“Where were you…when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” Job 38:7
Dear Ones:
Have you ever thought about the origin of singing, of what it means? The Bible is full of singing, especially in regard to God, the blessing of God, and the truths and life of Christ. We see from Job’s writings that “…the morning stars sang together.” There was in that context and mighty chorus, the “sons of God who shouted for joy.” The Lord is directing Job here, in essence, to consider heaven, and what occurs there. He is also revealing to Job that he has little or no knowledge of the wonder, and blessing of heaven, the songs of heaven along with the accompanying joy. How then are we to see “singing” in the context of this world?
Scripture speaks to us of the “songs of Zion,” those composed songs of God’s blessing and working in the hearts and souls of men, in particular as it relates to Israel and Jerusalem. Sadly, the “songs of Zion” were at one time sung while Israel was in captivity, her captors demanding that they be sung. And yet, we find in the writings of Isaiah, that Israel is to SING songs of triumph, songs reflecting the new beginning that God gives, songs that speak of His gracious dealings with her, His promised blessing, primarily that awareness, and consciousness of His presence. We even find the Lord Jesus, just before going to the Garden of Gethsemane, to be betrayed by Judas, singing hymns with His disciples. We do not see Him joyful here, but we do know that, “for the joy set before Him, He endured the cross.” But why the song, and songs in the night which God gives? It is because the song is an expression of joy, of faith in the One who IS our joy. It is the testimony of the believer, who truly sees God for Who He is, absolutely good and holy. There is no fault in Him, no injustice. He is perfect love, and absolutely worthy of our trust. It is for this reason that in the book of Revelation, we see the host of the redeemed before the throne, “singing and new song,” one of joy and triumph, concerning the slain Lamb of God, worthy to be worshiped and adored, for WHO He is, and WHAT He has done, to redeem us all.
As for the disciple of Christ, or Christian, who has been called to realize and grasp that he or she is a new creation in Christ, in living union with Christ by the Holy Spirit, the song in the heart is a testimony of joy that Christ gives. Paul writes to the believers in Colosse, “…teaching and admonishing one another in psalms (songs) and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (3:16) Essential to faith is its expression of joy. The one who is rejoicing is the one who is singing. It is important to note that, not only is the source of the song in the Lord Himself, by the Spirit, but also the motive, and objective of singing: “…unto the Lord.” The Psalmist, so very long ago, wrote clearly about this matter of motive: “…Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing.” (100:2) Singing is the expression of a rejoicing heart in the Lord, delighting oneself in the Person and work of Christ, our Life and Joy. What about the source and content of the song?
It is God, who has said of Himself in Scripture, that He is the beginning and the ending. Indeed, the glorified Christ was very clear about this. This is also true of the singer, the song, and the act of singing. God created singing. He is the Author of it. Christ is the essence of it, for it is the expression of His joy in worship and praise. But, how is one to sing? Paul wrote to the Corinthian believers: “…I will sing with the Spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.” (1 Cor. 14:15)
Dear Father, Teach us to sing, by the Spirit according to truth…for Your pleasure. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad