THE GOOD NEWS COMES CLOSER

Psalm 95:1-8; Ephesians 5:19-20; Revelation 5:11-14

Introduction

Beloved, arise, let us sing. Music has been an indispensable element in human life. It is one aspect which is found in all cultures in the world.

Singing, plays a major role in the lives of all people in all parts of the world. In all situations of life be it times of joy or sadness, music has something to do, in order to make it complete. History even has it that music kept the African slaves strong and strong.

The Christian Life

In the same way, music has a lot to do throughout the life of Christian worship. 

As we seek, to live out a life that demonstrates our fellowship and union with Christ, and to show off His glory and majesty, we need to sing songs of praise and adoration, with a deep spiritual emphasis. 

The hymns we have today were born out of experience and encounter of the writer with God. For instance, "Rock of ages cleft for me, let me hide my self in Thee" written by, Augustus M. Toplady, was born as the young minister traveled through the rugged country near England's Cheddar Gorge, the clouds burst and torrential sheets of rain pummeled the earth. The weary traveler was able to find shelter standing under a rocky overhang. There, he was protected from the buffeting wind and rain. He reasoned with God, how He protects us when we hide ourselves in Him. 

Music in the Bible

Going through the Bible, right from the beginning to the end, we notice that music runs through it all. 

In Exodus 15, after the crossing of the Red Sea, there was a major musical worship of praise to God, for His great deliverance. 

First, Moses and the whole nation sang a beautiful psalm to glorify God. 

Just after that, Miriam and all the women, also had “a women’s version of praise and adoration” to God,(Ex. 15: 20-21).

Although, nothing much is said about the worship life of the Jewish community, at this point, the mere fact, of the women coming out with their tambourines, to worship God, meant that it was part of their national life. 

In addition to the tambourines, the Israelites also used trumpets made up of ram horns as well as drums in their singing,(Ps. 148). 

In order to break down the thick walls of Jericho, the people were asked to go around the city with music. Music was the answer then (Joshua 6: 1ff.).

Then, Deborah, a prophetess was led into battle by the Spirit of God. She had a great and sweet victory. In celebration of that, she sang a beautiful hymn,(Judges: 5: 1ff.).

In the days when King Saul was being tormented by evil spirits, young David was employed to soothe the king’s woes with the playing of sweet melodies,(1 Sam. 16: 14ff.).

Remember, King Jehoshaphat was encouraged to go into battle with his national choir, singing songs of praise, instead of his soldiers for victory. 

Paul and Silas in prison, sang hymns to God and the earth quaked, "so that the foundations of the prison were shaken" (Acts 16:25-26).

At the Last Supper, Jesus and His disciples sang some hymns, before leaving for the garden of Gethsemane, to pray,(Mark 14: 26).

St. Paul also encourages us, as Christians, to make the singing of hymns, a major component of our normal spiritual lives,(Col. 3: 16; Eph. 5:19-20).

The whole book of Psalms, as recorded in the Bible, are hymns that were used on various Jewish religious occasions. 

Psalms of Praise

Psalm 95 is known as a "psalm of praise" and is often used in worship services to encourage Congregants to sing and praise God. It is also a reminder of the importance of worshiping God with joy and gratitude.

The hymn begins with an invitation to come and worship the Lord, acknowledging Him as the great God and King above all gods. It emphasizes the need to approach God with thanksgiving and praise, recognizing His sovereignty and power. The psalmist encourages us to sing joyful songs to the Lord, expressing our love and adoration for Him.

The psalm also includes a warning against hardening one's heart and rebelling against God, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness" (Psalms 95:7-8). It reminds us of the Israelites' disobedience in the wilderness and the consequences they faced. The psalmist urges the people to learn from their mistakes and to trust and obey God wholeheartedly.

Revelation 5:11-14 also draws the hardened-hearted to know that, it is only the one who sits on the throne who is worthy of our praise. Our praise and songs must seek to glorify no one but Christ Jesus. 

Rising to sing is to glorify no other but Him who sits on the throne. My question for you is this, unto whom do your songs and praise glorify? Many people sing to their gods, and to themselves. Meanwhile, others also sing in sarcastic form or veiled insults "akutia nnwom" against others. 

God is calling you to rise, "Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:19-20) Anything contrary to this purpose of singing is a sin before God.

Conclusion

Beloved in Christ, we are encouraged to approach worship with joyful enthusiasm, humility, and gratitude. It reminds us of God's authority over creation and His role as our Shepherd and Maker  (Rev. 5:11-13). The warning against hardened hearts serves as a reminder to remain obedient, faithful, and receptive to God's voice. 

Shalom aleichem