Have you ever heard that song that just causes you to weep? How about the one that makes you want to fly?
In our busy lives of constantly checking our favorite sites and blogging endlessly about things that probably aren’t too beneficial (I’m guilty of this too), I find that sitting down, taking a deep breath, and letting the Holy Spirit meet me through music is one of the most therapeutic times in my day.
Why? Because we were made in the image of God, and He loves music too…
The Origin of Music
You know that place called heaven? Well, contrary to popular belief, that place is very real–and not in a way that we can’t relate. It’s a very real, physical place that was created; therefore, there is also time in heaven.
But I’m getting off topic.
The point of this post is to introduce you to the wonderful reality that God invented music.
How do I know this? Well, it’s simple really. In Revelation 4 (that book we don’t like to read), the throne room of heaven is described in rather astonishing detail. Besides all the other ridiculous, and fabulously amazing aspects of that room (I highly encourage you to read that over and over and over and….), there is one aspect that gives us a glimpse into the environment that God likes to live in.
But before we look at what this passage says, let’s establish a reality of heaven that isn’t addressed, but that is very much true: God created heaven exactly the way He wanted to. Everything within that place is perfectly conformed to His will, and is the way it is because He wants it that way.
There, now keep that reality in your head as we look at Revelation 4:8.
The Worshipers
Revelation 4:8 “…day and night [the four living creatures] do not cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.”
And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne…the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever…“
Did you catch that? Day and night, without ceasing, since the beginning of them being created, the elders around the throne continually worship God on His throne. Amazing…
“But, Calvin, there is nothing there that says anything about music,” you might say.
This is true, but later in Revelation 5:8, we see that the elders, as well as the four living creatures, are ‘each one holding a harp’. There you have it! Since heaven was made, God has had 24/7 worship before Him.
Why?
Because He wants it that way! And because He deserves it…
Go Listen To Some Music
Now that we understand that God loves music and to be worshiped with music, you can feel good about going and enjoying some of that lovely sound that comes from your speakers, knowing that God is loving it too. However, it might be worth asking: if music’s original intent was to glorify God, should your music be doing the same thing?
I’ll leave that for you to ask yourself. But as long as we’re here, why don’t you share with us all what kind of music you like to listen to and how you worship God through it!
Mike Loomis says
Excellent thoughts. The big challenge for me is to not multitask music (any kind – including worship). Music only. Not background. Really listen. A good challenge for me.
Calvin Koepke says
Hmmm…that’s interesting. Do you mean that when you listen to music you want to focus on it, and don’t want to listen to music as you’re doing something else?
Tommy says
I love music, but I think God loves me more than He loves music. He wants us to Worship Him on the first day of the week in a pure and selfless way. Thinking only of Him as we partake of the Lord’s Supper.
Calvin Koepke says
God definitely does love you more than music (I sure hope so!). And there are times for loving Him in silence, but I find that music is a tool to worship Him, and because He likes it, I love doing it all the more.
Good comment 🙂
James Cooper says
Great post Calvin, thanks. You might be interested in a site I’ve done on angels (what the Bible says about them!) http://whyangels.com/seraphim_cherubim_creatures.html
As for music, I like a bit of everything. Bluegrass to Switchfoot via Palestrina (If you’ve not heard of Palestrina, check him out – he made polyphony accepted back in the 16th-century, amazing stuff.)
Calvin Koepke says
Sweet! I’ll definitely check out your site and Palestrina.
Thanks for commenting!
James Cooper says
If you want a taster of Palestrina, try: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUiYFNIIl8s performed ‘The Sixteen’ an amazing British Choral group. Enjoy.
Calvin Koepke says
Word. Thanks James (putting it on my schedule since I’m headphone-less right now).
Thanks!
Terri says
Glad I just found your site on here…interesting topic.
I’d always thought Jubal was the first person to play music, but I just went and looked it up and it says he is the first to play the pipe and harp. I imagine music probably went back to The Garden. I wonder if Adam and Eve could hear the angels sing, and song praise to God along with them. Interesting thought.