"Sing praises to God, sing praises! What can be more glorious (outside of heaven) than 1,400 people singing praises to God in a sanctuary built for wonderful sound?
Not much, we found out at Otter yesterday. It was a glorious day with almost every seat full (shades of a second service?). I do hope we can continue with only one service for a while until we get to know one another better. Brandon and those who worked with him, particularly Phil Wilson and Ben Mankin, pulled it off and led us all to the top of the mountain.
I am so thankful that God commanded us to sing--it is that heart-thing so missing in our rational tradition. Ruth Bell Graham once said, "We should sing when we feel like it, for it is a shame to miss such an opportunity; we should sing when we don't feel like it, for it is dangerous to remain in such a condition."
It is said that the Christians in North Korea, who have suffered so much for so long, still worship. When they get together in secrecy and sing, it must be done in silence. They open their mouths in unison, but they allow no sound from their voices for fear of being overheard." (Robert J. Morgan, Come Let Us Adore Him) What a tragedy!
For those of us who could not live without music, "silent" singing would be dangerous to our mental and spiritual health. Let's pray for those brethern in North Korea and thank God for our blessings of freedom.
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