Gospel Songs under Fire—part 3

Gospel Songs under Fire—part 3

There is much Old Testament lyric poetry that makes personal reference to God’s work in his or her life. This type of poetry is found much later in the New Testament in Luke 1:46-49 where Mary proclaimed, “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.  For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.  For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.”  This poetry was certainly including the “I”, “me” and “my” of the Gospel.  This early poetry was in the spirit of what we have come to know and understand as “gospel music”.  So, for thousands of years those who loved and served God have made their personal boast in the LORD.  Now, some millennial musical churchmen have decided that this personalization is out dated and no longer capable of speaking to or relating to post postmoderns. 

Many 20^th  and now 21^st  century church musicians have regarded personal references to God’s grace, mercy and help to be incongruent with the spirit of true public worship.  It is true that public worship is not about individuals but rather God.  However, when a Christian makes his or her boast in the Lord, such effusions of a grateful heart bring glory and honor to God.  Without such current and living experiences of God’s workings among His people, public worship often tends to be routine and sterile.  

Thought for the Day

I believe that the removal of all personal testimony in public worship has been one of the gravest misconceptions of what public worship should involve.  I remember many times when some humble saint would rise to his or her feet and give honor and glory to god for God’s current working in his or her life.  Many times these praises to God brought an exceeding weight of glory to the worship service that caused us all to worship.