Do you see the change? In this context of great change for Jewish worshipers, Hebrews 13 makes another point. It is based on yet another contrast, the difference between ritualistic Jewish offerings and simple Christian offerings.
Through Him [Christ] then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (Hebrews 13:15-16)
No longer are animals killed and their lifeless bodies burned. The new sacrifices include living acts—doing good and sharing. The new sacrifices include the praises that rise from living lips that confess Jesus. These new offerings are made “through Him,” that is, through the true Mediator who makes our worship acceptable and pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:16; 1 Peter 2:5).
What may all this have to do with music? Remember that Amos 5:21-24 lists a number of Old Covenant offerings: burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, the noise of songs and the melody of harps. Songs are living worship that fit the expression “the fruit of lips” (Hebrews 13:15). Thus, we find songs as offerings in the Old Covenant and we find them again as offerings in the New Covenant. But what about things like burnt offerings and harps? Are they living? Do we find them in the New Covenant? Do they match the nature of its spiritual worship?
Remember how the Aaronic priests and Levites offer praise:
It was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the LORD. (2 Chronicles 5:13)
In that development of the Old Covenant, both vocal and instrumental music give praise. Living voices give praise in the Old Covenant and we find them giving praise again in the New Covenant. But where, in the New Covenant, are the trumpeters? In the New Testament, trumpets are present in a number of ways.
- A trumpet stands as a metaphor for gaining attention (Matthew 6:2 cf. 1 Corinthians 14:8).
- Heaven’s trumpet will herald Christ’s return (Matthew 24:31; 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16).
- Hebrews reminds us about God’s trumpet at Mount Sinai (Hebrews 12:19).
- Revelation uses similes and has visions of heavenly trumpets (Revelation 1:10; 4:1; 8:2-13; 9:1-14; 10:7; 11:15).
- Trumpets are shown as a part of worldly life (Revelation 18:22).
Earthly trumpets are certainly available. Yet the New Testament makes no reference at all to trumpets in the church. Why is that? Could it have to do with the New Covenant and its new worship that is spiritual and living? Which leads to more questions,
- Are trumpets, harps and flutes living?
- Do they fit the worship that is in spirit and truth?
Questions about spiritual worship drive at the very heart of the mystery—which may turn out to be the heart itself.