From Novice to Virtuoso

Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 25

And they cast lots for their duties, small and great, teacher and pupil alike. (1 Chronicles 25.8)

Devotional Thought: I love singing in a choir.  For many years I have been privileged to sit under the leadership of "The Best Choir Director Ever!" - my wife, Lana.  But, she's not easy on her choirs.  We have to listen carefully and follow her instructions or we get the "Lana Eye."  It's not too severe if you miss a note, but if you aren't paying attention?  Look out!  Submitting to the leadership is worth it, though, for the music becomes a thing of beauty - thanksgiving and praise to the Lord!

In 1 Chronicles 25, King David continued to organize the work and worship of the Lord by getting the musicians organized.  These were people who were "trained in singing to the Lord" and were skillful with their instruments.  But like all groups, no level of skill would make up for disorganization.  Have you ever sat at a band performance, waiting for the director to take the podium?  What happens?  The instruments are all tuning up and preparing and making all manner of noise.  Although it comes from musical instruments, the noise isn't music yet.  It isn't until the director takes control of them that the terrible cacophony becomes music.

For that ancient temple choir and orchestra, leaders were assigned and had to take control of the musicians.  As they did so, the result was "thanksgiving and praise to the Lord" (v. 3).  I like how verse 8 describes the musicians, "small and great, teacher and pupil alike."  You see there is a place for everyone in the praise of God.  From the novice to the virtuoso, all voices are welcome!

Are you doing your part to praise the Lord?

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the gift of music and for the privilege of offering our voices and musical talents in praise to you.  Help us to do our best to exalt the name of Jesus with every note and every word.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 46:1-7

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.

5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.

6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.

7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah