4” He appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the Lord, to extol,[a] thank, and praise the Lord, the God of Israel: 5 Asaph was the chief, and next to him in rank were Zechariah, then Jaaziel,[b] Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-Edom and Jeiel. They were to play the lyres and harps, Asaph was to sound the cymbals, 6 and Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests were to blow the trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God.”

This might seem contradictory. Worship music is for God, but also for the audience. Not only were men appointed to minister to the Lord, but they were also to minister to the people. We also sing songs that testify to the acts of God which reminds and edifies people. When we sing of the great acts of God, it teaches people about the Lord, to remember and reflect upon His wonders, His power, His grace, His justice, His judgment, His splendor, His Majesty. In other words, we are the body, gifted by the Holy Spirit, for the building up of believers to edify one another. Music allows others to worship God. They will hear, listen, sing, and even participate in lifting God's name. By doing that, a person's heart can be blessed spiritually. Prayers and songs are given on behalf of many individuals. Psalm 80:3 “O God, restore us and cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved.” Col. 3:16,17 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom as you sing songs and hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God”.

Worship music is to remind, to educate about the truths of the Word; to teach and instruct little ones simple songs in Sunday school. Music is a very important tool for teaching children – “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” Hopefully it will instill truth in the minds of youngsters. ‘Zacchaeus was a wee little man’ tells a story that Jesus loved him and went to his house and his life was changed because of Jesus’ love.

Unfortunately, many Christian musicians today fail to see music as a teaching ministry, singing unbiblical lyrics and very poor theology. It doesn’t matter how pretty the tune is or how many people clap with happy hearts if it is not Biblical.

Psalm 6:18 says “If you regard sin in your heart the Lord will not listen.” The first prayer God listens to is the prayer for salvation. Another song tells us God can do anything and everything, but God will not do everything; He will not sin; He will not lie, He will not go against His own character and His own holiness. He will not save us apart from the atoning work of Christ Jesus.

Ministry to the believer begins with the right motive, the right message, and called to be servants not to be served.

Application: Do you minister to the believer? Does your ministry reflect the love and words of God and result in reminding believers of His greatness and our need to praise, pray and grow into His likeness?

Prayer: God, help make us conscious of You in our music and ministry, of Your truth and Your acts - not of the performer or anything else.

Dale