A phenomenon today is the dominance in Christian circles of the hymn "How Great Thou Art." Originally this was a Swedish song and the refrain was, "Oh Mighty God," rather than, "How Great Thou Art." Originally there were nine verses rather than the current four. Refrain after the last verse was addressed to "O Savior God." Humanly speaking, what popularized this song was Beverly Shea singing it at Billy Graham crusades. We have heard it sung in many parts of the world, in many languages: Korean, Japanese, Chinese, English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch, Italian. At a 1984 creation convention held in Israel, on the plains of Galilee where Jesus multiplied bread and fish, a group of us sang this in a round Italian church which had a lot of resonance. We sang simultaneously in three languages: Japanese, Italian and English. It was very impressive. It is a creation song, of sorts. Even music can be used in witnessing.

St. Paul prays that the Word of Christ would dwell richly in the Colossian Christians and asks that they teach and admonish one another in hymns, psalms and spiritual songs, singing with grace in their hearts to the Lord. In the companion book of Ephesians, the apostle urges them to be filled with the Spirit, speaking in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in their hearts to the Lord, giving thanks for all things to the Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Much of modern day music is evil, but music can also be a blessing. It has been said that during the Reformation, more people were brought to the Gospel through the music of Martin Luther and others than through books. Today young people effectively use their style of music in evangelism efforts. Music has a way of popularizing truths and instilling them into the minds and emotions of people. Every possible means, including music, should be used to promote the Gospel.

Many songs emphasize the beauty of Christ, that He is precious. The Psalmist urges us to sing "new songs" (Ps. 33:3). As Christ becomes more of a total force in our lives, we sing more songs. Our worlds of education and science ought to produce new songs. But all music ought to be captive to Christ.

Prayer: That we may serve Christ through music, particularly music which glorifies His creation, preservation and salvation.