Introduction:
A. Maybe you have heard the saying, “Music can soothe the savage beast.”
1. And maybe you remember the classic cartoon where Bugs Bunny is reminded of the statement “music calm the savage beast” and Bugs starts playing a violin in order to calm the aggressive gorilla with music.
2. Actually, that statement, “music can soothe the savage beast” is a misquote of William Congreve’s 1697 play The Mourning Bride.
3. The actual line is “Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak,” meaning music can calm intense emotions of the heart, not literal wild animals.
B. In spite of being a misquote, the statement is true.
1, Music is a powerful force – it gets our attention; it grabs our hearts; it transforms our souls.
2. Why is this the case? Because God has made it so.
3. God is the one who has created music and God has created us in a way that music ministers to us deep in our hearts and our minds and our souls.
4. Not only that, God has also given certain individuals the ability to make music.
5. All the way back in the Bible’s first genealogical records we read that Jubal “was the father of all who play the harp and flute.” (Gen. 4:21)
6. Jubal may have been the first, but he wasn’t the last and King David was given the gift of music.
I. David The Music Minister:
A. David, the man whose life we are studying, the man after God’s own heart, was a man of music.
1. Right in the middle of the Bible we find the book Psalms, all 150 of them.
2. More than half of them were written by David, and some of them, no doubt, were written in the very context we’re going to look at today, in the threatening presence of a madman named Saul.
B. After Samuel anointed David with oil, indicating God’s choice of him as the next king of Israel, we read some disturbing things about Saul.
1. The Bible says, “Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him.” (1 Sam. 16:14)
2. Before we talk about the misery of this malady that Saul wrestled with, I think it’s important that we notice that the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul before an evil spirit came.
3. It’s also important for us to understand that the indwelling of the Spirit is different for Christians than it was for the people of the Old Testament.
4. Before the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2, the Spirit of God never permanently rested on any person, perhaps with the exception of David and John the Baptizer.
5. In Old Testament times, it was common for the Spirit of God to come for a temporary period of strengthening or insight or whatever was the need of the moment, and then to depart.
6. However, at Pentecost and from that time on, when the Holy Spirit comes into the believing sinner upon their baptism into Christ, He stays.
7. We remain sealed by the Holy Spirit, as Paul wrote, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of salvation.” (Eph. 4:30)
8. And as you know, for those of us who are Christians, our very bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit – the Spirit of God resides in us! (1 Cor. 6:19)
C. But what was happening in 1 Samuel 16 with King Saul was many centuries before Pentecost.
1. We should not be surprised to read that as the Spirit of God departed from Saul, a vacuum was created into which God sent an evil spirit to torment him.
2. No one knows the exact reason that the Lord did this, but we can certainly speculate.
3. What seems most probable is that the Lord was disgusted with Saul.
4. It’s as if God was saying to Saul, “You have not taken me seriously. This will teach you to do that, Saul.”
5. The Hebrew word used here for “torment” means “to fall upon, to startle, to overwhelm.”
6. Keil and Delitzsch (Kyle, Deh-Litch), two reputable Old Testament scholars, say this about the evil spirit that came upon Saul, “The ‘evil spirit from Jehovah’ which came into Saul in the place of the Spirit of Jehovah, was not merely an inward feeling of depression at the rejection announced to him, which grew into melancholy, and occasionally broke out in passing fits of insanity, but a higher evil power, which took possession of him, and not only deprived him of his peace of mind, but stirred up the feelings, ideas, imagination, and thoughts of his soul to such an extent that at times it drove him even into madness. The demon is called ‘an evil spirit (coming) from Jehovah’ because Jehovah had sent it as a punishment…”
7. With our human minds, we might struggle to understand the way God’ purposes are accomplished even through Satan and demons, but God is God and all His ways are perfect.
D. So that was Saul’s malady, and it was so visible to those around him that even his servant realized he needed help and boldly suggested, “See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the harp. He will play when the evil spirit from God comes upon you, and you will feel better.” So Saul said to his attendants, “Find someone who plays well and bring him to me.” (1 Sam. 16:15-17)
1. Earliest archaeological records, carvings, and inscriptions show us that the ancients believed music soothed passions, healed mental diseases, and even held in check riots.
2. It is interesting how God used this belief to provide the link needed to connect David to Saul and the throne.
3. God never runs out of creative ways to carry out His sovereign plan!
E. When one of the Saul’s servants heard the plan to look for someone to provide the king with soothing music, the servant said, “I know a guy who can do that.”
1. The Bible says, One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine- looking man. And the LORD is with him.” (1 Sam. 16:18)
2. That’s a pretty good resume, isn’t it?
a. David was a skilled musician; he was man of valor; he was a warrior; he had control of his tongue; he was handsome; and by the way, the Lord was with him.
3. One important thing this says to me is that we should never discount anything about our past, or any preparation or experience we have had – God can use it all!
4. We never know when something that we have done or something that happened years ago will open a door of opportunity in the future.
5. That’s precisely what happened to David – There he was plucking away on his harp, out in the fields of Judea and he was called upon to play for the king.
6. He had never met Saul, yet he was going to be Saul’s replacement, and so God worked out a way to bring them together - and what is that way? Music.
7. The Bible says, Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” So Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them with his son David to Saul.” (1 Sam. 16:19-20)
8. I don’t know if Jesse had any concerns about releasing David to Saul, but he didn’t send him to Saul empty-handed – He loaded him down with gifts for the king.
F. David didn’t know it, but he was getting ready to enter boot camp on the road to becoming a king.
1. The Bible says, that: David came to Saul and entered his service. (1 Sam. 16:21a)
2. When David walked into the king’s presence, Saul had no idea who David would become – Saul’s successor was standing right in front of him, but the king didn’t know it.
3. Of course, David certainly didn’t mention it.
a. He never said to Saul, “I’m gonna take you place, pal. So, step aside.”
4. Even though he had been anointed, he never once pulled rank on Saul - he wasn’t presumptuous.
5. Why? Because he was a man after God’s own heart – he was a special man.
6. David had come for one purpose – to minister to the king in his torment and depression.
G. So how did things go for David with Saul? Well at the start things went very well.
1. The Bible says, Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers. Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.” Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him. (1 Sam. 16:21b-23)
2. Isn’t that a beautiful picture? There was Saul on his bed, or pacing in his chamber, writhing in madness, and in the corner sat David playing his harp and perhaps singing one of his psalms.
3. Who knows, maybe they sang together at times - maybe David taught Saul to sing some of his songs.
4. David’s music was effective – It relaxed and refreshed Saul.
a. The Hebrew word translated “refreshed” or “relief” means “to be wide, to be spacious, to give space so as to bring relief.”
b. Moffatt translated it, “He played for Saul till Saul breathed freely.”
5. God had His hand on this young man whose music not only would fill the heart of a oppressed king overwhelmed by blackness, but also would someday fill His written Word.
7. And the result of all this was that Saul began to love that young man because he brought him relief.
a. Saul said to David’s father, “Your son is a keeper.”
b. And Saul gave David additional duties – David became one of his armor bearers as well – a position of trust.
II. How Music Ministers to Us
A. What about us? How does music minister to us?
B. Martin Luther believed that the Reformation was not complete until the saints of God had two things in their possession – a Bible in their own tongue, and a hymnal, which they called a Psalter.
1. He believed they needed the Word that could lead them to a deeper understanding of their God, and a companion volume that would help them express the love and joy of their faith.
2. Luther said, “Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise.”
3. I don’t think we can have genuine worship without those two elements blending together – the preaching of the Word, and the expression of our faith in melody that flows from our hearts and our voices in song.
