Psalter Music

1 Sam 16:17: "And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me."

After attending 3 of our annual, conference camp meetings this year, I've come to some startling conclusions in regard to music that may shock some people.

Our camp meetings are a wonderful opportunity to relax, unplug, socialize with the broader church, and have a holiday with family and friends. The overarching principle however is that we come aside to worship and refocus on our God. This was the intended purpose of our pioneers, and as we consider how hectic our modern lifestyles have become, it shows they were given wisdom of a heavenly origin

In light of this, how important is music in leading us to worship our God?

At one camp meeting this year, there was a particularly inspired speaker, who has an amazing grasp on our message, especially in regard to revealing the loving character of God (the real issue in the great controversy). The musicians that lead worship however, were not skilled. They fumbled through unfamiliar songs, and as I looked around the congregation, no one was singing. Worship is not a performance by a select few up the front; it is a corporate appreciation of God in song. Consider this in the light of Ellen White’s statement:

Music forms a part of God’s worship in the courts above, and we should endeavour, in our songs of praise, to approach as nearly as possible to the harmony of the heavenly choirs. The proper training of the voice is an important feature in education and should not be neglected. Singing, as a part of religious service, is as much an act of worship as is prayer. The heart must feel the spirit of the song to give it right expression. --Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 591.

This statement is the tip of the iceberg in terms of positive instruction from Ellen White in regard to the power of music in leading people to Christ. Even Saul, who was possessed by an evil spirit, understood the power of music. When David played, it drove out the evil spirits, which again shows the power of music, and the responsibility of musicians in developing their talent. Important worship events aren’t a suitable arena for people still learning their craft, or for those who frankly, don’t have the gift of music. We, for the most part, don’t invite speakers that aren’t gifted and experienced to lead us in worship, why do we accept it in music?

In the Old Testament, there were Levite musicians, organized into 24 divisions whose only occupation was to write and develop music for God:

1Chron 9:31

1Chron 6:31

1Chron 13:8

David assigned 4,000 Levite priests to praise the Lord on instruments:

1Chron 23:5

Please understand that the purpose of this article is not to discourage people, but to try and awaken deeper thoughts and call people to a higher standard in music, for the glory of God. There is one denomination that has conquered the modern Christian world through music, while we, with our unique and world changing message, often blunder along, copying others instead of calling Christians to a higher musical standard. Wouldn’t it be incredible if we were the head and not the tail in music?

 What are your thoughts?