Gathering to Worship and Learn from the Lord

In the days of King David, the nation of Israel was made up of 12 tribes of people that had descended from 12 fathers. The Lord provided for each tribe a portion of the nation’s property. Kind of like a nation made up of 12 states! The Levites were the exception to this rule because they did not have a “state” of their own but were allocated land by the generosity of the other tribes. The Lord was Levi’s inheritance. [1]

“David spoke to the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers accompanied by instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals, by raising the voice with resounding joy.” [2]

Thus, music compositions and singers to sing became a vital thread in the tapestry of Israel. Blessed is the nation that has music composers, musicians and singers who honor the Lord.

David appointed Levites to minister before the Lord to:

Commemorate – remember and celebrate God deeds
Thank and praise the Lord
Make music with stringed instruments, harps, cymbals, and trumpets [3]

The Levites served their nations by composing music to the Lord, singing to the Lord and leading the nation to worship the Lord. Can you imagine how great it would be if your government allocated manpower and resources to remember, thank, and praise the Lord?

Below are excerpts from one of the songs they sang to the Lord:

“Give thanks to the Lord!
Call upon His Name!
Make known His deeds among the peoples!
Sing to Him!
Talk of all His wondrous works!
Glory in His holy Name!
Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!
Seek His face evermore!
Remember His marvelous works which He has done!
Remember His covenant forever!
Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day!
Declare His glory among the nations!
Give to the Lord glory and strength!
Give to the Lord the glory due His Name!
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!
Let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.”
The Lord is good! His mercy endures forever! [4]

At the end of the song, “All the people said, ‘Amen!’ and praised the Lord.” [5]

Taking time to worship and praise the Lord is a vital part of any vibrant ministry.

During worship and prayer yesterday, the Holy Spirit convicted me that to refine my ability to present Biblical truth, I need to do it in the context of discipleship... with a group of disciples who, like me, want the Lord to teach and refine us.

The Lord gave me some encouraging words this morning...

“For Your Name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity, for it is great. Who is the man that fears the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses. He himself shall dwell in prosperity, and his descendants shall inherit the earth. The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.” [6]

I need the Lord to forgive my past failures and to teach me. I need the Lord to refine me. I want both my biological and spiritual descendants to inherit all that God has for them.

“One thing I have desired of the Lord that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.” [7]

The Lord says, “I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me diligently will find Me.” [8]

The Lord says, “Listen to Me, My children, for blessed are those who keep My ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to Me, watching daily at My gates, waiting at the posts of My doors. For whoever finds Me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord.” [9]

The Lord reminded me this morning as I considered the journey ahead, “God loves a cheerful giver. God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” And “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” [10]

Praise the Lord!

[1] Joshua 14:3
[2] 1 Chronicles 15:11
[3] 1 Chronicles 16:4-6
[4] 1 Chronicles 16:8-12, 15, 23-24, 28-29, 31, 34
[5] 1 Chronicles 16:36
[6] Psalm 25:11-14
[7] Psalm 27:4
[8] Proverbs 8:17
[9] Proverbs 8:32-35
[10] 2 Corinthians 9:7-8; Psalm 27:14