This is an uplifting article written by a friend of mine.
GOD’S WORD IS A SYMPHONY
OF
PRAISE
By
Patricia L. Williams
Copyright © 2006 by Patricia
Williams
All Rights Reserved
All Rights Reserved
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GOD’S WORD IS A SYMPHONY OF PRAISE
PART I
A recent visit to a symphony concert was very
enjoyable. I delighted hearing Brahms Symphony No. 2 performed by the Atlanta
Symphony Orchestra. I did not realize at that time how God would use that
experience to give me a deeper understanding of His precious word.
In musical terms, a symphony is
described as a compound form. The classical symphony usually has four sections,
or movements, and while it is possible for each movement to be performed
separately, that is rarely done. The relationship between the movements, such
as the interplay of mood, the creativity of structure, or the unfolding of a
story, is what makes the listening experience complete.
Obviously, the Word of God is a
compound form with 66 separate movements, or books. Each book can be read
separately, but the full satisfaction comes from recognizing how each section
is skillfully integrated into a meaningful whole.
There are two levels of
appreciation when listening to a symphony. The first and most elementary is the
emotional response. Every listener is able to appreciate on this level.
However, the skill of the conductor lies in his ability to direct the various
emotions to a point of unity. In other words, each listener will be directed
toward the same emotional response. That feeling of oneness generated in an
assembly of strangers is reason to visit a concert hall, as opposed to
listening in solitude, where one misses out on that experience.
When we read or hear the Words
of God, each of us can have an emotional response. We can marvel in awe at the
act of creation, or cheer with the Israelites when David slays the giant. We
cry along with Jeremiah and walk and leap and praise God with the lame man who
was healed by the Apostles. These are common emotional responses. The role of
the Holy Spirit, when we read or hear the Words of God, is to take us as
individuals and lead us to a point of unity in Christ. Similarly, just as in a
concert hall, for the blessing of unity to be realized, the assembling of the
saints together should not be forsaken.
The second level of appreciation
for a symphonic composition is reached through an understanding of the
mechanics of construction. The whole process begins with a design concept in
the mind of the composer who employs musical symbols on a printed page to
transmit his concept to others. It can readily be seen that Scripture began as
a design concept in the mind of the Almighty who chose to transmit this concept
to us living today, through the printed page, the Holy Bible. Less obvious
however may be the mechanics of this transmission, which will now be examined
in detail.
Musical notes can be arranged in
two ways; the linear arrangement which creates melody and the vertical
arrangement which creates harmony. A melody is a meaningful arrangement of
tones that is constructed with a plan or purpose. It is designed to attract our
attention and elicit a response. Symphonic compositions that have delighted
people through the ages are the ones that have immediately recognizable
melodies. These melodies that are elevated to prominence in a composition are
called themes.
Our beloved King James Bible has
beautiful melodies that sing out from the pages. Each melody is made up of a
series of words, for example,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only
begotten Son.” This melody abounds throughout the Bible, in many
variations and in many different contexts, but when we hear it, even if it has
been disguised, we remember that we have heard it before and it is familiar to
us. Or, consider the melody, “Behold the Lamb of
God.” When this theme is encountered
in the Bible and we remember the Lamb and think on Him, we interact with that
melody to the stirring of our very soul.
One of the marks of greatness of
a classical composer is his ability to manipulate melodic fragments into
various constructs and then reorganize them into even more meaningful patterns.
Full enjoyment of a symphony on this second, deeper level depends upon our
ability to remember the melodies heard previously, and when, after a sometimes
prolonged interlude, they reappear in all their majesty, it is like reuniting
with an old friend. The more familiar we become with the composition, the more
we anticipate the arrival of that recognizable melody. The same is applicable to the Bible’s major
themes. Just as a symphony, with its
different movements, is united by its thematic material, so is the Bible. The
themes are manipulated, maneuvered, transformed, and sometimes disguised, but
study and meditation can often reveal them. A musician who has studied the composition
will understand it in greater depth and see the marvelous intricacies better
than someone hearing it for the first time. However, the conductor, or in our
analogy, the Holy Spirit can guide us into a more complete understanding.
