On the first Pentecost day, the believers, being filled with the Holy Spirit, preached, not about earthly things, but about "the wonderful works of God," (Acts 2:11). Such preaching is powerful enough to bring people to faith.
Should it be any different when it comes to the singing of the new song? In our spiritual songs, are we not also directed to the Word of God, so that through our singing the Christian faith can be brought into existence and preserved?
Already in the year 1523, Doctor Martin Luther was occupied with the publishing of spiritual songs, "so that God’s Word might remain among the people through song." How are things going with the church songs of our time? Are they above all serving as means to proclaim the grace of God in Jesus, our Savior? Only in that way will the congregation remain strong. The heavenly manna, the Word of life, must be brought before them in the Word that is spoken and sung.
In the history of the Church, it has been proved often enough that only through the proclamation of the Word can true spiritual life be brought into being. So the singing of the new song is rich in its contents and serves an important purpose.
Lord, preserve Thy Word among us, also in our church songs! Amen. |
