Why is God introducing the music of war and colorful pageantry into the worship services? For at least two reasons. One reason is that it is appropriate to herald with pageantry the coming of the King. Are we to sit quietly and listen to a sermon with an introduction, three points, anecdotes, and a conclusion when the King of all kings is about to come through the gates?

The second reason is that whole personality involvement is required if we are to cope with the increasing pressure of sin. Some of the largest cities of America are in a state of anarchy. Citizens young and old kill each other with little provocation and less remorse. Children are offered in satanic rituals. Fetuses well on their way to becoming boys and girls are murdered as though they were so much garbage. Are we to sit quietly in our assemblies and hear sermons about how we ought to do good and then be informed that whether or not we do good we are saved by grace?

We indeed should listen to sermons about how we ought to do good, but much, much more is required if we are to survive spiritually. We must become active with our whole personality in clapping, dancing, marching, waving banners, playing tambourines, holding up great flags announcing the Kingdom of God. The time of worship should be one of excitement and widespread participation. This is no time to act like the scornful Michal as David danced before the Ark. The end of scornfulness is barrenness.

Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death. (II Samuel 6:23)

The thoughtful pastor will recognize that the young people and children of the assembly will enjoy and quickly become proficient in the use of tambourines, in mime and drama, in the use of banners and flags, in dance, and in marching. How much better to have the young people and children involved in significant activities in the assembly rather than made to sit quietly while they neither understand nor relate to what is taking place!

Worship programs are very attractive to people and will fill an assembly with people who enjoy the various forms of praise. Remember that the high praises of God must be accompanied by the two-edged sword of the Word of God. If fervent, colorful worship is not accompanied by a stern word of discipline, the main purpose of God, which is the redemption of mankind, cannot possibly be accomplished.

Both righteousness and praise must spring forth before the nations. Praise alone is not sufficient.

For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. (Isaiah 61:11)

To be continued.