Let us digress at this point as
we ponder the role of the conductor. He (or she) never adds to,
subtracts, or in any way changes the score that the composer has written. The
job of the conductor is to interpret the information on the page and to lead,
guide and direct the musicians in the performance. As pertains to the matter of
interpretation, there are certain notations that may not be changed; for
example, the notes themselves may not be altered unless there is an obvious
misprint. The work must be performed in the same key that was chosen by the
composer because a certain mood or impression can be generated through this choice of key.
However, when the composer writes “allegro” on the score, to define the speed at which the music is to
be performed, just how fast is “allegro”?
If he writes “pianissimo” on a section, just how soft is that? The conductor determines these criteria within certain
universal parameters and thus puts his signature on the performance.
As the Holy Spirit clarifies
God’s words and brings us to a knowledge of the truth, it is not accomplished by changing or modifying
those words in any way. What God has written is forever
settled and preserved for us. The role of the Holy Spirit is to equip
us to understand and perform God’s Words as
was intended by the composer Himself. Just as a conductor cannot transmit the
message without participation by the musicians who bring their own special
gifts and abilities to the performance, the Holy
Spirit uses the saints of God to perform the Words of God.
Now we revert back to our study
of the mechanics of a symphonic composition. We have discussed the linear
construction, or melody. Next we consider the vertical structure, or harmony.
The chordal structure is implemented to support the melody by setting the
melody in a certain tonal environment. This setting, or context, then
determines the mood of the composition, much the same way that wall color
determines the mood of a room.
To illustrate this concept as it
applies to The Words of God, let us consider various books of the Bible and
establish a prevailing mood for each. For example:
The
book of Psalms majestic
Song
of Solomon intimate,
playful
Jeremiah melancholy
Proverbs neutral
Ruth bright
Revelation foreboding
If we were musically notating the
book of Ruth, we would certainly not end it in a minor key. This book, with the
underlying theme (melody) of redemption, would undoubtedly end in triumph, the
genealogy of David triumphantly proclaiming the redeemer to come. Contrast
this with the book of Jeremiah “the weeping prophet,” where
the idea of redemption is more obscure and the entire book would be musically
portrayed in a minor key. It is the harmonic construction that gives each book
its distinctive color, or mood.
The third element in a musical
composition we have not yet mentioned. It is the element of rhythm. One can
readily understand that even the most sophisticated progression of notes would
be meaningless without rhythm. Rhythm brings order; that order resulting from
repeated occurrences. God Himself established rhythm; in the seasons, in the
oceanic tides, and in the heavenly spheres, where events are repeated enough to
establish meaning. In fact, as early as the second verse in the creation
account (Gen 1:2) we see the earth without form and void until the Spirit of
God moved upon the face of the waters. That word, “moved” means,
literally, “vibrated,” producing rhythmic waves of energy. So, we
can see how the Creator used rhythm to bring order out of formlessness.
The
examination of the subject of rhythm in God’s Word brings numerous
examples to light. We have obvious rhythm in
the book of Judges, each leader punctuating the course of a nation’s history, either for good or for evil, one reign
flowing rhythmically into the next with the often repeated
refrain, “And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord.” We see
rhythm in the book of Joshua; in fact, it is a
marching rhythm as Israel
conquers the Promised Land. We have obvious rhythm in the Psalms, the structure of which
is sometimes so precise and the words so melodious, even in translation, they
can be turned into song without any modification at all. With the advent of
computers, we have discovered Bible codes, (an unfortunate term) where rhythm
is being discovered in the actual words themselves as they appear on the
printed page, and that rhythm pulses as intended so long as the words have not
been altered or changed. The truth is, if the Words of God are quick and
powerful, then they have the pulse beat or the rhythm of life itself.
As with any comparisons, more
could be said. Perhaps through this short musical journey where we have
compared Scripture to a finely constructed symphony, we have come to appreciate
our KJB even more. Unfortunately, as with any comparison of things earthly to
things heavenly, the earthly falls far short. One observation does remain true
however, the Words of God, although composed in eternity past, have been
completely recorded for us in book form and preserved by divine covenant. We
are able to hold this miraculously written letter from heaven, stained with the
blood of martyrs, in our very hands, translated into the English language and
infallibly preserved. Our beloved King James Bible resonates with the harmonies
of eternity and the rhythm of life. But it is the glorious melody, that
pervasive theme, composed of the notes of mercy and grace, that saturates the
whole so completely and lovingly. It is a melody we can sing in our hearts.
Jesus Christ, our blessed redeemer, is that unchanging melody. Jesus Christ,
the same yesterday, today and forever.
GOD’S WORD IS A SYMPHONY OF PRAISE
PART II
The foregoing treatise is an
analogy that perhaps gives one a greater understanding and appreciation for God’s Word. Comparing Scripture to a finely constructed symphony is a
delightful exercise, both intellectually and spiritually. However, if the
treatise ends here, is there any lasting effect? To make an impact, we must
make it apply to our lives. The remainder of this presentation will instruct
you on how to perform God’s Symphony.
You, the saints of God, are the musicians called to perform the Words of God each and every day.
Are you qualified?
Let’s suppose for a moment
that you are going to an audition for participation in a symphony orchestra.
Obviously, the first requirement is that you are able to play your instrument;
that you can decipher the notes on the page and produce an accurate rendition.
If you are going to accurately decipher the Words of God for performance
purposes, the first qualification is faith. You must have faith in the living
Word, Jesus Christ, before you can acceptably
perform God’s written Word. While it is true that there are those who attempt to perform
the Words of God without possessing a saving faith, their performance is not
pleasing because without faith it is impossible to please Him. (Heb 11:6). The
performance may be technically flawless, every note accurately played, but
there is no connection. The performance is lifeless; without heart; dead. Why
is that? We remember in the OT how God condemned the bringing of offerings and
sacrifices to Him without the right attitude of the heart. Their performance
was technically correct, but without understanding. Faith is the qualification
that makes us alive to the things of God and gives us an understanding heart so
that our performance may be acceptable in His sight.
The second qualification is a
desire to perform well. While there is a place for amateurs in a youth
orchestra, musicians are expected to perfect their skills. This is impossible
without practice; many, many hours of practice. As a musician desiring to play
God’s Symphony, you must also practice. You must study the notes (Words), engrave them on your
heart, meditate on them in your mind and thoroughly understand
them before you attempt to bring them to performance. Do you have a musician’s
dedication?
This brings
us to the question, “What will you do with the difficult passages?”
There are two possibilities. One is to
practice them unto perfection. The second is to allow the other musicians to
carry the difficult passages without you. Ladies, do you allow
your husband’s commitment and dedication to carry you through the difficult passages? Do you allow
him to carry the load that is rightfully yours? Do you understand that the
trumpet cannot play the part that was written for the violin? The performance
of God’s Symphony with your husband
should be a duet; each part in harmony with and
complementing the other. The part he has been given to play may be the more
prominent, but he needs the underlying harmonic support that has been written
for you. We must study the whole Word of God, being familiar with all, but we
must, as individuals, be dedicated to performing the passages written
specifically for us.
There is one more qualification
that is absolutely essential to symphonic performance. Each musician must be
subject to the authority of the conductor. Remember that previous imaginary
audition? Suppose you only agreed to perform on Sundays? Suppose you only
agreed to perform your musical version even though it was far
different from the original? Suppose you only agreed to perform at your
convenience; in your season? Suppose you insisted on being the final authority
of how those notes should be interpreted instead of being guided through the
performance by the conductor? You
would soon hear the words, “audition over”
and your chance to shine would be extinguished.
But
Jesus says, “Ye are the light of the world” (Mt 5:14) and “Let your light so shine before men that they may see
your good works (a pleasing and acceptable performance of God’s Words) and glorify your Father which is in
heaven.” (Mt 5:16).
My prayer for all of us is that
we learn to be proficient, capable musicians, dedicated to the performance of a
lifetime. The house lights have dimmed, a hush has descended and the curtain is
rising. The audience is watching and prepared to listen. The musicians are
tuned up and ready to perform. All are anticipating the arrival of the conductor who appears from the
wings and makes his way to the podium. There is no delay; he lifts his baton
and the performance begins. The Symphony of Praise rings out from the stage,
fills the hall, and resounds in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the
uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8) The magnificent harmonies reach the
heavens and enter into the court of the composer Himself, where it is forever
settled.
O God, we desire to bring honour
and glory to you through our performance of your precious, preserved Words.
Under the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit, may those eternal Words
become A Symphony of Praise.
Amen.
