Thankfully we've come to a common understanding as Christians that worship is not simply singing familiar Christian lyrics to music so we can move on to the important stuff. Last Wednesday night, our Senior Pastor read a passage of scripture that jumped off the page as he told the story of Elisha in 2 Kings 3. Without consulting God, the kings of Judah, Israel and Edom decided to wage a preemptive strike on the hostile neighboring nation of Moab. When the plan goes bad for their armies they decide to find a prophet to help them. Elisha was sought out. Initially, he was of the opinion that they put themselves at risk so they should get themselves out. But for the sake of King Jehoshaphat, Elisha says.... "bring me a harpist." I'm sure that wasn't what the kings expected to hear. They no doubt were looking for some slick military strategy or outright miracle. But Elisha said, bring me a harpist. Who knows how long that took! Where is a good harpist when you're looking for one? The scripture says, "While the harpist was playing, the hand of the Lord came upon Elisha." Elisha received a word from God for them. And it was a very good word indeed! So good in fact, they ended up winning the battle. Certainly the combination of worship, music and preaching is nothing new in scripture. When Elisha needed to focus on God's voice, he didn't call for a great philosopher to talk to him or a craftsman to build something. He called for a worship musician. When musicians stand before God in corporate worship, they should not underestimate their role. They are to come prepared and at their best. Because during times of corporate worship, God speaks to individuals. He may choose to give a much needed word to a pastor seeking direction for his / her church. This word may in turn effect your city, or even the nation. Jack Hayford writes, "Worship in spirit and truth involves the total human being - spirit, mind, emotions and body." And it is reflected in the total human being as well. The result of worship in spirit and in truth is intended to go beyond the individual. Who knows what effect this coming Sunday's corporate worship will have on your church and beyond?
God bless,
Tim Covert
Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship
