They will see and rejoice

If we considered our knowledge of musical artists, bands and singers, we could attribute some of this awareness to the music our parents listened to. Friends of the same age may recall different music from past generations depending on their parents' taste. These are the songs we grew up with. Jesus used the term 'little ones' to describe both children in terms of physiological age, and also people who were young in their Christian faith. In this month's On That Note we'll consider how the song of the Lord in our heart can inspire the faith of these little ones.

The term 'the song of the Lord' is not referring to a genre of music; rather a heart or spirit behind music. It's the motive or underpinning expression that provokes us long before we pick up an instrument or exercise our vocal chords. Jesus said, 'But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshippers'. John 4:23. To praise the Lord in spirit and truth, is to recognise and believe that any hope of heaven or eternal life is found in Him. The psalmist wrote, 'I have trusted in Your mercy, my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation'. Psa 13:5. If a tangible, real hope of salvation didn't exist in Christ, then Christians of all people would be most pitiable. 1 Cor 15:19. But we believe it does. We believe this is truth. And for this we give thanks and sing. 'Sing praise to the Lord, you His godly ones, and give thanks to His name.' Psa 30:4. This spirit of thanks is the essence of true worship and resounds forever in our hearts.

A state of ever-readiness to lift up our voice in songs of thanksgiving is evidence we're spiritually sensitive to the salvation of the Lord. We might look dubiously upon a man claiming his profession as a mechanic who never has grease on his hands. Similarly, a man professing to Christian faith without songs of thanksgiving on his heart would be puzzling. Zechariah prophesied about the restoration of God's people. 'Ephraim will be like a mighty man, and their heart will be glad as if from wine. Indeed their children will see it and be glad, their heart will rejoice in the Lord'. The word 'glad' is also translated 'rejoice'. Hence, the power of the Lord to mightily restore our soul produces in us such exuberant rejoicing it cannot be rationalised by an analytical, sober mind! This brings us to our key point. When we show forth this spirit of rejoicing, our 'little ones' will see and rejoice themselves. This means both our literal children as well as those young in faith. What a wonderful thought it is that the musical legacy we can pass down to younger generations is the song of the Lord Himself! It will inspire, encourage and cause them to rejoice too. 'Sing to the Lord, bless His name; proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day. Tell of His glory among the nations; His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.' Psa 96:2,3.

Lachlan Perrin

Return to top

Feature Articles
May 2009

Knowing His will

Speaking face to face

They will see and rejoice

A new name

Straight and tall

Abide in Him

Manifold grace

How much does it cost?

Devoted to prayer

Son of my vows