Keep the Music Alive

Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah chapter 14 tell of the attributes of Lucifer, his characteristics, his intended purpose, his agenda, and his demise. 

In basic terms, Lucifer was created to be the music of praise and worship in Heaven. He was granted access to every part of the Kingdom. He was adorned in beauty and gifted above all cherubs. All of the heavenly creatures were to follow his example and instruction.

But he became prideful and over-estimated his importance. He became jealous of the Most High God and coveted the Creator's glory. Instead of conforming to his purpose, he strove to attain his own. He was cast out of Heaven, yet continues on Earth to seek what is commanded to be God's alone.

His agenda has not changed. He still solicits the accolades of mankind. He uses his gifts to lure them away from God and into his own band. No ethnic, age, religious, or gender group is exempt from his penetration. He uses the universal language,appeal, and acceptance of music to his advantage.

With that being said, consider how quickly your own mood can change as you hear various types of music. When you hear rhythmic soothing music you tend to linger near it's source. Conversely, music that you consider offensive will drive you away from it's source.  

Music is a powerful persuader. It can facilitate a wholesome life or one devoid of any moral character. Take the following quotes and consider their origins. The conclusions are obvious.

"Music is the strongest form of magic." Marilyn Manson

"Music can change the world because it can change people." Bono

"Music...will help dissolve your perplexities and purify your character and sensibilities, and in time of care and sorrow, will keep a fountain of joy alive in you." Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"The devil, the originator of sorrowful anxieties and restless troubles, flees before the sound of music almost as much as before the Word of God. Music is a gift and grace of God, not an invention of men. Thus it drives out the devil and makes people cheerful. Then one forgets all wrath, impurity, and other devices." Martin Luther

Now consider the following words of David, a man who experienced defeat but found victory as he worshiped the Lord in music and song.

"But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love;

for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress my God on whom I can rely." Psalm 59:16,17 NIV

Beloved, I challenge you to keep the music of your salvation, alive in your heart. Sing the hymns of old, the anthems of the victorious, the psalms of the Bible, the contemporary choruses of praise and worship, and the melodies that He stirs within your soul. Sing in your native language not only for yourself, but as a blessing to others.  Sing in the Spirit and edify yourself in the things of God.

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Colossians 3:16 KJV