Music has a powerful impact upon people. We tend to think of the dominance of music as a recent trend introduced by modern recording technology. However, read this account of a young and popular musician.
“He was as concerned about the way he appeared when he performed as the music he played . . . Around him young women swooned, others fought for and tore articles of his clothing . . . The musician encouraged such conduct because it made his
legend grow.”
Who was this wild man after whom young women clamored? Is this a scene from today, the 90’s, 80’s, 70’s or 60’s? Actually, it is from the 30’s—the 1830’s. The musician was Franz Liszt, the noted classical pianist and composer. No, he wasn’t the first rock musician. His concert music was the same music that can still be heard on public radio during their classical hours. His music is neither loud nor raucous by our standards. It is not performed by strange-looking musicians whose photos give parents nightmares. Liszt produced the same reactions in his listeners as did Elvis, the Beatles, or U2. Music is powerful. Because it is powerful, we must understand the source and purpose of music.
The Bible gives insight about the power of music. We know from Revelation 5:9 and from the announcement of the birth of Christ and other passages that music is an act of worship that goes on in heaven. This tells us that music is of heavenly origin. Music existed before man was created. Anything that was used in heaven to honor God before the earth was created has great power and significance.
God’s purpose for music here on earth is to strengthen and intensify our relationship with him.
Do not miss the importance of this point when you think or talk about music. Music is not the invention of man, but of God. Music is designed first and foremost to praise God.
The Psalmist says it is a good thing to make music and praise God.
How does the Bible illustrate the good effects of music on your relationship with God?
First, music expressed love and loyalty for God’s truth. After God dramatically rescued Israel from Egypt, Moses led the Israelites in a song to celebrate the power of God’s redemption. To help Israel remember the great power of the faithfulness of God, Moses provided a song for Israel to use to keep the great redemptive act close and clear in their thinking.
Second, Moses provided a song for Israel to remember the great redemptive acts of God in the history of Israel. As they prepared to enter the Promised Land, he reminded them of God’s covenant relationship with them in the song recorded in Deuteronomy 31:30.
Third, music can bring calmness as we see when David sang his songs to sooth the tormented spirit of King Saul. The psalms are alive with the power and beauty of music.
Fourth, in Colossians 3:16, Paul mentions the use of music “in your heart” to keep Christians focused on priorities that please God.
However, in a similar way, music has the potential to help establish wickedness as a lifestyle. More on this in the next post.
From Everyday Talk