[289 words]
God had heard the prayers of His people in Egypt. Though the Israelites murmured and complained most of the way, He had brought them from Egypt to the promised land. As they journeyed God protected them, fed them, clothed them, and had given them everything they needed. But the people still were not happy. Once in Canaan, they wanted a king to rule over them, like their neighbors had. They rejected God to follow a man!
Today, some in the church want more than what God has given us. They reject His Word as being “bigoted,” “out-of-date,” or “too demanding” as they see their neighbors worship in ways not authorized by God’s holy Word. They want something that will please the people instead of God. Like the Israelites, they want to be like their “neighbors.”
At the Cane Run Lectureship recently, a brother from another state said three congregations in Nashville had recently begun using instrumental music in worship. Most who do this justify it by saying: “God didn’t say not to use instrumental music in New Testament worship.” Tell that to Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 10:1-6). Tell that to King Saul (1 Samuel 13:7-13). Tell that to Korah and his followers (Numbers 16). Tell that
to all the disobedient Israelites who died in the wilderness.
Jesus said our worship must be in spirit and truth (John 4:24). It is His Word that will judge us in the day of judgment (John 12:48). My brethren, whether it be in using instrumental music in worship, abortion, alternate lifestyle, or some other “crowd pleaser,” let us never follow others to do evil! Long ago, Moses warned the Israelites, “You shall not follow a crowd to do evil” (Ex. 23:2).
John K. Wills
Owingsville church of Christ
Owingsville, KY