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In Order. Sing A Song

April 27, 2017. 1 Chronicles 6.

 

This chapter describes the descendants of Levi and of Aaron. The entire tribe of Levi had a special place in Israel, dedicated to the service of God. Within the tribe of Levi was a special priestly family descended from Aaron. All priests were therefore Levites, but not all Levites were priests.

31 David assigned the following men to lead the music at the house of the Lord after the Ark was placed there. 32 They ministered with music at the Tabernacle until Solomon built the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. They carried out their work, following all the regulations handed down to them. 33 These are the men who served, along with their sons: Heman the musician was from the clan of Kohath. 

The fact that David appointed these men over singing and music, the service of worship, shows that the musical worship of God is important. It is specifically said they carried out their work following regulations handed down to them.

I posses an artistic temperament that resists organization, and it is certainly possible to be too ordered and too rigid, not making room for the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless, organization and order remain part of a well lived life and a good music ministry. I have learned that structure and order actually give me more focus to hear God more clearly and to express my creativity more succinctly. 

“Heman the musician” (not to be confused with Cedric the Entertainer) is mentioned several times in connection with musical worship and psalms (songs) in the days of David and Solomon (1 Chronicles 15:17-19, 16:41-42, 25:1-7, 2 Chronicles 5:12-13). 

Psalm 88 is attributed to Heman: it shows us a man acquainted with sorrow and trouble:

For my soul is full of troubles (88:3) … I am like a man who has no strength (88:4) … Your wrath lies heavy upon me (88:7).

Some of the sweetest songs of your soul come from the heaviest sorrow. Dont hide or run from your trouble embrace it, bring it to God and allow him to turn your mourning into dancing. 

But to You I have cried out, O LORD, and in the morning my prayer comes before You (88:13).

It is not a confident or triumphant psalm, but the undercurrent of trust and refuge in God runs through the song of pain and grief.

When it is hard to pray, sing. It is good medicine for your soul.

Sal Sberna

Sal Sberna was Lead Pastor at The MET Church in Houston, Texas for 20 years. He retired on February 2015. He and Kristi Sberna have been married since 1981. They have two children, Salvatore and...more