Money For Music

In assigning the priests to their duties, Solomon followed the regulations of his father, David. He also assigned the Levites to lead the people in praise and to assist the priests in their daily duties. And he assigned the gatekeepers to their gates by their divisions, following the commands of David, the man of God. [2 Chronicles 8.14]

I want to point out that Solomon carried on the practices for the worship of God established by his father David. Namely that the Levites were to lead the people in praise and assist the priests in their daily duties.

You know what this meant? They were "on the payroll." Yes, the musicians and singers were on the payroll. And, when they weren't making music, they were assisting the priests.

You know what else Solomon did? He had security on the payroll too. The gatekeepers were assigned regular duties just like the musicians and singers.

So, how does the modern church compare? I am afraid, not too well. We indeed have leaders who are, for the most part, paid well. However, when it comes to these critical support roles, musicians and security, the budget is dismal.

I can speculate here because I am not regulated in what I say... I would go so far as to say the Church today suffers greatly because it is out of touch with established protocol for worshiping God. To say, "that was Old Testament" is a bit narrow-minded because God has never changed. Why should our worship of God then be any different? If David established extravagance in worshiping God, do we really think Jesus' Advent would change that? Would not the Salvation of God in Christ be reason for even more extravagant worship of God? I think so!

God has given musical talent to many people. Our currently popular television contests featuring singers and musicians are evidence of that. How might the Church look different today if all that money and talent was directed to God within the Church instead of to a godless music industry for selfish entertainment and gain?

Church, the world is beating you out on music. It effectively entices your musicians and singers away from the Church and into the world by simply offering money. These people are gifted by God with talent - many of them are incapable of any other productive trade - and so, they have to follow the money.

Oh yeah, I "went there."

Father, help the Church to understand the importance of worship and those who lead in worship. Help the Church to put their talent to work as Solomon and David demonstrated, so the Church might excel in worship and those gifted with worship might excel without selling their souls to the entertainment industry.