The Soundtrack of Faith
Whenever I hear the song “Jack and Diane” by John Mellencamp, I am immediately transported back to the summer of 1982. The song had just been released, and it seemed to be playing everywhere. My sister had just gotten her first car—a green Ford Pinto that she desperately needed as she prepared to head off to college. More than forty years later, hearing those familiar notes still brings back memories of that little green car and a summer long since passed.
The connection between music and memory is powerful, which may help explain why God has long used music to shape the lives of His people. Throughout Scripture, God’s people sing. Moses and the Israelites sang after crossing the Red Sea. The Psalms were sung in worship. Mary sang her song of praise. The angels sang over the fields of Bethlehem. Even in heaven, the saints and angels gather around the throne of God in songs of praise.
In a recent worship service, I shared one of Martin Luther’s well-known observations: “Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise.” Luther’s appreciation for music went far beyond personal enjoyment. He recognized that music is one of God’s gifts for teaching the faith and proclaiming the Gospel. Through music, God’s Word is remembered, confessed, and passed from one generation to the next.
That is why singing remains such an important part of our worship today. Our hymns are more than beautiful melodies. They are sermons set to music. Through them we confess our faith, proclaim Christ’s saving work, and teach one another the truths of God’s Word. As St. Paul writes, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (Colossians 3:16).
One of the great blessings we have as Lutherans is the rich treasury of hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. With more than 600 hymns, our hymnal contains a wealth of biblical teaching and Christ-centered praise. For that reason, we have been making a deliberate effort at Grace to broaden our musical repertoire by singing more of the hymns available in the hymnal. While we all have favorite hymns, there are many treasures waiting to be discovered. What may seem unfamiliar today may soon become a favorite tomorrow.
As we gather for worship this summer, listen carefully to the words we sing. Notice how our hymns proclaim Christ crucified and risen for sinners. And do not be afraid to sing boldly. The Lord is not looking for perfect voices. He delights to hear all His redeemed people proclaim His praises.
In Christ,
Pastor Al
Our mission: “Bringing People to Christ by Bringing Christ to People”