- Matthew 26: 30.
Today, we
celebrate the Risen Christ. But on that
first Resurrection Sunday, Jesus’ disciples were still feeling the same confusion
and fear they had experienced on that terrible Thursday night when He was taken
from them. On that night, in the “upper
room” their anxieties and fears must have been calmed at least somewhat when
they joined with Jesus in singing a hymn together before they all “went out” to
the Garden of Eden (Matthew 26: 30).
Although we celebrate the Risen Christ today, much uncertainty and fear still hovers over us and people around the world as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten our lives and way of life. But once again in the midst of sadness and confusion, music can lift our souls.
Recently, Stelios
Kerasidis, a 7-year-old Greek musical prodigy applied his gift of music to relieve
the anxiety from social distancing during the pandemic. Please take a moment to enjoy his “Isolation Waltz.”
Far beyond its entertaining value, there is something about music that brings a calming, soothing effect to our souls. It is interesting to imagine how we might have felt if we had been there with the men or women who broke bread, drank from the cup, and then sang with Jesus in that “upper room.” I wonder if Jesus sang along with His disciples. How did His voice sound?
As you imagine Jesus singing, we ought to realize that Jesus is the Divine Creator of the physical vibrations of sound and music. In fact, do you realize that Jesus was present and working in the creation, likely singing along with the angels as an expression of His joy over His work? In what may be the oldest book of the Bible, God speaks to Job with these words:
Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding,
Who set its measurements? Since you know.
Or who stretched the line on it?
On what were its bases sunk?
Or who laid its cornerstone,
When the morning stars sang together
And all the angels shouted for joy? - Job 38: 4-7
Even more amazing and assuring in times of trouble is the fact that God is a
“Mighty Warrior” to protect His own from the enemy; and, He rejoices over His
own with singing. Zephaniah writes (3:
17),
The LORD your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.
Likely, Jesus did sing with His disciples on that dark night as He anticipated
His suffering and death. How would it
have been to experience those final hours Jesus spent with His disciples?
What expression was on His face? Was it assuring to the disciples even though His heart was heavy? Which if any of the psalms recorded in our Bibles might they have sung? (Note that Psalms 113-118 were traditionally sung by the Jews during Passover.) If they chose Psalm 118, who among them chose it? Especially Psalm 118: 24 is meaningful for us to consider in light of why Jesus came and what He would be facing in the hours ahead:
Although we celebrate the Risen Christ today, much uncertainty and fear still hovers over us and people around the world as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten our lives and way of life. But once again in the midst of sadness and confusion, music can lift our souls.
Far beyond its entertaining value, there is something about music that brings a calming, soothing effect to our souls. It is interesting to imagine how we might have felt if we had been there with the men or women who broke bread, drank from the cup, and then sang with Jesus in that “upper room.” I wonder if Jesus sang along with His disciples. How did His voice sound?
As you imagine Jesus singing, we ought to realize that Jesus is the Divine Creator of the physical vibrations of sound and music. In fact, do you realize that Jesus was present and working in the creation, likely singing along with the angels as an expression of His joy over His work? In what may be the oldest book of the Bible, God speaks to Job with these words:
Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding,
Who set its measurements? Since you know.
Or who stretched the line on it?
On what were its bases sunk?
Or who laid its cornerstone,
When the morning stars sang together
And all the angels shouted for joy? - Job 38: 4-7
The LORD your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.
What expression was on His face? Was it assuring to the disciples even though His heart was heavy? Which if any of the psalms recorded in our Bibles might they have sung? (Note that Psalms 113-118 were traditionally sung by the Jews during Passover.) If they chose Psalm 118, who among them chose it? Especially Psalm 118: 24 is meaningful for us to consider in light of why Jesus came and what He would be facing in the hours ahead:
This is
the day which the Lord has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
As we awaken each day, Psalm 118: 24 is a great verse of acknowledgement that God is giving us another day to live. Even in the midst of pandemic, music from the Scriptures or from inspired writers and composers can lift our souls and give assurance of our faith in the Everlasting God.
