Why is it important to "make music" to God, as stated in Psalm 98:5? Setting the Scene “Make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the melodious song.” (Psalm 98:5) Psalm 98 overflows with triumph: God has “done marvelous things” (v. 1), revealed “His salvation” (v. 2), and is “coming to judge the earth” (v. 9). In the center of that celebration, verse 5 calls every worshiper to respond by making music. Why Making Music Matters • Obedience to a Direct Command – Psalm 98:5 is an imperative; honoring it demonstrates willing submission to the LORD’s authority (John 14:15). – Similar calls: Psalm 33:2-3; Psalm 95:1-2. • Proclaiming God’s Mighty Works – Music reinforces the message of verses 1-3: “He has remembered His love and faithfulness.” – Psalm 105:2: “Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wonders.” Music helps us retell His deeds with clarity and passion. • Expressing Whole-Person Worship – Singing blends mind (truth), heart (emotion), and body (voice or instrument), fulfilling the call to love God with all our being (Deuteronomy 6:5). – Ephesians 5:19: “Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord.” • Uniting God’s People – Verse 4 addresses “all the earth”; music gathers diverse voices into one chorus. – Colossians 3:16: “Admonish one another with all wisdom, and sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Shared songs knit believers together in truth and affection. • Witnessing to the Nations – Psalm 98:2-3 speaks of salvation made known “to all the ends of the earth.” Musical praise showcases the gospel to listeners who might ignore spoken sermons (Acts 16:25-30). – Psalm 40:3: “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.” • Anticipating the Final Celebration – Verses 7-9 picture seas, rivers, and mountains joining the song when the King returns. Our present music rehearses that future reality (Revelation 5:9-13). – 1 Thessalonians 4:16: Christ’s return is announced “with the trumpet call of God.” Earthly praise tunes our hearts for that heavenly crescendo. Practical Takeaways • Prioritize congregational singing; it is not filler but vital obedience. • Select songs saturated with His “marvelous works,” reinforcing biblical truth. • Engage the whole self—voice, instrument, posture—to mirror wholehearted devotion. • Invite unbelievers to musical gatherings; let them witness joy rooted in redemption. • Use private times of praise to fight fear and discouragement (2 Chronicles 20:21-22). Conclusion Psalm 98:5 shows that making music to God is far more than an artistic option; it is a joyful duty that magnifies His glory, unites His people, and prepares the world for the reign of the coming King. |
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