12. Jehoshaphat said, "The word of the LORD is with him." So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him. 13. Elisha said to the king of Israel, "What do we have to do with each other? Go to the prophets of your father and the prophets of your mother." "No," the king of Israel answered, "because it was the LORD who called us three kings together to hand us over to Moab."
Although these verses are a prelude to the harpist playing for Elisha, the kings were awaiting a word of prophecy from the Lord. Jehoshaphat of Judah wisely did not want to do battle on his own power or against the enemy without the Lord’s help. He desired Elisha’s counsel to discern the divine will and act accordingly.
What action did they want from Elisha? Simply to listen and speak the truth. The two kings only wanted confirmation of their plans. Jehoshaphat wanted to hear from the Lord whether that word was for or against them. He did not want to do action on his own without it being the will of the Lord.
We previously discussed the impact music has on our emotions, our minds, our souls, and you could say our bodies, but I add our actions. Yes, there are physical responses to music that might result in toe tapping, clapping, dancing, raising hands, smiles, or tears - all of which are physical responses to music, but it also can inspire people to action.
There is an overabundance of music with ungodly, perverse messages that have led to warning labels on certain albums. Seminars now warn of the negative effect that some music has on young people teens resulting in actions that are illegal and immoral. Some lyrics promote violence, rape, drugs and even death. The times indeed have changed from what radio would allow in my day. Many recordings use subliminal messages where words and phrases that are unintelligible to our ears but to our subconscious pick up erotic, sensual words on various speeds and sounds. Messages received through subconsciousness have been shown to have a serious effect on the actions of many of the listeners. This moves into mind control without awareness or permission.
When the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, great praise was given to God for defeating the Egyptian army and them freedom. Christian music can be focused on upward, inward, and outward directions. We want music first to praise and honor the Lord. The actions we desire are to live lives dedicated and holy unto Him. God has used music to bring about repentance and confession and correction with hearts pointed Godward.
Music pointed outward encourages and teaches one another as fellow believers. Some of the Bible lessons I have learned came from singing songs in Sunday School. The action songs were meant to call to service or obey the Lord.
The prophecies from Elisha moved these kings to war and
to see the plan of God carried out just as it was predicted.
Application: How has music helped in your faith walk? How has music gotten in the way? May it be used for praise and power in Christian commitment and living.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the gift of music.
I love You, Lord
Oh Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I've been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
