The Music Of The Gospel

INTRODUCTION

A recent survey has found that music is beneficial to our health.

There is something about music which captivates man. People from every corner of the globe proudly sing their national anthem. The great hymn ’Abide with me’ is sung every year at the FA Cup Final in London. Interestingly, the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther played the flute. Today’s passage records the sweet harp music of the Psalmist David.

There are gospel lessons to be learned:

1. SAUL’S MISERY

a) Characterized by depression. God sometimes uses depression to draw sinners to Christ. God wanted to forgive Saul.

b) Caused by transgression. His sin was the root problem. The lesson is simple. The first question a depressed person needs to ask themselves is this: ’Have my sins been forgiven?’ There is no point running to doctors and taking medication while sins remain unforgiven. If the individual does know the forgiveness of sins, then they are right to seek medical help after having prayed.

2. SAUL’S DISCOVERY

a) He discovered a man. David is a picture of Jesus. He was from Bethlehem. He belonged to the tribe of Judah. His name means ‘beloved’. He was the king of Israel. He was a shepherd.

b) He discovered a skilful man - "Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing". There is no-one more skilful than Jesus. He can purge your sins. He can calm your troubled conscience. He can heal your backslidings. There is nothing too hard for Him.

3. SAUL’S RECOVERY

a) Refreshment. David’s music worked wonders. The music of the gospel can do the same for troubled sinners. All you need is five syllables - J-E-S-U-S.

b) Movement. "the evil spirit departed from him".

The Name of Jesus is so sweet,

I love its music to repeat;

It makes my joys full and complete,

The precious Name of Jesus!