You think God cares about our music? Apparently He does. He commands us fifty times to "sing" unto, directed toward, for the benefit of, "Him". Now, I know we also sing to one another and that too is good. We are to teach and admonish one another in songs "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Col. 3:16. It is good to sing to men, for the benefit of men, but the part I love, and I think we don't do enough of, is "singing with grace" to the Lord. Toward Him you extend your favor in your song. Toward Him you extend your praise, your adoration, your love. Now, that doesn't make teaching, admonishing, testifying songs bad or mean that we should stop doing them. No, no! Some of the best sermons I've ever heard were in a song.
Sometimes it seems we can't take our attention off ourselves long enough to sing to Him, about Him, for Him. Look at the music you like. Be honest. How many songs say something to God? Even a "thank you". Most are songs about how blessed we are, what we have been given, what we can expect, etc.. We rejoice in our blessings and we should and it is good, but are we saying anything to the Lord? Now, if you care about this, take note it may not be completely your fault. Where are the psalmist who can write prophetical songs to Him? Maybe you don't know any of those songs and that is too bad. It is hard to find worship choruses or songs these days that actually speak to God. A few, but not many. The "spirit of prophecy" that John wrote about and wrote in connection to worship was, "the testimony of Jesus". For me, I love the songs, the prophecies, the sermons that turn my heart toward Him and express my heart to Him. Songs that testify of His glory!
Look at it this way: suppose you are trying to get intimately close to the spouse. There you are, romantic and ready to sing your love to her (even if you can't sing). What song are you going to choose? Are you going to sing about yourself, or her? Is the discussion going to be about her beauty or your beauty? Are you going to whisper in the ear "You are so wonderful" or shout, "I am so wonderful". Are you going to sing "Its all about you" or sing "Its all about me"?
One word to those who are involved in leading worship. If you want the love affair to deepen between the Lord and those you are leading, teach the people to sing to Him. Look for the song that expresses the adoration of the heart to Him. Those other songs of thanksgiving and praise, testimony and admonition are good but if you want to move to worship more frequently, take those fifty commands to sing "to" the Lord seriously.
No comments:
Post a Comment