angels in songs of praise to God. His voice box (pipes) were in themself a musical instrument. Satan was perfect until…………………….his heart was lifted up because of his beauty.
It should not be a surprise to anyone that Satan would use the Divine talent that God had given him to tempt and seduce mankind into sin. During the reign of Nebuchadnezzar the people in the Babylonian province were commanded to listen for the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, to fall down and worship the golden image. The story evolves into the punishment of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego because of their refusal to bow down to this false god. Earlier the book of Exodus we learn that the Israelis people grew weary in waiting for Moses to return from the Mount Sinai and they built a golden calf of which they worshipped in song. The misuse of music continues today not only in the secular world but also in churches in America, even those which brand the label of being fundamental.
Worshipping God in song has been relegated into the user friendly mode in that certain religious leaders have succumb to the worldly style of music in order to attract young people into their congregations. As churches become more liberal in their theology, the use of rock music has been added to the worship services including the drums, electric guitars and strobe lights. All of this type of music appeals to the flesh which lends itself to a spiritual high that is not glorifying to the Lord. God is to be worshipped from the heart, this is where the conviction and life changing works of the Holy Spirit take place. Emotional worship is only temporary, with out lasting benefits, Satan is acutely aware of this and is having a field day in many churches in America. Now there is nothing wrong with singing with joy and gladness within our hearts. In fact there are some ‘starchy’ churches that could use a bit of ole time religious singing in their congregations. The songs and the music which need to be sang in a church service should carry a message in word and tune that bring conviction to one’s heart. The lyrics should be scripturally correct and sound in doctrine. Repetitious chants and off key emphasis are a tool of Satan to busy the mind to the point that the Gospel message is unrecognizable. Some churches are easing into the carnal realm of music in having the special music perform with microphones hanging out of their mouths. With all of the sound technology available why would it be necessary to use hand held mics other that to emulate the world?
Worshipping God in song involves heart felt praise and adoration of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Any emotions evolving from the singing should be those of love and devotion to the Lord. During the song service God’s people should listen as the words of the music are lifted up to the Lord. Perhaps the Holy Spirit will use those very words to bring a blessing or a conviction your heart. We are not to be as those who in Ezekiel 33: 31, 32……………they hear the words but they will not do them; with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness……………a very lovely song…….in a pleasant voice……for they hear thy words, but they do them not.
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Golden Gems from Grandma 