(Disclaimer: This is the loving musing of an imaginative old preacher; not intended to be thought of as a literal interpretation of biblical Scriptures)
God loves singing. He loves music. He is experiencing worship through music from all His creation. Oh, the music to His ears is not quite what we humans are used to producing, though He likes most of that I suppose. The music of His creation is extra meaningful and beautiful.
The Garden of Eden was a pleasantly noiseless place, that is, everything that God created and gave sound to was itself a musical instrument to partake in His vast orchestra.
What kinds of music does God’s creation make?
God’s creation generates music in immeasurable ways, blending the varied natural sounds with human creativity. Nature, rather, creation, is itself a composition, a production of the Master: birds sing complex melodies, the wind whistles and hums through trees, ocean waves crash rhythmically upon shores, in hushed softness or wild and furious crashes, and even the hum of insects creates a unique harmony. From childhood in the Midwest, I have been held spellbound by the unique song of the crickets on the otherwise quiet nights. These sounds are often viewed as expressions of beauty and wonder, displaying the Master Creator’s imagination.
The universe is like a vast orchestra, with stars, planets, and galaxies contributing unique “sounds.” Stars produce vibrations, or “starquakes,” which create sound waves. Planets and moons give off electromagnetic waves, which convert into eerie, unearthly sounds. Galaxies and other cosmic formations can also be “heard” when their light or radiation transforms into sound. The universe’s symphony is truly fascinating! All of creation was designed to allow God Himself to eternally hear the blended and well-timed musical praise of creation to its Creator.
At an undisclosed time, in Heaven, God had Created millions of magnificent angel beings, both to serve God and the soon coming creation, man. These angels were beautiful, powerful and filled with melodic praise to their Creator God. No doubt the most splendid of the angels was the angel, Lucifer. Lucifer was beautiful, colorful, and seemed to have the loving sounds of many instruments emitting from his being. In his position near to God, he directed the heavenly angels in songs of praise that filled the majestic throne room of God. But then in a forever rage of jealousy over God’s perfect song, Lucifer’s song changed from praise to a brutal death metal genre. Millions of angels became mesmerized by Lucifer’s change of song and vowed to sing to his distortions. Each of those now demonic musicians were cast out of God’s heavenly orchestra.
Adam and Eve, the crowning glory of God’s creation, were designed to express worship towards their God Who remained in close relationship in the Garden. Like the other created creatures, man was designed to make music with their voices. Of course, melodic singing, but I suspect from life experience with my God, that the act of love-infused conversation was also a pleasing song to God’s ears as He strolled in the Garden beside Adam and Eve.
Another brilliance of God’s design added to the harmonic beauty, was that all of God’s creatures had been protected by an outer covering—fur, feathers, scales, shells, etc., which also gave a deep sense of comfort. This comfort gave a sense of inner joy that enhanced the music with loving tones.
The man and woman were naked. Adam and Eve were covered and protected by the glory of God, that is until the fall…the first sin…disobeying God. Lucifer, now Satan, had entered the Garden in the form of a serpent and enticed them through confusion to sing his song rather than God’s…they sinned against God.
Adam and Eve were naked and afraid. They had lost God’s holy song and covering of glory. Comfort was gone. This fear was a new experience. They were naked and ashamed. Fear affected their song. They no longer had the voice that worshipped only God. Their song changed.
Man could still sing, but the songs were distorted. Their songs worshipped themselves or each other.
When the time was right, God sent His Son into the world to save man by means of becoming one of them. God’s Son, Jesus, was different in that His voice was not distorted by sin. Jesus sang beautiful songs of praise to the Father and hope for man. If Jesus were a song crafted by the Father, I imagine His lyrics would reflect themes of love, grace, redemption, and eternal hope—a divine melody woven with compassion and light.
Jesus tried to teach His songs to twelve chosen men who would follow Him. Both the twelve and many others were impressed with His songs yet could not sing them. Something was still missing. The covering. God’s glory was still missing. No peace and comfort. Even though they may have learned some of the words to His song, the melody was distorted by sin.
Unknowingly influenced by Satan, many of the religious leaders of prominence became terrified of His song. He would destroy their presumed harmony. They must silence His song. He must die.
The rhythm of their anger-driven song became louder and louder…the deep bass sounds and the intense pounding and striking grew harder and harder, weakening His song until it was concealing the innocence of joy and peace with the darkness of evil and sin. God’s Son’s song was finally…drowned…out! Jesus had died in darkness’ crescendo. Satan had won the Battle of the Bands, or so he thought.
The night and the following day were filled with soft, dark bass sounds of gloom and grief. It was a song that had no beginning and no ending and allowed no peace of heart or mind. The air was heavy, filled with emptiness.
But then came the rise of the Son on Sunday, the third day. A new song softly beginning at the gentle vibrations of a rolling stone, under the direction of a heavenly being. Then came the glory of His light emitting from within having the sense of peace, tranquility, spaciousness with the sweet aromatic yet merging with a backdrop of unmistakable supremacy. This was the Father’s New Song that only He had the rights to.
If the resurrected Jesus were captured in a song for believers to sing, it would likely be a triumphant anthem of victory, hope, and eternal life—a song that celebrates His conquering of death and His promise of new beginnings.
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (Revelation 5:12)
Beloved Believer, Sing On!
