1 Chronicles 25:1: “Moreover David and the captains of the army separated for the service some of the sons of Asaph, of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, stringed instruments, and cymbals.”

September 13th, 2023 by Pastor Ed in devotional

What an interesting statement to make about these musicians who were leading worship. They were to “prophesy with harps, stringed instruments, and cymbals.” These musicians were chosen for their ability to proclaim, or declare, the word of the Lord with their instruments. We have seen from other places in Scripture that prophesying is not always predicting the future or foretelling. It can also be proclaiming truth, speaking forth truth or forthtelling. The Hebrew word used here for “prophesying” (naba) means “to speak by inspiration.” So here it seems prophesying means to praise through singing the psalms of David, proclaiming truths already revealed by God through David’s writings.

We believe that God also has people today who are enabled by the Holy Spirit to lead us in worship. Modern song composer Steve Camp said, “Music is a powerful tool from the Lord Jesus Christ to His church, intended for worship, praise, encouragement, edification, evangelism, teaching, admonishing and exhorting God’s people to holiness.”

Sometimes a little humor is the best illustration. There was a traditional church that had a problem.

The church organist was ill, and the church secretary had hastily arranged a replacement.

“All right,” said the minister from the pulpit. “Let’s all sing hymn number 132.”

“Sorry, Reverend,” said the organist, “I don’t know that one.”

“That’s all right,” said the minister. “We’ll sing hymn number 76 instead. We all know that one.”

“Sorry, Reverend,” said the organist, “I don’t know that one either.”

“Well, don’t worry about that,” said the minister. “Let’s sing hymn number 684. That’s a simple song that we all learned in Sunday School.”

The organist said, “I’m sorry, Reverend . . .”

But before she could finish, someone shouted from the back, “That organist is an IDIOT!”

“Now wait a moment,” said the minister, “that’s no way for a Christian to speak. I want whoever said that to stand up!”

No one stood up.

“All right,” said the minister, “if they won’t stand up, I want the person next to them to stand up!”

Still no one stood up. After an awkward silence, a little man at the back stood up and said, “Reverend, I didn’t call the organist an idiot, and I’m not sitting next to the person who did. But what I want to know is, who in the world called that idiot an ORGANIST?”

“LORD, help us to make a joyful noise to You this day.”