February 12, 2019: 1 Chronicles 15, 16; Psalms 24, 26-28

Looking over the list of songs for Wednesday night triggered a memory. Laura Story recorded “Mighty to Save” and had a pretty piano intro. I pulled it up on youtube.com.

I was picking it out when a voice in my head said, “Why bother? The leader will probably have the guitar start it.”

That’s the prerogative of the leader. I learned the intro anyway.

I spend a lot of time doing “useless practice.” I learn instrumentals and complicated transitions that I rarely use. But, every once in a while, the leader likes what I’ve prepared. It adds a note of something new to the service. It keeps worship fresh and me on my toes!

* * * * * * *

Today I read about the worship leader King David chose. His name was Asaph and he was…

…a drummer. (Sigh.)

1 Chronicles 16:5, 7, “Asaph was in charge. …Asaph was on percussion… (7) That was the day that David inaugurated regular worship of praise to God, led by Asaph and his company.” The Message

The New International Version said Asaph was to sound the cymbals. In a marching band, the best drummers play the snare drum. Usually, a freshman plays the cymbals. Asaph may not have been the best percussionist but he was the best leader.

God decides based on heart – not chair. The best musicians in an orchestra sit in the first chair. But they may not have the best heart. They may not be the best leader.

1 Chronicles 16:14, “He is God, our God; wherever you go you come on His judgments and decisions.” The Message

There are other keyboard players at church. If we were assigned chairs, I would go directly to the fourth or fifth one! They all have a heart after God but God is using them in other areas. They are unable to attend practice on Wednesday nights because of their jobs and children’s needs.

I don’t have those responsibilities anymore. I have a bigger job – guarding my heart!