Music in the Heart of the Believer pt. 3

The choir files in and takes their place on the risers.  A flutter of anticipation works its way through the audience as the conductor takes his place at the front of the ensemble.  They begin, and musical strains float through the air and into the hearts of audience members and performers alike.  Once again the near magic of musical expression invokes an emotional and even spiritual response.

It is my belief that God demonstrates throughout scripture that He desires to reveal Himself to humanity in the way He works and in the creation He has made.  Romans 1:19-20 echoes this idea:

"For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.  For His invisible attributes, namely His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made….”

When I see a choir performance and the audience’s response, I am reminded of the relationship between creator God and His people.  The basses rumble out the low foundation of the chord the way that God has set the background of salvation’s story against the power and creative majesty of the Genesis of life, the clamorous fall of Man in sin, and the rumblings of the Law on mount Sinai.  The altos and tenors fill in the colors of the chord, giving it character and definition just as the story of salvation develops over thousands of years of Israel’s history with its intrigues, captivity and miraculous deliverance.  

Finally the sopranos, with their soaring melodies, convey the appearance of the very object of our faith and affection, Jesus the Messiah!  The purpose of the song begins and ends with its principal melody just as the story of the Bible begins and ends with Jesus, His nature, mission, sacrifice, resurrection, and one day return!  As the song of His story plays out over the ages, the audience listens and stirs in response.

Some respond with indifference, recognizing the effort of the musician, yet not truly listening or being moved by the Music.  Others find themselves swept away in the beauty of the Song, held by its lyric, elated by its textures and chords, moved by its rhythms and responding with thunderous applause at its conclusion.  

What about you, audience member?  You have heard the song, its melody sounds familiar.  Are your toes tapping, your heart rising to meet the arc of the melody?  Will you sing along?