In the frequent invitations to sing, it isn’t sufficient for the human soul to come forth with a vague generality. One must state a reason why the children of God should sing.
Holy Scripture does just that. It says, for example: “Sing to the Lord a new song—He has done wonderful things.”
First and foremost, there is the miracle of redemption through the saving work of Jesus Christ. In that connection Luther rightly says: “God has made our heart and spirit joyful through His dear Son, whom He has given for us to redeem us from sin, death, and the devil. Whoever truly believes that, such a person cannot help himself. He must rejoice and sing heartily, so that others also may hear and come to such faith. But if a person does not want to speak or sing about it, that is a sign that he does not believe.”
If a person is not able to sing, Luther does not deny faith to such a person. He is speaking only about those people who are unwilling to glorify God for His wonderful deeds. All depends on what is in the heart. What is it like in our hearts?
O God, grant me a thankful heart! Amen. |
