Publish the Gospel with Great Joy

Publish the Gospel with Great Joy

            Jeremiah 31:7 “For thus saith the LORD; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O LORD, save thy people, the remnant of Israel.” Strong believed that the Hebrew word shama (8085) was a primitive root which meant to hear intelligently.  Thus it is safe to deduce that this word means to publish God’s message in such a way that people will be able to discern or understand its meaning.  

            The musicians in ancient Israel were instructed to “sing with gladness”.  The word simchah (8057) connotes much more than our English word gladness does.  Simchah meant with exceeding gladness or blithesomeness.  If it was necessary for these ancient musicians to sing God’s message with such extreme joy that included tsahal (6670) i.e. shouting then we should take notice that we should music unto God with extreme joy.  So, do not let anyone convince you that our musicing unto God should be sedate and blasé.  On the contrary, our praise to God should be a great shout of acclamation that flows from a musician with a holy heart-life.

            This verse of Scripture in Jeremiah 31:7 states, “For thus saith the LORD; Sing with gladness”.  Do you sing with great gladness?  Is your heart full of joy and adoration toward God?  I have always told vocalists who studied with me that any musician whose heart is bursting with joy and thanksgiving on the inside will not be able to look like the great stone face when he or she sings unto the LORD.   If you have real genuine authentic joy on the inside it will get out on you when you music unto God.  So, do not try to hold your joy on the inside.  Be as emotional about the good news of the gospel as you are about your favorite team winning a game.