The Pilgrim Path---Second Chronicles 5: 11 – 14 (2—27—23)

And when the priests came out of the Holy Place (for all the priests who were present had consecrated themselves, without regard to their divisions, and all the Levitical singers, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, their sons and kinsmen, arrayed in fine linen, with cymbals, harps, and lyres, stood east of the altar with 120 priests who were trumpeters; and it was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the LORD), and when the song was raised, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the LORD,

“For he is good,

For his steadfast love endures forever.”

The house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God.

“…IN PRAISE TO THE LORD”

What a passage! The leaders of worship directing the people to the LORD. This is what we desire. Hearts---voices---instruments---united in adoration of Jehovah-Jesus. We gather for this purpose. We are grateful for Ryan, Stan, and Mr. Gary (with his associates in sound) ---and all the “helpers” in praise---who assist us in forming a crescendo of honor and glory for The Master on any given LORD’S Day. We were created for this Holy Exercise. We may not reach perfection, but all sincere attempts to honor The King--- are welcomed in Heaven! Please do not fail to take part. We are rehearsing for Glory. Don’t be a spectator---be an active participant in the worship of the Living Christ. “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!” Psalm 150: 6

Ask the Holy Spirit to give you some appreciation for the diversity that exists within the worship traditions that are found within the Body of Christ. When I spent several weeks in Grand Rapids, Michigan, years ago---I went to the Free Reformed Church of North America. They only sing the Psalms---but they did it--- to the accompaniment of a mammoth organ. It was a pleasure to learn portions of the Psalter from them! In Spurgeon’s Metropolitan Tabernacle---they sang the “hymns” of the day---but only sang them acapella (on occasion, a dear soul would use a pitch pipe to start them off). I remember Dr. Warren Wiersbe saying that he and his wife found themselves in Nebraska, after a long tenure as pastor at the Moody Church in Chicago. They joined a large church--- while he was the Radio Teacher at Back to The Bible. He said, “the worship was different---nothing unorthodox, but we just decided to fit in.” I’ve always remembered that loving accommodation---from a seasoned saint in Jesus’ Kingdom…

Grace & Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason