God’s Music

“While the capacity to make and enjoy music is universal, the kinds of music we enjoy are far from uniform. The same sounds that express joy in one culture may communicate sorrow in another.”

Genesis 4:21 tells us that Jubal, the son of Lamech, was “the father of all who play stringed instruments and pipes.” The phrase “the father of all” means that he was the first person to master the art of making music in this way. But Jubal did not invent music. Job 38:7 reveals that at Creation, “the morning stars sang together, and all the angels shouted for joy.” In other words, music ultimately had its origin in heaven. This explains why it has always played an important role in our worship of God.

The connection between music and creation is echoed throughout Scripture. Not only do the heavens “declare the glory of God” (Ps. 19:1) but also the trees of the forest will “sing for joy” when the Lord “comes to judge the earth” (1 Chron. 16:33).

Theologian Jeremy Begbie observes that music is “a matter not only of human making but also of engaging with the given integrities of what Christians believe is a God created world.” Music engages the whole person in worship. The apostle Paul urges Christians: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” (Col. 3:16). Music helps us to both know the truth and feel its importance. Music moves us to thankfulness and enables us to respond with our heart as well as our mind.

While the ability to make and enjoy music is universal, the kinds of music we enjoy are far from uniform. The same sounds that express joy in one culture may communicate sorrow in another. What one thinks is too loud, another perceives as too soft. The church’s music is diverse. It incorporates as many styles and genres as there are cultures. Some music that is new to us will move us deeply. But there may also be styles that do not resonate with us. We are not required to appreciate all the music we hear, but we are obligated to love those whose preferences differ from ours. Worship often demands patience from us as well as enthusiasm.

For Further Study

To learn more, read Resounding Truth: Christian Wisdom in the World of Music by Jeremy Begbie (InterVarsity).