Martin Luther, who is recognized for his work in reforming the church, had one deep desire that drove him every day of his life: he wanted everyone to have a copy of the Bible and a song book in their own language. He had an unswerving belief that people needed God to speak to them directly through His Word and the songs they sang during times of worship at home. This was not a new idea, but one that had its beginnings in the earliest worship of the Lord.
Music and God’s Word have always been a very important ingredient in worship. When there is joy in the hearts of the faithful, praising God is a natural part of life and is always evident in times of worship. With shame and sorrow the captives of Babylon admitted this in Psalm 137:4. As their captors ridiculed them for it they said, “How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?” Sin separated them from God and they lost the joy of their salvation. It will do the same to us.
In the Old Testament we find many occasions of God’s children coming together to sing and shout and praise the Lord. In Psalm 95:1 the “worship leader” looked at the crowd before him and said let’s “sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.” That invitation remains open to us today.
When we pause and ponder the grace of God in saving us and becoming our “Rock” - our only source of safety and security in times of trial and temptation, defeat and despair - it’s time to lift our voices in worship.
Prayer: Help us, Father, to rejoice in the goodness of Your grace and lift our voices in shouts of joy and praise. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 95:1 Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
No comments:
Post a Comment