C. God certainly has cast His vote in favor of music.
1. Long before there was humankind, or the voice of humankind on the earth, there was singing.
2. In the book of Job, we hear God questioning Job about what he knew about the early days of creation, “Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone - while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?” (Job 38:4-7)
3. Just imagine the kind of harmony the morning stars and the angels must have emitted as they sang!
4. Also, consider all the scenes the Bible gives us from Revelation – what will we and the angels be singing around the throne for all eternity? “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain…” (Rev. 5:12)
5. So, don’t you think that since there was singing before the earth was formed and there will singing after the earth is gone, that there should be a lot of singing while we are here on the earth?
D. Don’t you think it interesting that the longest of all the books of the Bible is the one dedicated to singing?
1. In the preface of his book The Treasury of David, Charles Spurgeon wrote, “The delightful study of the Psalms has yielded me boundless profit and ever-growing pleasure.”
a. Spurgeon later called the Psalms the “peerless book.” (a book without peers)
2. G. Campbell Morgan said this about the Psalms, “The Book of Psalms…is the book in which the emotions of the human soul find expression. Whatever your mood, and I suppose you have changing moods as well as I do…I can find you a Psalm that will help to express it. Are you glad? I can find you a Psalm that you can sing. Are you sad? I can find you a Psalm that will suit that occasion. The Psalms range over the whole gamut of human emotions…They were all written for us in the consciousness of and in the presence of God…In every one of these Psalms, from the first to the last, whatever the particular tone, whether major or minor, the singer is conscious of God. That gives peculiar character to the Book of Psalms.”
3. That’s not to say that the Psalms are easy, because they aren’t.
4. Of course, there are a few that are very popular and easier to benefit from – like Psalm 1, 19, 23, 91, 100, and parts of 119.
5. But for the most part, the rest of the Psalms take time and effort to benefit from them.
6. They are music for the mature, and those who want to mature should spend their time in the Psalms with their minds and hearts engaged.
7. The Psalms offer wonderful opportunities for times of refreshment and recovery, they can be very helpful to channel emotions that seem to be getting out of line, or give voice to emotions that we find difficult to express.
8. Praise God for inspiring David and others to write the Psalms and then to preserve them for us, and praise God for those who have put melody to them so we can sing them!
9. Example – We had a Psalm on a banner in the front of our auditorium and a friend visiting for our youth rally from another congregation saw the banner and came up with a melody and taught us the song – I still remember the song!
E. I don’t think I can over emphasize the importance of music in our spiritual lives both personally/individually and collectively.
1. Paul taught some very important truths about this subject in the similar passages written to the churches at Ephesus and the Colosse.
2. To the Ephesians he wrote: Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Eph. 5:19-20)
3. To the Colossians he wrote: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. (Col. 3:16)
4. In those two passages we see that singing is a very important spiritual activity.
5. It is a form of communication where we speak to each other, and teach and admonish each other.
6. This is to be done with the word of Christ and with all wisdom dwelling in our hearts.
7. And it is to be done with thanksgiving in our hearts as well.
8. Certainly, we sing in order to please God as our praise goes up to Him as a spiritual sacrifice, and as our melody is broadcast into heaven where God’s antenna is always receiving.
9. But also, we sing in order for it to minister to us and to each other.
F. Many people struggle with singing in worship because they don’t consider themselves to be very good singers.
1. Even though they may be right about the fact, that they aren’t a good singer, that doesn’t matter.
2. When we sing in worship, we are not auditioning for American Idol or The Voice, rather we are singing to the Lord – He is our audience.
3. So, never mind how good or bad you sound, make a joyful noise unto the Lord – sing loud enough to drown out the self-defeating thoughts that sometimes clamor for attention.
G. We also sometimes struggle with the types of music we sing.
1. Some people like the new songs; some people like the old songs.
a. Some people like fast songs; some like slow ones.
b. Some like more songs; some like less songs. (I sound like Dr. Seus!)
2. The point is – none of us like or want the same things – that’s why we need to be flexible and accommodating.
3. Keep in mind that the very song or songs that you dislike, are very likely someone’s favorites!
4. And keep in mind that today’s “old” music was yesterday’s “new” music – today’s classic music was yesterday’s contemporary music.
