Musical Instruments

The most common musical instrument is the use of our vocal chords to make melody and music. That's why the psalmist is able to say, "I will sing praise to God as long as I live." (Ps 146:2) with the additional exhortation, "Sing to the LORD a new song." (Ps 149:1) Churches all over the world would congregate together either on the Lord's day or other days of the week to sing praises unto the LORD. In some places, where the government regime is oppressive, they sing a capella, without any real musical instruments accompaniment. Whether we sing with or without musical instruments, what's important is that we sing praise songs with praising hearts. I was reading today in Isaiah 29 that we can come near to God with praise in our mouths, but our hearts can be far from Him (v 13).

Apart from our vocal chords, musical instruments like the keyboard, guitar and drums do help to enhance the worship atmosphere. There was a period in time when certain segment of the Christian community view the guitar and drums as instruments from the pit of hell, which should not be used. With the arrival of the charismatic renewal in the 1960s, many churches have been enlightened and warmed up to the use of instuments in their worship services, albeit some traditional liturgical services are still retained. The psalmist in Ps 150 encourages us to praise God with the trumpet, harp, lyre, tambourine, flute and cymbals, a mixture of string and wind instruments.

Not only in praise & worship, the Bible also mentions musical instruments in the context of warfare and prophecy. In warfare, Isaiah mentioned that the blows the LORD lays on the Assyrians would be to the music of tambourines and harps. The psalmist adds, "Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand." (Ps 49:6). We must never underestimate the power of praise and worship in routing the enemy of our souls, just like what King Jehoshaphat did when he sent a choir of singers into battle (2 Chron 20). When being inquired about a matter of great importance, Prophet Elisha asked for a harpist before he could prophesy to the three kings who came to him (2 Kg 3:15). Music, as we can see, is very integral to the life of the people of Israel; and it ought to be in ours as well. We have been called to declare the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvellous light (1 Pet 2:9).

Musical instruments can be very expensive, especially the good ones. When my elder daughter graduated from Yamaha Music School, she decided to continue with learning the piano rather than the organ. Because we do not know whether her interest would be sustained, we got her a second hand piano at under $1000. Later, when we knew that she had a passion and interest in learning the piano we got her a brand new one costing $6500. Likewise for our younger daughter who picked up the violin together with another friend when young. The first violin costs less than $200 and subsequently she was given one by her same friend who bought another violin. Just recently, after passing her grade 5 theory test she was asked to get another violin. Due to her physical features being set and recognising that this would be her last and final violin, we invested in a $3000 violin for her. Even though the investment can be quite heavy, apart from the weekly lessons they had to undergo, we are glad that they have put their musical skills to good use in church.

May the LORD bless those who are using their musical abilities to serve Him. As you do so, know that you're helping the people of God to direct their praise and worship unto Him and to be engaged in warfare and prophecy.