Music…To God Be the Glory Alone

Early references to music in the Bible are indirect, such as the snatch of songs recorded in the Book of Numbers. “Israel,” God’s people, are journeying to the land promised to them. Then Israel sang this song: “Sing out for the well that was sunk by the princes and dug by the leaders of the people with the scepter, with their stave.”  The Ark of the Covenant almost certainly began its journeys with musical shouts of this kind, also recorded in the book of Numbers.

Prior to Solomon’s Temple being built (about 900BC), music was not the property of the trained musician but of the people in general – the “House of Israel.” However, in a second description of the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem, there is the earliest reference to the formation of a trained and official body of musicians to lead worship. All manner of musical instruments are mentioned together with the text of a song of thanksgiving more than anything recorded up to that point.

In the thousands of years since David danced triumphally before the ark of the covenant, the function of music in worship has changed in response to societal changes. Psalms in temple worship, music in the Synagogues, and the spread of Christianity have all taken advantage of the power of music to aid in the understanding of underlying messages being taught. Through the Renaissance and Reformation periods, music became an even more powerful aid as congregational participation became the norm, which the majority of Christian denominations today agree reflects the unity of Christ in the diversity of talent that makes up the church.

So, what, then, is music’s purpose in our Christian context? The whole Biblical witness, as well as thoughtful voices across the entire church, from Psalms onward, tells us it is for the glory of God. The famous Johann Sebastian Bach composed an incredible 1128 pieces of music, the vast majority of which were signed “Soli Deo Gloria” – to the Glory of God alone!   Church music should not serve as a manipulative sales jingle calculated to get people to do something, like join a church. It may momentarily attract people – may, although that is not guaranteed. In the long run, however, it will empty the pews because people will figure out they have been duped. There may be a variety of emphasis – on prayer, praise, proclamation, and the story of Jesus Christ but when you summarize what both the Bible and the church teach us, music is for the glory of God and the good of the community.

The church musician, therefore, is not a “star” or front-page personality. The church musician serves a community, and while virtuosity is warmly welcomed, it is not the goal. Those with lesser musical talents are also welcomed and called to develop them to the best of their abilities. Music in and of itself is not the goal. The goals should be:

• Creating spiritual ambassadors
• Convey Worship’s Emotions and Themes
• Enhance the Worship Experience
• Encourage Congregational Participation
• Facilitate Moments of Reflection and Prayer

Our Anglican tradition, through the lectionary readings, well-chosen hymns, psalms, canticles, and other musical antidotes, offers a weekly opportunity to encounter our Lord. It has been said that liturgy done well, the majority of which relies upon music, becomes the playground for the Holy Spirit. – Music is integral to worship. It sets the tone of worship more than any other aspect. Our identity as a people – what our values are, our culture, our theology, our mission – is often signaled to people by music before they ever hear it described in words. Much of our worship is word-oriented, but music can undergird, amplify, and illuminate the language of praise and prayer. Music gives wings to worshipThe importance of music in any liturgical experience cannot be overstated. It is important because

1. Music teaches us the gospel.
   Hymns and spiritual songs take our faith and compact it. The melody and phrasing of the music make our faith memorable. Before we hear a word of scripture read or preached in the service, we’ve already taken in page after page through our singing. Hymns and other forms of music instruct us in the Good News, touching our hearts and minds.
2. Music connects us to God in unique ways.
   The purpose of music goes beyond mere instruction, however. In many ways, it allows for a direct connection with God in ways sermons can’t or don’t. Singing allows a part of our hearts to speak to God in a way that doesn’t happen as we hear the spoken word. Have you ever noticed? Something incredible happens when we sing. You can feel it when you sing alone, but most especially when you sing as part of a community, a congregation in worship. Something awakens not only in the heart of each person but also in the collective heart of the body of Christ, connecting us to each other and God in the deepest part of who we are. Singing as a part of Christian worship is much more than mental exercise. God created us to communicate with the very depths of our spirit, and singing is a way we can accomplish this profoundly and meaningfully.
3. Music allows us to express our love to God with our whole being.
   Scripture commands us to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:5 NRSV). This verse emphasizes the entire body, not through outward actions but through inward devotion and love. Worshiping through music changes and transforms us. It inclines our hearts to God in ways other forms can’t accomplish. Worship strengthens us, convicts us, builds us up, and even restores us. In other words, when we sing and devote our whole selves to God, something godly happens within us. Worship is, therefore, transformative.
4. Music as worship fulfills God’s command.
   Throughout scripture, we’re commanded to sing. Within the Psalms (prayers set to music, the hymnal of the Old Testament), we read, “I… go around your altar, O Lord, proclaiming thanksgiving aloud” (Psalm 26:6-7 ESV); “Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody!” (Psalm 98:5 ESV); and “Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” (Psalm 100:2 ESV).
5. Music From the Heart
   Singing is an important part of who we are and who God created us to be. We’re all wired uniquely. We have different gifts, strengths, and favorite styles of music. Scripture encourages us to find the music that allows our hearts to sing and connect to God. What touches us may be music from Kings College Cambridge, Kirk Franklin’s gospel prayers, jazz settings of the Eucharist, or any of a wide range of genres.

Church musicians have made an incredible contribution to religion and continue inspiring worshipers. Their God-given talent creates an atmosphere that transcends the mundane and touches the divine for a brief moment in time. Churchgoers have the unique opportunity to walk a bridge between the profane and the divine in a bonding worship experience. Church musicians of every sort should be encouraged as they continue to use their god given gifts to magnify him and edify the community they serve.

Soli Deo Gloria – to the glory of God alone.

—Adrian