5. Sometimes we just have to get used to things – and that takes time and patience.
6. And we have to realize that nothing stays the same – everything is ever changing – and again – that’s why we have to be flexible and accommodating.
H. Let me give a few suggestions that might enhance the ministry of music in our spiritual lives.
1. First of all, concentrate on the words.
a. The best spiritual songs have incredibly powerful words.
b. The meaning of these songs can bless our lives as they remind us of what the Lord has done for us, or what the Lord will do for us.
c. They also can give voice to our deepest longings to praise the Lord, ask for His mercy, or offer thanksgiving.
d. And as we have already mentioned, the words allow us to express our faith and teach each other God’s truths.
e. We must not let our minds go into neutral – concentrate on the meaning of the songs.
2. Second, I would suggest that we engage the heart as well as the head.
a. The meaning of the songs we sing should often prompt strong emotions, so let those emotions flow.
b. How can we sing “When We All Get To Heaven” without rejoicing in our hearts?
c. How can we sing “It is Well with My Soul” and not be moved as we think of what Christ as done for us, and the fact that no matter what is happening it can be well with my soul.
d. I could go on and on, but I won’t – Singing should prompt our emotions, and when it does, let them flow in tears, or joy with smiles, and nodding heads, or raised hands.
3. Finally, I would suggest that we sing as much as possible.
a. We should carry a song with us in our hearts throughout the day.
b. And we should participate in singing whenever possible.
c. Some of the greatest moments in my spiritual life have come during singing gatherings.
d. I remember some of the devotional times at Harding on the Benson steps, and in the old recording studio – I didn’t want those moments of singing to come to an end.
e. There have been times when we have been singing at Camp Hunt around the campfire or in Grindley Auditorium, when we could have gone on forever.
f. I would have to say that there has never been a time when I have gathered with Christians to sing when I haven’t been blessed.
g. Singing spiritual songs just does wonderful things to the soul.
I. Let me say a few words about how thankful I am for our song leaders here at Wetzel Road.
1. I really appreciate how Alan, Allen, and Tom minister to us by leading our singing.
2. They spend a lot of time carefully choosing the songs for each service.
3. There is really a lot that goes into it – from the pacing of the songs, the mix of songs, and the themes of the songs and how they correspond to the sermon.
4. Beyond that there is the challenge of leading the congregation into the worship of our Holy God – what a responsibility - that’s enough to make anyone tremble.
5. Add to that the challenge of the music and melodies, nervousness, and making the voice cooperate early in the morning, and you have a very daunting task.
6. Why do they do it? Because we need them to do it, and they feel called to minister in this way.
a. They certainly don’t do it to draw attention to themselves.
7. Why not let them know, from time to time, how much you appreciate their efforts?
8. And please, be patient with them if they don’t choose songs you like, or they pitch them to high or too low, or don’t lead them fast enough or slow enough for your taste.
9. They are human but they are wanting to do the best they can to bless the church and bring glory to God.
10. I pray that God will bring and develop additional song leaders for the present and the future.
J. Music is a powerful force for our spiritual good and growth.
1. Soft music for a hard heart is what David provided for Saul and it’s what we also need.
2. Through spiritual music, we are reminded of what Christ has done for us and how God wants us to live.
3. Like the Psalmist, I hope we will be committed to singing to the Lord and singing of the Lord:
a. “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.” (Ps. 89:1)
b. “I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.” (Ps. 104:33)
4. And I hope we will embody the words of David: I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. (Ps. 34:1-3)
5. God has given us a song and we can rejoice and exalt God together.
6. Let’s minister to one another in song and let’s allow singing and music to minister to our souls, and bring adoration and glory to God.
Resources:
David – A Man of Passion and Destiny, by Charles R. Swindoll, Word Publishing, 1997.
David I, by W. Phillip Keller, Word Books, 1985.
The Making of a Man of God, by Alan Redpath, Fleming H. Revell Company, 1962.
