Does anyone out there remember when A&E actually featured
art? I have a vague recollection of ballet, opera, etc. as well as quality programming, sort of BBC/PBS style. Obviously, something has happened. But this is not a post about a television network.
This is about the value of art, the beauty of music and the glory of God. That's pretty lofty. It may be a post in process, saved, only to be completed later.
I began thinking/feeling this yesterday morning at church (a good thing, right?) when I our choir was privileged to sing and lead worship with the
Lee University Symphonic Band, directed by Dr. Mark Bailey. We had been asked to sing 2 songs with them, "Unto the Lamb" and "Thou, O Lord". So, I was in great anticipation of how wonderful this experience would be for our choir, but also for me. There is no comparison between singing with live music and singing to a track, no matter how well-produced the track. Music is as much felt as heard. And live music, whether orchestral or produced by a 3 piece band, shakes me to the core. So I was ready...I thought.
But the anticipation was only shadow of what I experienced.
The songs stand on their own. They are beautiful songs of worship. Sharon Ballinger, our director, sang the solo (beautifully) on "Unto the Lamb" at the request of Dr. Bailey. The band, of course, presented the music, covering all the musical bases: highs, lows and in-betweens. Because we were singing with live music, our choir "opened their mouths and sang"! Subconsciously, or consciously, when you are surrounded by music, you push and sing, in order to be heard or in order to be a part of it all.
But it was more than just technically correct. The music, the singing, the songs were united in worship and in return were anointed by the Spirit who breathes life and beauty. And being caught up in that synthesis is other-worldly, and I believe, literally "sitting in heavenly places". Without rationalizing what was happening, or even verbalizing my prayers, I experienced the healing power of God through Art.
"Whatsoever things are good, true and beautiful....think on these things."
