True, the four Gospel accounts have few musical references. But God’s composition does not end there. Indeed, from the cross the spiritual music leaps into marvelous movements. For the cross leads to the resurrection, and the resurrection to the coronation and reign of Jesus the King! Just as David predicted, Jesus ascends to be enthroned at His Father’s side (Acts 1:9-11; 2:29-36).
[God] raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church. (Ephesians 1:20-22)
As Jesus Himself says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18). With that authority, Jesus directs all disciples to obey all that He has commanded the apostles (Matthew 28:20). Through Jesus’ death, God’s people are no longer under the law of Moses (Romans 7:1-4). Nor are we under the reign of David. Now, we have a new King with a New Covenant. We are “under the law of Christ” (1 Corinthians 9:21). Where is the King of kings leading us in our quest?
Israel once followed King David’s new musical order. Now King Jesus is “Head over all things to the church” (Ephesians 1:22). Acknowledging His complete sovereignty—“all authority”—we submit to His arrangements for the church, whatever they may be. God’s people under the Old Covenant were supposed to obey everything God gave Moses. Now, under the New Covenant, we obey everything God gives us through Christ (Mark 9:4-7; Hebrews 1:1-2).
You shall listen to Him in whatever He tells you. And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that Prophet [Jesus] shall be destroyed from the people. (Acts 3:22-23)
If God’s servants like Moses and David were to be obeyed, how much more God’s Son (Hebrews 2:1-3; 3:1-6).
Our mission now is to listen intently to Christ. Listen to Him personally and as He speaks through His spokesmen. “Listen to Him in whatever He tells you.” As we listen, what sort of music do we hear? What do we hear as His disciples live and worship and carry His message to the world?