FROM THE PASTOR’S HEART: July 2nd, 2023
This summer we will be looking at several of the Psalms. This book of the Bible is God’s song book. The Psalms, alone with many other parts of both Old and New Testament, demonstrate the importance of music in the true worship of the Lord. Singing is far mor than just the appetizer to the main course of preaching in Christian worship. It should be enthusiastically participated in as much as sermons should be devotedly absorbed.
As I said last Sunday, you can tell a lot about a person, nation, or church in the songs they listen to and sing. From a believer’s standpoint church music should be theologically correct, Christ and gospel centered, and heart moving. That last part can be very subjective so prayer and understanding for those in music leadership should be given by all of us.
In the 20th century the most popular secular song was “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. This optimistic and uplifting speaks well of America’s mindset. Unfortunately, the second most popular song was “I Did It My Way”. This song speaks of pride, arrogance, and the theme of self above all. “My way” always ends in disaster. God’s way is hopeful and ends in victory. I’m not proud, but ashamed that some of my life was lived with no thought of God and my being the center of the universe.
Many a wonderful Christian has written God-given songs that give honor, praise, and glory to the Lord, touch the heart, speak the truth, and are faithful to the centrality of Christ. Hymns like “How Great Thou Art”, “Victory in Jesus”, “Amazing Grace”, “Joy to the World” are only a sample of so many. Newer songs like “10,000 Reasons”, “Because He Lives”, “Jesus, Our Redemption”, “O Praise the Name” are great as well.
A person who really loves Jesus will have a song in his or her heart. It is a gift from God that comes with the package of salvation. “I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free. His eye is on the sparrow; and I know He watches me.” “There’s within my heart a melody…Jesus, Jesus, Jesus; sweetest name I know. Fills my every longing, keeps me singing as I go.”
In the love of Jesus,
Harry
