Another great post on Together for the Gospel blog by Mark Dever. Taking a page from Martin Luther, he writes this:
“I have no use for cranks who despise music,
because it is a gift of God.
Music drives away the Devil and makes people gay;
they forget thereby all wrath, unchastity, arrogance, and the like.
Next after theology,
I give to music the highest place and the greatest honor.”Martin Luther. (Quoted by Martin Marty, Martin Luther, p. 114.)
Continuing my March celebration of Martin Luther, aren’t his words about music here true?
After theology.
I love the spirit behind this quote. Music has a way of touching the affections that most other means don’t. As we often say, worship isn’t about music. It’s about God. It’s about combining truth with a multitude of means to bring ultimate glory to God and reflect all praise to Him. That said, there IS something special about the gift of music - and it is a gift from God. There are moments - and I’m sure most of us can remember one or two or more - where it is as if we’ve touched the face of God through music. What a truly incredible gift from the hand of the Father. Music isn’t worship. But music definitely is a means by which we are able to elevate our thoughts to the Father and express heartfelt adoration and praise in a way like no other.
After theology, of course.
(HT: Together For the Gospel)
