Transcendental Music

The ensemble sang in a foreign language, yet the audience sat still enthralled by its performance. On May 28, 2008, the twenty-six individuals on the sparse stage of the Auckland Town Hall had come from South Africa for the New Zealand leg of their world concert tour, "African Spirit". The Soweto Gospel Choir interpreted gospel and inspirational music in the African language in some instances acapella and more often embroidered with chanting and drum beating spiced up with dancing.

Barely five years old, the congregation consisting of vocalists handpicked from different parishes in the rainbow nation has received acclaim with its performances and music the most prominent honour being two Grammy Awards for two released albums. At the end of each number, the viewing public responded with more than a generous applause, with shouts of joy and whistles of appreciation. The songs filled the minds, loosened the feet and pierced the hearts. The lyrics (90% African) just seemed to be translated by an invisible interpreter warming the souls of those touched.

Music is a gift from God. He is the greatest of all composers and the most delightful of all singers. God the Father told Moses: "Write down the words of this song, and teach it to the people of Israel. Help them learn it." (Deuteronomy 31:19) God sang. "For the Lord your God is living among you…He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." (Zephaniah 3:17) Most importantly, God delights when we sing to Him. "Praise the Lord! How good to sing praises to our God! How delightful and how fitting!" (Psalm 147:1)

When people sing gospel and inspirational songs, they become instruments of the Composer. The Father sent Jesus, the Conductor, amongst His people to show us the Way to His Kingdom. The Holy Spirit is the Arranger who gives us the enlightenment (like providing notes to a composition) to ascertain we keep ourselves to the groove. In truth, we are part of God’s Musical Masterpiece.

So long as we listen intently to His Music or play perfect the notes in His Symphony, we are assured of being with the Lord in Heaven where the sweetest universal songs fill our spirits without end.

by Mel Libre