Finally, an important part of God’s plan for His beloved human creatures is that we unite with others in a community of worshipers—i.e. disciples (willing learners and followers of Christ), mutual encouragers, and witnesses of God’s Gift of salvation. Inviting the Word of God into our lives daily and making music together continues to be an integral part of the worship and service of dedicated Christ-followers. Colossians 3: 16 instructs us (emphasis mine):
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
What Do You Think?
Musicians among readers of this article are welcome to add insights from your understanding of music as God’s creation and gift. Or, maybe one of you is inspired to imagine and express how you would have felt during the Last Supper with Jesus. Just use the “Comment” link to add your thoughts.
I Hope You Will Take Time to meditate on the significance of this Easter Season, especially in light of the pandemic that is upon us. If you feel anxious, you will find that the music and lyrics of great hymns and Gospel-based contemporary music will comfort your soul. Maybe you will find comfort and blessing from a couple of my favorites for this Easter as follows:
Your Grace Finds Me by Matt Redman
Behold The Lamb (Communion Hymn) - Keith & Kristyn Getty
Power of the Cross - Keith & Kristyn Getty
Is He Worthy? – Chris Tomlin
The Psalms are a key part of the music and worship of Jewish people, and of the Christian faith that God has established through Jesus Christ. Today, many are finding peace and assurance in the psalms. I have found comfort and encouragement lately from Psalm 61-63, 73, 91, 139, and 130.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
As we awaken each day, Psalm 118: 24 is a great verse of acknowledgement that God is giving us another day to live. Even in the midst of pandemic, music from the Scriptures or from inspired writers and composers can lift our souls and give assurance of our faith in the Everlasting God.
Finally, an important part of God’s plan for His beloved human creatures is that we unite with others in a community of worshipers—i.e. disciples (willing learners and followers of Christ), mutual encouragers, and witnesses of God’s Gift of salvation. Inviting the Word of God into our lives daily and making music together continues to be an integral part of the worship and service of dedicated Christ-followers. Colossians 3: 16 instructs us (emphasis mine):
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
What Do You Think?
Musicians among readers of this article are welcome to add insights from your understanding of music as God’s creation and gift. Or, maybe one of you is inspired to imagine and express how you would have felt during the Last Supper with Jesus. Just use the “Comment” link to add your thoughts.
I Hope You Will Take Time to meditate on the significance of this Easter Season, especially in light of the pandemic that is upon us. If you feel anxious, you will find that the music and lyrics of great hymns and Gospel-based contemporary music will comfort your soul. Maybe you will find comfort and blessing from a couple of my favorites for this Easter as follows:
Your Grace Finds Me by Matt Redman
Behold The Lamb (Communion Hymn) - Keith & Kristyn Getty
Power of the Cross - Keith & Kristyn Getty
Is He Worthy? – Chris Tomlin
The Psalms are a key part of the music and worship of Jewish people, and of the Christian faith that God has established through Jesus Christ. Today, many are finding peace and assurance in the psalms. I have found comfort and encouragement lately from Psalm 61-63, 73, 91, 139, and 130.
If you do not have a personal relationship with the God who created the universe, including music itself, you can come to “know Him” personally through repentance and faith in Jesus. Acting by faith to surrender your life to Jesus as your Savior and Lord is necessary to find true peace. See Steps to Peace with God." Or, you may contact me at silviusj@cedarville.edu.
I Humbly Dedicate this article to four friends and former colleagues at Cedarville University whose lives and music have been a blessing to Abby and I for many years:
Lyle Anderson, Senior Professor of Music
Chuck Clevenger, Senior Professor Emeritus of Music
Michael P. DiCuirci, Senior Professor Emeritus of Music
Mark Spenser, Associate Professor of Music
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