Music is a kind of language—an experiential language. It allows us to communicate what we feel or to evoke what we hope to feel. When I want quiet—soft jazz helps me express that longing. When I want to experience joy—folksy bluegrass hits just the right chord. My wife Miska and I both have songs that, whenever we hear them, trigger memories and emotions from our years together. And I have several friends who express themselves best at a piano or by singing lyrics.
In Ephesians, Paul describes the work God is doing in the world, crafting a people (the church) who will embody God’s kingdom. As God’s people, we are to live and love the way God lives and loves. We’re to “understand what the Lord wants [us] to do”—and then do it (Ephesians 5:17). We could never enact this new way of living by ourselves. We aren’t that wise or ingenious. We can see this new life take shape only as we allow God’s presence and strength free reign in us. Paul puts it this way: We must be “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).
But what does it look like if we’re filled with God—with the Holy Spirit? Do we gain superhuman powers or do we begin to glow like an angel? On this occasion at least, Paul says that we will sing. Sing? Yes, God will fill us and then we will pour forth beautiful music.
First, we sing “to one another” (Ephesians 5:19 NIV). The music Paul describes is communal music, the church’s expression of God’s character and activity. Second, we “[make] music to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19). Our music, as well as all our lives, should be directed to God.
Joyful music that sings God’s story is one way we experience (and proclaim) His work among us.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 17:24–18:6
More:
Read Psalm 30. What do you notice about how the psalmist interacts with music and singing?
Next:
How has music helped you experience God or express yourself to Him? Where do you sense God’s desire to fill you— and what kind of song might emerge from that?
winn collier on July 24, 2011 at 12:00 pm
Music as connection of soul and body, like that.
OnMyWayHome on July 24, 2011 at 10:47 pm
Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer said once (I do hope I get the quote right).
“Learn to to enjoy singing, as we will be singing all the time while in Heaven.”
winn collier on July 25, 2011 at 8:57 am
thanks, I’ve heard that from several pastors. Revelation gives us that picture, doesn’t it?
mike wittmer on July 25, 2011 at 9:40 pm
It helps me to remember that singing is a form of prayer–I am speaking to God in song. This helps me pay attention to the words, and not just the melody, because I don’t want to pray things that I don’t really mean.
winn collier on July 26, 2011 at 10:17 am
good words, Mike. Accompanying that, I often find that I come to mean things as I’m praying or singing – these forms have a way of helping me believe or perhaps helping me discover what it is I believe.