Worship is a Serious Business

When David puts the worshippers in the Temple, we find some incredible insights into the theology of worship. 

1 Chronicles 25:1 (ESV) David and the chiefs of the service also set apart for the service the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who prophesied with lyres, with harps, and with cymbals. The list of those who did the work and of their duties was:

Now we have to see this event as pointing to Christ and revealing His work in the church to establish orderly worship and prophesy in the assembly. Notice that the SONS of Asaph were set apart by David and the chiefs. I believe the Lord does that to this day. He sets us apart for the service of worship. The rest of the chapter is filled with relatives serving together in the house for the administration of worship. 

But there's more to the worship than singing. Verse 1 says they "prophesied" with the instruments. Let us consider that worship is a ministry of prophecy in the Old Testament. My mind goes back to Elisha's request for a musician when he is called upon to prophesy in the dark days of Israel. 

2 Kings 3:14–16 (ESV) And Elisha said, “As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I have regard for Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would neither look at you nor see you. 15 But now bring me a musician.” And when the musician played, the hand of the LORD came upon him. 16 And he said, “Thus says the LORD, ‘I will make this dry streambed full of pools.’

Boring worship is only about the melody and chords of the song. God-ordered worship that ministers to the nation is filled with the Spirit and brings God's Word to bear on the darkness of men's hearts. You have to believe the New Testament churches were filled with singing and prophesy. 

Now there are more details that follow in this chapter. Such as the fact that David chose SKILLED men who had been TRAINED to sing for the house to worship.

1 Chronicles 25:7 (ESV) The number of them along with their brothers, who were trained in singing to the LORD, all who were skillful, was 288.

What is it about the Lord's work that we tend to believe "so so" singing and musical ability is good enough? This is the ministry of God's worship and God's Word! This is serious business and it demands our most excellent efforts and abilities. I believe churches should set the standard for excellence in musical ability in their community. Sadly, many Christians feel the worship ministry is about them and they are hurt or disconnected from the assembly when not chosen to sing or play. What a sad testament to selfish ambition.

Finally, I like the last portion of the details before the list of names:
1 Chronicles 25:8 (ESV) And they cast lots for their duties, small and great, teacher and pupil alike.

Think of that. They didn't let their ambition get in the way of what position they held. They cast lots and let the Lord decide FOR THEM. What a spirit of surrender. You can be the most talented person in the world but if your talent is your god, you won't serve with it, you'll serve it. 

Lord, give us a family of worshippers who are skilled in areas you assign so that the world might see your excellencies through your Church!


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