In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:1-5 CSB

Today, I begin with these amazing truths about Jesus. This passage should bring all of us to our knees with praise for who he is. Below are the first two verses of Psalms 103 and 104. In both Psalms, David begins by commanding his soul to bless the Lord and reminding himself of the benefits and majesty of the Lord.

My soul, bless the LORD,
and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
My soul, bless the LORD,
and do not forget all his benefits. Psalm 103:1-2 CSB

My soul, bless the LORD!
LORD my God, you are very great;
you are clothed with majesty and splendor.

He wraps himself in light as if it were a robe,
spreading out the sky like a canopy,  Psalm 104:1-2 CSB

Because we are made in the image of God, we can bless him like no other creature. I might be slightly inaccurate thinking God especially enjoys the blessings and praise he receives through our music. Of course, obedience to his Word is the highest praise he can receive, but voicing our praise runs parallel to heartfelt conformity to his commands.  

Unless you are a worship leader, you may not be aware that before the first temple in Jerusalem was built by Solomon, King David instituted a formal music worship system organized in groups of Levites. Details appear in I Chronicles, primarily in chapters 17, 23 and 24. This formal worship took place day and night while the temple was an active place of worship. 

I believe David, who was a skilled musician, understood that our earthly worship should reflect what we will experience throughout eternity. Here is a taste from the Apostle John’s experience recorded in the book of Revelation:

After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:

Salvation belongs to our God,
who is seated on the throne,
and to the Lamb!

All the angels stood around the throne, and along with the elders and the four living creatures they fell facedown before the throne and worshiped God, saying,

Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving and honor
and power and strength
be to our God forever and ever. Amen. 

        Revelation 7:9-12 CSB

Does this make you want to join that heavenly chorus? (Okay, I know music isn’t mentioned in these verses, but it’s easy to imagine.) Here is a wonderful piece from Handel’s Messiah that has allowed generations of Christians to engage with each other in blessing God. 

Take a moment to thank God for the musicians who lead our worship services.

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