Singing the Devil's music?
My mother was a wonderful singer. She often sang in church, at home, in the car, and wherever she was comfortable. She taught me a love for music that has lasted a lifetime. How sweet it is to sing the great hymns of the faith AND the contemporary praise music of today. Admittedly, some of the current crop of worship music is beyond my range and ability. But every generation needs its’ own music, .....so let the Church sing on.
There was an article recently that stated that Jesus would never sing the kind of music that is being presented in many contemporary churches today. That opinion seemed like a stretch to me, but who can argue with a D.Mus in Ethnomusicology? Another man said that the melody line was for God, the harmony line was for the elders, and syncopation is for everyone else. While that may be thought-provoking, there is no absolute theological proof, so it won’t preach.
Then there was the unfortunate soul that called contemporary worship songs “the Devil’s music.” Please. It is fairly clear in Scripture that the devil came to “steal, kill, and destroy.” (John 10:10) To accuse Kari Jobe, Chris Tomlin, TobyMac or any of the other fine Christian musicians of partnering with Lucifer is preposterous. Please tone that down.
We do know that Jesus sang (Matthew 26:30). I would have loved to hear His voice singing praises to His Father. In fact, there must have been a powerful anointing on Jesus and the Disciples as they sang hymns together in Mark 14:26. It’s possible that the angels in Heaven paused to hear the only Son of God sing songs of adoration.
The Bible tells us that God the Father sings, also. We read about this in Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV), “The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” I suppose some of us may need God to sing a lullaby over us, while others need a song of motivation like, “Get off the couch and get to work!”
In the book of Job, we read that the angels sang at creation (Job 38:6-7). Can you even imagine how wonderful that choral concert was? The earth was shiny new, and there were no people to mess it up. Gabriel may have been accompanying innumerable angels with his horn, as the galaxy gazed in awe at the handiwork of God. Stunning! Amazing!
Most probably, Lucifer sang at creation with the other angels before his fall. It is assumed from Ezekiel 28:13 that Satan was a musician, too. If true, you have to wonder how he could see the miraculous hand of God at work and still rebel. That confirms that the Devil’s music reflects his character which is rebellious, perverted, and unholy. Yes, that’s on the radio, too.
But one glorious day, I will blend my puny voice with the multitude of the redeemed and sing the song of the Lamb: “Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages. Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.” (Rev. 15:2-4 NKJV)
Like the old song says, “Until then, my heart will go on singing. Until then, with joy I’ll carry on. Until the day my eyes behold the City, Until the day God calls me home.”
“While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.” Psalm 146:2 (NKJV)