In I Chronicles 16, King David is organizing those who should take up different ministry roles now that the Ark of the Lord has been brought to Jerusalem. Once very mobile as the people of Israel moved through their desert years, the Ark now comes to rest in Jerusalem. Soon the tabernacle will be replaced by the temple that David's son will build.
David organizes a variety of ministries to do with the Ark, the tabernacle and the sacrifices. One of his concerns is that a proper amount of praise and worship, accompanied by music, is offered to the Lord. So we read of
"those chosen and designated by name to give thanks to the Lord, 'for his love endures forever'. Heman and Jeduthun were responsible for the sounding of the trumpets and cymbals and for the playing of the other instruments for sacred song." I Chronicles 16:41, 42
I guess worship pastors and worship teams, church musicians and singers are the successors to Heman and Jeduthun and their musicians. Whether volunteers or employed by the church this is a more important role than is sometimes understood. Do we think, do we help those who are invited to lead "worship" to understand - that this is a great privilege - to be designated as the special chosen ones "to give thanks to the Lord"?
Of course we all do this every day. And we can do it in small groups with no musicians. However it is wonderful to have musically gifted, godly people who lead us as we thank and praise the One whose "love endures forever." We need to pray for those who have this important responsibility in our churches. And perhaps criticize a little less?
David organizes a variety of ministries to do with the Ark, the tabernacle and the sacrifices. One of his concerns is that a proper amount of praise and worship, accompanied by music, is offered to the Lord. So we read of
"those chosen and designated by name to give thanks to the Lord, 'for his love endures forever'. Heman and Jeduthun were responsible for the sounding of the trumpets and cymbals and for the playing of the other instruments for sacred song." I Chronicles 16:41, 42
I guess worship pastors and worship teams, church musicians and singers are the successors to Heman and Jeduthun and their musicians. Whether volunteers or employed by the church this is a more important role than is sometimes understood. Do we think, do we help those who are invited to lead "worship" to understand - that this is a great privilege - to be designated as the special chosen ones "to give thanks to the Lord"?
Of course we all do this every day. And we can do it in small groups with no musicians. However it is wonderful to have musically gifted, godly people who lead us as we thank and praise the One whose "love endures forever." We need to pray for those who have this important responsibility in our churches. And perhaps criticize a little less?
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