I'm continuing a series, based on BBC's Philosophy of Ministry, explaining the principles upon which our Philosophy of Music Ministry is based; explaining WHY we do things the way we do. First, the basis of this philosophy is The Word of God. Second, we began a reverent look at God’s qualifications to speak to us about music. Using the dictionary definition as our guide, we noted that God is a COMPOSER, creating the acoustical possibility of the musical art, but also authoring the Biblical hymnal: Psalms, noting that it takes a musician to write lyrics to be sung. But His work as a COMPOSER is more personal than that; He composes specific songs meant for each one of us in the varied circumstances of our lives.

Notice the verbs in these three texts:
-Job 35:10 “...God my Maker, who gives songs in the night...."
How can someone give that which does not belong to him? Thieves do that! In your dark moments, has He given you a song, “ ...a prayer to the God of my life” (Ps. 42:8)? Where did “The Giver of Songs” get it?

“When our condition is ever so dark, and sad, and melancholy, there is that in God, in his providence and promise, which is sufficient, not only to support us, but to fill us with joy and consolation, and enable us in every thing to give thanks, and even to rejoice in tribulation (Ps. 149:5). When we only pore upon the afflictions we are under, and neglect the consolations of God which are treasured up for us, it is just with God to reject our prayers.” (Matthew Henry)

-Ps. 40: 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.

“A new song . . . a hymn of praise!” How wonderful!! But did you observe: the verb David uses is “see”, not “heard”! By how you respond to being a Saved One in all your circumstances (vs. 1-2; or even at night) do others "see" your “song” (how you act), and learn reverence for God? I’m reminded of a phrase attributed to Chuck Colson: “Be a witness! Use words if necessary.” Paul and Silas knew that truth (Acts 16:25-28).

-Isa. 12: 2 The LORD, the LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.
(Of the three texts this is the only one repeated in other locations- Exod. 15:2 and Ps. 118:14. That ought to tell us something of it's importance!)

Is that “Song” you are singing really given by God? Does it glorify Him by making Him- His nature, character and acts- its theme? Let’s not forget that just as Satan can masquerade as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:4), so he can also “inspire” a false song with just enough truth to make it acceptable, but not enough to save (Gen. 3:1f; 2 Pet. 2:1-2). Do you know God well enough to recognize a caricature? Because of practice have your senses been trained to discern good and evil (Heb 5:14)?

In our going let’s be sure we are growing in grace, gratefully singing the right song: the song composed just for you, a song that points people to the LORD- by His grace and for His glory.

Jim

 

 

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