Life's Soundtrack

"Elisha said, 'As the LORD of hosts lives, whom I serve, were it not that I have regard for King Jehoshaphat of Judah, I would give you neither a look nor a glance. But get me a musician.' And then, while the musician was playing, the power of the LORD came on him."

(2 Kings 3:14-15)

I love music. One of my favorite simple gifts to receive is an iTunes gift card. I listen to music all the time... and I have an ongoing wish list of new music I'd like to acquire for my iPhone. My taste in music is quite broad.: oldies, classic rock, pop, alternative, hip-hop, rap, RnB, country, contemporary Christian, Disney, etc.

But the playlist I probably play more than any other (in fact, it's playing now as I type this!) is one I call "Movie Theme Instrumentals." It's from film soundtracks. Whenever I watch a movie (either in the theaters or at home), I'm constantly aware of the soundtrack playing in the background. I'll seek out specific songs from movies I've seen to add to my collection. Music is so powerful!

When reading 2 Kings 3 today, I was reminded of this universal truth. Three kings have banded together to fight the King of Moab: the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom. They've met with some hardship along the way, and are unsure of the way forward. Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, suggests they find a prophet of God and ask for direction/wisdom. Enter Elisha. Elisha is (reluctantly) willing to help, but he asks for one thing first: a movie soundtrack! (Actually, it's a musician he asked for.) And with Beyonce singing in the background, Elisha is filled with inspiration (who wouldn't be with Beyonce singing, right?!?)... "and the power of the LORD came on him."

This isn't the first time in Scripture that music is connected to God's presence. Musicians were part of the battle procession in Ancient Israel - especially when they moved into the Promised Land with Joshua. David was called in to play music to soothe King Saul's troubled soul. And the Psalms are filled with hymns to the Lord!

Music is so powerful. I know of at least one pastor colleague of mine who once said that he won't preach anywhere if his choir can't come with him. He relies that much on their inspiration & support for his preaching! Music is so powerful.

When e worship on Sunday mornings (or any other day of the week, for that matter), music is present to help move us before God's throne. Music, done well, can connect us with the Divine in ways that mere words can't.

Praise God for the power of music. And may my life be filled with more of it!