SUNDAY PSALMS PART 38 OF 48 - PSALM 122:1

 

Christians United Church, Indianapolis

I was glad when they said to me,
"Let us go into the house of the Lord."
Psalm 122:1, New King James Version

Aren't you glad when people say to you, "Let's go to the house of the Lord?" If so, why not?

Yes, unfortunately there are churches who love hurting people while others love hurting people. Wheat and tares are gathered together in the same sanctuary, and it's often there that the tares become recognized. When that happens, it's understandable why they don't want to darken the door of the church. 

However, does our experience take precedence over the words of the author of Hebrews: "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembly of yourselves together as is the manner of some, but exhort one another, and so much more as you see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25)? Because of the sin of others, are we granted permission of living in disobedience ourselves?

Is part of the problem that we're focusing on our own interests and ignoring the interests of others, contrary to Philippians 2:4? We're expecting others to love us, but are we loving each other? Maybe if we are treating each other as we should, they would be built up. Likewise, maybe we're called to stand up to those who are hurting others.

One thing to remember - the people we're either assembling with in church or avoiding by not assembling will be with us in heaven. Plus, they're all people Christ loves. And didn't Jesus say that if two or three are gathered together in His name, He's in the midst?

I don't know about you, but I'm glad when they say to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord."

 
 

BUCKET LISTS, MUSIC YOU CAN HEAR IN HEAVEN, AND OTHER SPECULATIONS

The Plains of Heaven by John Martin

 "Nacho, nacho man; I want to be a nacho man!"

Or is "mocha man" a more accurate description of me?

I'll confess: Seeing the Village People live would be on my bucket list, though it would be lower on the list. Hearing the Daniel Band and Idle Cure and Little River Band would all be higher on the list. So would hearing several classical compositions performed live, such as Mendelssohn's Reformation and Lobesang (Hymn of Praise) symphonies, Tchaikowski's Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture, Bruckner's Romantic Symphony and his Te Deum, Wagner's Flying Dutchman Overture, and of course my favorite symphony: Beethoven's 7th.

However, Russell Moore pointed out the philosophical problems with bucket lists for Christians. It presupposes that there are things on this earth that we'll miss out on if we don't see them before going to heaven. After all, isn't heaven so much more wonderful than anything here? If we missed something on earth, won't there be something even better in heaven? By the way, Moore did suggest that you visit the pyramids if you want to see them, because Scripture hints they may not be around during the Kingdom.

Now, I would love to see the Village People in heaven. Did you understand what I just wrote? First off, I'd like to see them (and everybody else) there; I don't want anybody going to the other place (though I do believe that other place exists and those who continue in their treasonous sin without turning to God for forgiveness through Christ's sufficient and completed sacrifice). That said, I'd also love to hear them perform, though I think the songs they'd do in concert in the Kingdom would not include the hits they're known for down here (I'll admit I'd love to hear "In The Navy" live).

I do know some of Little River Band are Christians, so I would not be surprised to get to hear them perform. I do know I can meet the members of Daniel Band and Idle Cure; the question is if there will be electric guitars in the kingdom, or if all the sets would be unplugged.

Of course, orchestras are already unplugged. I would not be surprised to see Mendelssohn direct the two symphonies mentioned above, and maybe have him do a duet with Charles Wesley on "Hark The Herald Angels Sing." Same is true with Bruckner conducting his "Te Deum" (Latin for "Thee, O God, We Praise).

But what about the others? I have no idea of Tchaikowski's faith. Wagner, however, inspired some of Hitler's beliefs. Beethoven on his death bed heard lightning and sat up shaking his fist at heaven. Would their music be played in the Kingdom? After all, even if they weren't among the saints, their music was at worst neutral and at best causing the listeners to praise God for allowing that music to be composed.

And so I go into territory that I believe the Bible is silent and there is no evidence on one side or the other except to be grounds for theological/philosophical discussion. I am blessed by the beauty of the works I mentioned. Same is true with the theme of Chariots of Fire. Due to the story of Eric Liddell, Christians love that song. But composer Vangelis dedicated that theme to the Greek god Pan.

The question? Would music composed by unbelievers but beloved for its beauty be performed in heaven? I mean, Mendelssohn or Bach would be able to conduct that music. Or will any memory of unsaved performers be destroyed, including their musical masterpieces?

What are you looking at me for? Do you think I have the answer? None any better than yours. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

SHOULD WE CONSIDER DEATH OF A CHRISTIAN TO BE SAD?

Ralph Carmichael, 1927-2021

Okay, sometimes my reaction is a little bit delayed. It was almost six months ago that Christian composer/conducter Ralph Carmichael went home to be with the Lord. So hope my comments are still relevant. And it's not as much about Carmichael and his passing as it is seeing a few people call the event sad.

I had the honor of hearing him at Knott's Berry Farm. Dony and Reba McGuire hosted a live presentation of their album "The Lord's Prayer," which included Cynthia Clawson, B. J. Thomas, the Archers, and an orchestra conducted by Carmichael. I've also enjoyed some of his songs such as "He's Everything To Me" and "Love Is Surrender."

But when did that happen? 1981. Four years later, I believe he conducted the choir when Steve Camp recorded the song "Do Something Now" which was the Christian equivalent of "We Are The World." That was the last I heard of him in that context. The truth is that he didn't have much of an impact on my life.

Now, I'm sure his passing was a sad event for his family and friends as anybody's passing. But why would it be sadder than anybody else's life. Besides, he was 94! Shouldn't we consider him leaving this planet with COVID making a mess of things, a culture that is at war with God, and with a madman in Russia plotting the destruction of a neighboring country just because he can something to rejoice about, as well as rejoicing in his ministry?

I felt that way seven years ago when Andre Crouch was on his deathbed. The singer Carman, who was positively influenced personally by Andre, was asking for prayer for Andre's recovery, stating that he was only 72 and people had productive years after that. Maybe it was just me, but that hit me the wrong way. 

First, it implied a desire for Andre to stay. But again, wasn't it better for Andre to be with Jesus than here? Second, Gospel pianist Anthony Berger was called to his eternal award when he was 45. Was there something wrong with him leaving sooner? 

Let me add a thought. Is it death that's sad? Or is it really sin? After all, death is the consequence of sin. If there had not been sin, there would not have been death.  In eternity, we will be removed from the presence of sin, and as a result there would be no death.

Okay, maybe this is just my rambling. But maybe we should be thankful for the brief life we have, of the short time others can bless us and we can bless them. And maybe we should echo what the Psalmist said in Psalm 116:15 - "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints."