Thought for the Week

Scriptures to Read:

Ephesians 5:19-20

Colossians 3:12-17

Isaiah 42:10-12

Psalm 40:1-6

Psalm 96:1-6

Psalm 98:1-6

Revelation 5:8-14

I really enjoy music. When there are vocal parts, I want them to be understandable. Of course some operas are in foreign languages, those give me trouble. Other music has words I cannot understand. Those pieces go lower on my lists of favorites. The other day, I heard a hymn that I really appreciated. I had not heard it before but hopefully will hear it again. I am sure there is, somewhere, a list of all the songs, hymns, spiritual songs, chants, melodies and the like that have been written over the centuries. The list must be huge.

Music can serve many purposes. Some is just for entertainment or enjoyment. Some promotes spiritual growth and worship. I like worship inducing music best. Music like "The Hallelujah Chorus," "The Heavens Are Telling," and many more can stir my soul and draw me closer to God. This helps me turn a corner of thought. What will the music of Heaven be like? When they were little, our boys asked what we would do in Heaven all the time. I expect some of their question had to do with sitting still quietly. It was what was expected of them. Of course they were typical boys with energy to burn. Sitting quiet and still was hard. An hour and a half worship service was long. Who can imagine how long eternity will be. It will likely take a long time to sing, even if only once, all the songs written to praise, glorify, and worship God.

The Psalms, Isaiah, and Revelation each speak of a "new song." So, assuredly not all the songs have yet been written. Of course there is also instrumental music. Who can imagine all the types of musical instruments that have been invented and played? Marvelous and wonderful! I think of how wonderful will be the Heavenly Choirs: Revelation 5:11 speaks of an angelic choir composed of 100,000,000 voices. I have no doubt there will be at least an equal number of human voices. I want to listen to it. I want to sing in it. I want to worship God with that multitude.

The Book of Revelation speaks of some pretty terrifying things. But it also speaks of some amazing worship scenes. Since the virus quarantine has been upon us, we have gained some time not used in preparation for, travel to, and in the church building. We have used a lot of that time watching and listening to worship music. There have been some massed choirs that have blest us with their music. Some of these have been accompanied with symphonic orchestras. We have also gotten a number of "hymn-sing" programs and thoroughly enjoyed listening to and singing along with them. Some have been acappella, some with simple accompaniment, and some with elaborate accompaniment. But they have served to make me more hungry for the music of Heaven.

Age has not helped my voice. I will be glad for the new body God intends to give His children. I am counting on a new voice to be part of that new body. I will be satisfied with whatever He chooses to give me. I think I could enjoy, tenor, baritone or bass. Maybe He will fix it so I will be able to sing multiple parts. I just want to use that new voice to glorify Him. I admit to being frustrated when my voice won't go where it is supposed to go, high or low.

I know Scripture says we should make a joyful noise to the Lord. I'd like it to be better than noise. One day, that will happen. In the meanwhile I will do my best with what I have and to listen to the gifts and abilities God has given others to lead us into worship of Him. If you sing, play an instrument, or simply make a joyful noise, do it to bring glory to God. He alone is worthy. He seeks the worship of His loved ones.