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Psalm 45:5-7, "God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the
sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our
King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with
understanding."
This morning, we see from Scriptures that different things are done in different
times (called dispensations). During a dispensation, a certain thing may
look different than another dispensation. So, the Old Testament sacrifices and
offerings were the suitable form of worship for that time, but during our
dispensation (gospel age), our form of worship is contained in two principles:
spirit and truth. Yet, even in one dispensation, we get glimpses of things
coming in another. During the Old Testament times, the offerings and sacrifices
pointed to the ultimate Sacrifice that ushered in a new dispensation. During our
present dispensation, we get glimpses of the time when time shall be no more
that ushers in that final period of never-ending bliss and joy where we see the
Lord perfect and complete and know Him as He knows us. Therefore, let us look at
this Psalm, which speaks, in prophecy, of what would come in the gospel
dispensation.
The Psalmist repeatedly tells us to sing praises unto the Lord. We are to sing
unto Him of His greatness and majesty, and our singing should be of the wonders
of His beauty and grace. The New Testament church comes under scrutiny, from
time to time, for having such a simple service. The idea that singing could be
done simply with the voice and heart is void to certain people's way of
thinking. To them, that is insufficient to sing to God. Yet, what is used by a
cappella singing is simply what God has given (which is always sufficient) to
sing unto Him. Our hearts are tendered by His grace, and our voices are seasoned
with the water of His fountain. Therefore, the utilization in singing, without
man-made accompaniment, is exactly what God has given. Invariably, the use of
musical instruments in Judaic worship in the Law Dispensation is brought out in
argument to the contrary. But, consider what the Psalmist says here about
accompaniment.
Nothing! Yet, other Psalms have the use of musical instruments; what is the
difference?
Notice what precedes the multiplied command to sing praises to our King. The
Lord has gone into heaven. With a shout He entered into the gates of glory.
Surely, this is nothing short of prophecy to that awesome scene of our Lord and
Saviour leaving the earth and ascending back into heaven's pure world with a
cloud receiving Him out of their sight. (Acts 1) When He left, there was a shout
with heaven receiving her conquering King. The reason there was a shout when He
left is because the angels declared His return in the same manner as His
departure. Therefore, if He is returning with a shout, He left with a shout. (I
Thessalonians 4) If a cloud received Him from view, the clouds will part so that
nothing keeps Him from view. As the heaven's are rolled back as a scroll, all
will see the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every knee shall bow and every
tongue shall confess that Jesus is the Lord. So, what follows the ascension? The
Psalmist
declares that singing follows His ascension. What about instruments of man?
Completely absent. What happens when the Lord returns the second time without
sin unto salvation? Singing will commence such as never been heard that will
make the very fibers of heaven's substance redound with the glory and majesty
that Jesus is the King forevermore.
A parallel scene to this is found in II Chronicles 29. Notice that the
transition of worship is shown in the burnt offering. Prior to the offering of
the burnt sacrifice, you see much music that is accompanied by instruments of
man. After the burnt offering is finished, the only mention of worship is the
bowing of heads and singing with the voices. Likewise, our Offering has been
made, accepted by God, and entered back into heaven. Therefore, worship is found
in the bowing of heads and singing of songs unto our King. Consider also that
worship during the old dispensation is found in the outward appearance. During
the Old Testament, certain places were designated as the place to worship,
whether it be the tabernacle or temple where the Lord's priests were. Outward
offerings were made of literal blood of animals. Music was sounded by man-made
instruments. The priesthood came through a predictable line of father-son,
father-son. Today, worship
is made by faith (spirit and truth), as opposed to things that are seen.
Therefore, the priesthood of the ministry does not come through predictable
lines (even though some think so). Offerings are made from the lips and heart,
and the singing is done with instruments that God has put in and not that man
made out.
Finally, the singing that we do unto God Almighty needs to be with
understanding, as the Psalmist declares. Paul re-echoes the sentiment in I
Corinthians 14. It has always been befuddling to me that folks would sing
something in church that they would never allow me to preach. If our preaching
needs to be according to "Thus saith the Lord," likewise so should our singing.
If our prayers need to be offered up in fervent spirit coupled with truth, so
should our songs. Therefore, let our understanding never be clouded with the
emotion brought out by the song. If the understanding of the spirit is there and
the song pleasing to our King, the Spirit will be greater than any emotion we
could have. That is not to say, however, that singing cannot be emotional. Tears
of joy and sorrow sometimes deeply flow during singing as one realizes through
song how undone we were by nature and how magnanimous the sacrifice of Christ
really is. But, for that to
be found, understanding must accompany the singing.
Therefore, let us sing with our heart, soul, mind, and might. The repetition of
the command strikes to the importance of singing unto our King, and I am always
saddened when people fail to see the wonderful privilege that we have to do so.
The privilege of singing before an earthly magistrate is one that any artist
revels in, but our privilege is so much higher to be singing not to a king but
THE KING! So, I will take the singing in the old church any day over the "best"
of the gospel choirs, musicians of men, and any other form that might be
contrived. Indeed, I do listen to some of them from time to time, but they are
not worthy to be compared to the singing in Zion that feels like the breeze of
the oasis in a desert land. And yet, my heart longs for the day that the old
body of corruption does not keep me from singing as I should unto our King. When
voices play out and bodies get tired, we must rest to be able to renew the
natural energies,
but dear friends at that second coming of Christ, there will be no weakness of
the flesh. At that day, even the finest singing in Zion will not compare to the
singing of heaven. As the Psalmist had glimpses of the new dispensation, I
believe we, in Zion, get glimpses in song of that eternal portal. As our Husband
and Bridegroom comes with His voice skipping along the mountains and showing
Himself through the lattice, we get a glimpse of what the banks of glory are
like. But, dear friends, that song of the Lamb of God who is worthy will be
"when imagination's utmost stretch in wonder dies away." Oh redeeming love
how great the theme!
In Hope,
Bro Philip
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