Art Reading Scripture

The Organ Rehearsal 1885, Henry Lerolle, National Museum of Art Sweden

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy. Psalm 5:11

Music happens in many places. For me, rarely does it happen more gloriously than in worship. Communal singing is rare, except in worship where it is common, expected, and, in my heart and mind, essential. Granted, I come from a strong music and vocal background from my Dad, choirs, and worship. Even so, I have a hard time imagining worship without song. Some music is special. That typically means a choir either vocal or instrumental, or a soloist, again either vocal or instrumental, who has prepared, rehearsed, and risked offering it in praise to God for the edification of God's people. We commonly sing together. Offering a special music is a gift offered in humility and hope that it will be received not for the praise of performance but for the glorification of God. We need people, individuals, groups, willing to offer the gift (and to accompany it.)

I was drawn to this painting after reading the description. "The Organ Rehearsal": "'You expect the woman to start singing!' The painting was perceived to be so natural that several in the audience are said to have exclaimed this when it was exhibited. ... When told that the right side of the picture gave the impression of being empty, Lerolle replied that it was reserved for the sound of the song." The painting was of a rehearsal, hence only the audience gathered in the balcony heard the sound. The sound directed away from them filled the space where others would soon be listening. One can imagine a congregation below receiving the song. Indeed, those who viewed the painting so anticipated the song that it already seemed to sing it's way into their spirits. Ironically, it is called "The Organ Rehearsal." The accompaniment faded from view as the viewers yearned for the song.

We do not sing the hymn often, actually so rarely that few know the song or the tune, but the poetry of "When in Our Music God is Glorified," plays into the painting well.

When in our music God is glorified, and adoration leaves no room for pride,

it is as though the whole creation cried: Alleluia.

How oft, in making music, we have found a new dimension in the world of sound,

as worship moved us to a more profound Alleluia.

So has the church, in liturgy and song, in faith and love, through centuries of wrong,

borne witness to the truth in every tongue: Alleluia.

And did not Jesus sing a psalm that night when utmost evil strove against the light?

Then let us sing, for whom he won the fight: Alleluia.

Let ev'ry instrument be tuned for praise; let all rejoice who have a voice to raise;

and may God give us faith to sing always: Alleluia.

ELW # 851 (the tune is quite singable.)

People of God, sing! Offer your voices together, or if you are willing alone for the building up of faith and joy in which we all delight. The Psalms were the hymnal of Israel. The Apostle Paul encouraged this, "be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:18-20 May there be no empty spaces where we need to imagine a voice or it beauty in song. Listen and see the song. The heavens sing the glory of God, the music of the spheres. May all earth, even you join the song of God's praise to the love of all creation.

Keep the faith. Say your prayers. Love like Jesus.

Pastor Tim Bauer