“Let every kindred, every tribe on this terrestrial ball. To Him all majesty ascribe, and crown Him Lord of all.” (“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”; Edward Perronet)
Music is a powerful tool that God uses to advance His kingdom. Consider this example: Rev. E. P. Scott was a missionary to India in the 1800’s. Several days into his journey. Scott was met by a large group of warriors who quickly surrounded him, each one pointing a spear towards his heart. Expecting to die, Scott decided to use his last few breaths to glorify God, and to hopefully stir something within the hearts of his captors. He took out his violin (which he always carried on him), closed his eyes, and began to play and sing “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name”, in the native language of the warriors.
When he got to verse 3, “Let every kindred, every tribe…”, Rev. Scott realized he was still standing. Opening his eyes he saw every spear lowered. There stood the warriors, with tears in their eyes. Rev. Scott spent the next 2 ½ years preaching to the tribe, and many of them came to Christ.
When music is used to carry the truth of God’s Word into hearts and souls, it is no longer just notes and rhythms. It goes beyond what the secular world calls MUSIC, and becomes what we call WORSHIP.
In Christ,
Amy Smith