Ever since I began writing on this blog, and especially when I started being involved in the church's leadership in the Music Department, I've taken time to consider the role of music in the process of worship.
There's a well-known liturgical logical sequence that is supposed to elevate the believer's heart up to receiving the spoken word. History shows that, if we analyze the time-line of liturgical practices in religious ceremonies. Nonetheless, Ellen White talks about the importance of music in itself and its fundamental role in imparting God's message to the heart. People tend to overlook this nowadays, though, when it comes to liturgy. While a considerable amount of time is given to other items in the program, and often rightly so, almost none is given to music in some cases. I've been in places where the song service, or the time for reflection with a musical background, or even special items, have been suppressed or basically cut off because of lack of time or space in the program.
I personally believe that if all other moments are given a special attention and reasonable amount of time, so should music. Especially when there is enough evidence both in the Bible and in the Spirit of Prophecy in support of the role of music in worship.
As I studied 2 Chronicles 5 this evening I took some time to dwell upon verse 13, since it depicts the use of music in such an important religious event for the people of Israel - the dedication of the Lord's temple, built by Solomon.
"Indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD, and when they lifted up their voices with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying: 'For He is good, for His mercy endures forever', that the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud" 2 Chronicles 5:13
In no other moment but at the time the musicians started playing and singing, and were joined by other instrumentalists, was God's glory manifested in that occasion. When in song they addressed His goodness and love, and only "then", did His presence fill the temple.
I'd say we can likewise benefit from God's manifestation of glory in our lives as we join together in true praise to His name and thanksgiving for His blessings. Also, a better management of time in the liturgical program would be better for all relevant items to receive due attention and emphasis. ❦
There's a well-known liturgical logical sequence that is supposed to elevate the believer's heart up to receiving the spoken word. History shows that, if we analyze the time-line of liturgical practices in religious ceremonies. Nonetheless, Ellen White talks about the importance of music in itself and its fundamental role in imparting God's message to the heart. People tend to overlook this nowadays, though, when it comes to liturgy. While a considerable amount of time is given to other items in the program, and often rightly so, almost none is given to music in some cases. I've been in places where the song service, or the time for reflection with a musical background, or even special items, have been suppressed or basically cut off because of lack of time or space in the program.
I personally believe that if all other moments are given a special attention and reasonable amount of time, so should music. Especially when there is enough evidence both in the Bible and in the Spirit of Prophecy in support of the role of music in worship.
As I studied 2 Chronicles 5 this evening I took some time to dwell upon verse 13, since it depicts the use of music in such an important religious event for the people of Israel - the dedication of the Lord's temple, built by Solomon.
"Indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD, and when they lifted up their voices with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying: 'For He is good, for His mercy endures forever', that the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud" 2 Chronicles 5:13
In no other moment but at the time the musicians started playing and singing, and were joined by other instrumentalists, was God's glory manifested in that occasion. When in song they addressed His goodness and love, and only "then", did His presence fill the temple.
I'd say we can likewise benefit from God's manifestation of glory in our lives as we join together in true praise to His name and thanksgiving for His blessings. Also, a better management of time in the liturgical program would be better for all relevant items to receive due attention and emphasis. ❦
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