Psalm 105:2 – Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderful works.
There is this unique mystery about music and the way it impacts both musician and listener. Music is able to strike deep within us and break down walls and barriers that divide individuals as well as break down the walls that we can develop inside of our selves.
About 15 years ago, my family had the opportunity to travel to Slovenia where our exchange student was from. His family, because of our taking care of their son for nearly eight months, wanted to treat us for all that we had done for him. Our exchange student’s parents also knew about the music ability of our than 12 year old son and his God given talent to play the piano and pipe organ.
One of our excursions led us to the home of Mozart in Salzburg, Austria. At the conclusion of a tour at a museum for Mozart with a number of people from all nationalities, the tour guide asks, “Is there anyone here who would like to play this piano that Mozart once played?” My son’s hand instantly went up. Now, remember he is 12, the guide was a little hesitant as he must have thought that this young boy would be able to only play “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.”
But as my son sat at the piano, by memory, he started to play the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Instantly, when he came to the chorus, everyone (and remember we had people from all different nationalities) every single person sang, “Glory, glory hallelujah…..”
God’s gift of music is a powerful and amazing tool. We are able to “sing to him” in ways that make us shake our heads and wonder how in the world such an event can happen. In Coshocton, we are going to implement that power of music in becoming a part of the Music and Memory program. So hear the praises, sing the praises, and enjoy the mystery.
– Pastor Mark Brodbeck