Announcing the King

2 Chron. 5:13-indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying: "For He is good, For His mercy endures forever," that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud,

In history we know that kings were traditionally announced before entering a banquet, feast, or tournament. Often they came with their own heralds who would blow trumpets and announce their arrival.
Here in scripture we see Solomon's temple being dedicated and God's presence is entering it for the first time-God's entrance is prefaced by the musicians and singers worshipping Him.
You see, they weren't only singing His praise-they were announcing the King's entrance. And when He arrived, they couldn't even continue to worship, for the power of the King had entered the temple.
What preceeded the birth of Christ? In Luke 2:13-14 we see angels announcing His coming with songs and praise. And what will announce His second coming to the earth? I Thess. 4:16-a trumpet will sound and the King will return!
As worshipers and worship leaders, each time we gather in His name, Matthew 18:20 promises that He is there with us. The presence of a King is entering our house of worship. And that is another reason why we sing! We are His people and the praises we sing are for Him, but also to announce to the world that the King is coming to meet with us once again.

Remember?

I'm not that old (only 27), but the past year I have found myself forgetting more and more. Have you ever walked into a room, only to forget what you were doing or what you needed to get? I do that stuff all the time-I even gave up nutrasweet because I thought it might help me remember more things!
Just last week, some friends of mine took me to lunch and treated. We had a great time hanging out and just catching up on life. At the end, we said goodbye and went our seperate ways. A couple hours later, I suddenly remembered that I never said thank you! (Don't worry Mom, keep reading....) I immediately called them and apologized for my rudeness and thanked them profusely. I didn't do it on purpose, I just forgot to remember my manners.
Scripture calls us to remember. Remember how great God is! Remember the things He has done for us (Psalm 126)! Remember the forgiveness we find in Christ when we partake in communion. Remember.
Take time today to remember something that God has done for you-maybe something you never said "thank you" for. Maybe just for protection and safety, for a good job, or just for your home and family. Remember Him and give Him praise, for He has done great things for us!

Here Goes Nothing!

After much thought and consideration, I'm moving my blogs to http://worshipdevotional.blogspot.com instead of myspace. Hope you join me here in this new phase of our journey together!

-Andrew