In the darkness we could hear the gentle turning of pages and then all was quiet for a brief moment. Suddenly the sound of an orchestra burst forth from the silence. As the lighting enhanced the music with its creative display of light, the overture the premier presentation of "It is Written" began.
This thrilling "modern oratorio" with eleven brand new songs and nine underscored narrations traces the story of salvation. Scripture is both narrated dramatically and presented musically through song. It is a large-scale work with all original songs and full orchestrations, complete with lyric videos. This musical depiction of God's rescue, redemption, recovery, ransom and return from Genesis to Revelation was presented for the first time at my home church this past Easter weekend.
The author and composer was doing exactly what Psalm 98 encourages. The instruction for "new songs" is found repeatedly through God's Word. Our worship needs to be fresh and energetic. We need to find innovative and effective ways to bring the gospel message, not only to others, but to our own hearts, keeping our passion for the Lord both exciting and inviting.
Back in Genesis 4 we are introduced to Jubal, described as the father of all who play stringed instruments and pipes. Some regard him as the "inventor of music", recognizing still that any ability is a gift from the Lord. From there we read of Psalms, hymns, prophetic songs, chants and dirges. Biblical heroes have a variety of themed songs in response to the activity of God. From Moses' first song of praise for deliverance in Exodus 15 to the final song of triumph in Revelation 15, there is a thread of music and celebration throughout God's written Word giving tribute to Him for who He is and all He does.
With victory songs, battle songs, prophetic songs, lamentations and worship, music and singing should be part of every Christ-followers life, yet, on any given Sunday there are those around me who I never see taking part in this thrilling opportunity to lift our voice in praise. Nowhere do I see God placing a condition of talent on our command to sing. The Lord loves our praise, whether it's pitch perfect or not.
The melodies we sing to the Lord reflect our hearts. Music provides an intimate way for us to express our love and joy to God. He is so worthy of our praise. As Bob Kauflin, a songwriter and worship leader has said, "There's something about singing that both enables and encourages the rich indwelling of the word of Christ in our hearts. The 'word of Christ' is the gospel. It's who Jesus is, what He's done, and why it matters. The gospel is to dwell in us richly through singing. Singing is what helps us do that and express that."
Let's lift our voices today, joining with all creation as "the sea and everything in it shout His praise", "rivers clap their hands in glee" and "hills sing out their songs of joy before the LORD" (Ps 98:7-9a).
* For more information regarding "It is Written", go to https://www.cb-press.com/it-is-written. The composer and arranger is my son.
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