The Voice of Heaven

By Jeff Ferris

Sometimes the sound is hushed and peaceful, like the “still small voice” mentioned in 1 Kings 19:12. At other times it approaches like the thunderous storm over Mt Sinai, in the book of Exodus.

The language might be different and the tone of it may vary, but it is given as a gift to all from God. It arrives as an amalgamation of pitches and notes. Its frequencies are measured in cycles-per-second and its volume determined by decibels.

It is audible art. It is a crafted beauty, designed for the satisfaction of man’s auditory nerve, and for the pleasing of the heart of God. It is the voice of heaven; celestial waves of sound we simply call “music”.

Music, like ice cream, is available in many flavors, colors and varieties. We have our favorites and we prefer one flavor over another, but it is all created and extended by the hand of God for us to “freely enjoy”.

Our God of invention and variety has given mankind the ability to develop many forms of musical instruments, thus creating an array of musical sounds. And we find music to be a central focus in many areas of the bible.

Music notes were used to bring down the walls of Jericho (Joshua 6:20), and proceeded the Ark of the Covenant (1 Chronicles 15:16). Singers were elevated above soldiers on the battlefield (2 Chronicles 20:21), and led the congregation in Psalm 68:25.

I am not of the camp who believes music must be of a particular style in order to be pleasing or acceptable to God. Some believe certain rhythm patterns or chord progressions have simply been invented by Satan, which incidentally would make him a creator. He is not a creator, simply a perverted of what has been already created by God.

Though we are encouraged to “play skillfully, with a loud noise” (Psalm 33:3 KJV), I believe God is more concerned with the condition of our heart than with the sound of our music.

Like any gift or created force, music can be used for purposes unintended. It can be abused and converted into a source of self-exaltation and flesh-promotion. It can be a tool that fuels greed and materialism, or countless other ungodliness.

But placed within clean hands, and ascending from pure hearts, music can be a great source of encouragement to man, a sower of good seed, and a powerful form of worship to our wonderful God.

Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet: praise Him with the psaltery and harp. Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with the stringed instruments and organs. Praise Him upon the loud cymbals: praise Him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. (Psalm 150: 3-6 KJV)

Jeff Ferris
Toledo, OH
419-478-3833
jferris@bex.net

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