David was known for it. Solomon knew the value of it. Jehoshaphat was wise enough to make use of it. Music. The worship of God through music. David was a harp player. From the time he was a shepherd boy, called from the field to play for King Saul. To the days of running from Saul's spears, David played music. And his music brought the presence the of the Lord... soothing the soul. So David created instruments and he brought worship, singing and music to the tabernacle. His son, Solomon knew the value of it. And when the Temple of the Lord was built, and the Ark of the Lord was ushered in with music. They worshipped, played trumpets, in unison with the singin of priests. And the presence of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. Jehoshaphat too, was wise enough to make use of it. When he feared the great multitude coming against him from beyond the sea... he fasted, prayed, positioned his troops, and stood battle ready. All in obedience to God. But one more thing this king did never mentioned by the Spirit... he appointed musicians to sing to the Lord and others to praise the beauty of His holiness. And they made music before the army saying, Give thanks to the Lord, For He is good, His mercy endures forever. Jehoshaphat was wise enough to use music to usher in the presence of God wgen he needed it most. And he stood again, as we read today, in this valley, with two other kings. They were thirsty. And their animals without water. It had been seven days of travel and they were in need of help as curcumstance did not turn out as expected. So they callled upon Elisha... a prophet of the Lord. And only because Elisha knew that Jehoshaphat is a godly king would he call upon the Lord for them. For he knew the two other kings to be worshippers of idols, who typically sought the advice of false prophets. But first, Elisha made a request. But now bring me a musician. 2 Kings 3:15 One little verse... six words that could have made the difference between victory and defeat, between life and death of thousands. And possibly, if it were not in the presence of King Jehoshaphat, they may have just laughed at this prophet. But since this king knew the value of the request, it was easily honored. For it ushered in the presence of God. But not just any music would do. They weren't going to play... The Rolling Stones, Earth, Wind and Fire, or even Green Day. Nope! Only worship music... lifting of the Lord in praise and thanksgiving. Then it happened, when the musician played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him. 2 Kings 3:15 And Elisha heard from God and brought forth the word of the Lord. No different from today... Just as our hearts can be moved, transported, and set right with God during worship in church the prophet Elisha needed to settle his heart in that wilderness. And God can be brought near to us even outside of church in our wilderness, in the middle of our day... wherever we may be, just by focusing on Him with the right music in worship. Word of God, train me, today... to take the time to settle my heart with music, ushering You into my presence, to know that anytime I need more of You, I can find You in the worship and praise set in song.
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January 2019
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