Singing Prophets

1 Chronicles 24:1-26:11; Psalm 13; Proverbs 19:15-16

 

Hymns or choruses? Traditional or contemporary? When we meet on Sunday mornings and you sing in your church, what are we doing?

 

I hope we’re prophesying.

 

To ourselves. To one another as the family of God. To any unbelievers who happen to be among us.

 

David’s primary goal when he arranged for musicians to be a part of the Tabernacle/Temple worship was not merely music; it was prophecy.

 

David, together with the commanders of the army, set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals. – 1 Chronicles 25:1a

 

David wanted people who heard the music to be taught to know God, to honor God, to glorify God, to obey God. He wanted them to know how good, how holy, how uniquely wise and powerful God is. He wanted them to be urged through the music to recognize their neediness, weakness, inadequacy and sin in all areas of life so that they would call out to God for help, mercy and salvation.

 

Whatever music style we sing, may we  not merely sing whatever makes us happy or whatever makes us feel good. May we prophecy together so that everyone among us hears from God Himself through us.

 

Father, thank You that we have something to sing about! You are worthy and glorious. You  have been good to me, taking care of me and my family day by day. You have been the peacemaker in our home, the provider of our food, our deliverer in tough financial times, our guide for life’s choices, our teacher of righteousness, and our merciful, forgiving Savior when we’ve sinned. We need a lot, and You take care of everything we need. May we be sure to sing prophetically so that others either learn or are reminded of how good You are!