As I walked this morning, I listened to a selection of modern classical music beautiful in its melodies, harmonies, and flowing rhythm (not always the case with modern classical). The music immediately elicited praise to our Lord for the beauty of His character, nature, way, and creativity. It also raised a question in my mind, "Does the composer and artist (which were one and the same) know from whence the music came?"
I hope so. All genuine beauty proceeds from the God to whom the Psalmist prayed, "Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us" (Psalm 90:17). This does not mean, however, that the vessel knows or acknowledges the Source of that which which flows in and through it. Humanity cannot escape the reality of the God who "giveth to all life and breath and all things" (Acts 17:25). Nor can we fail to receive from Him things necessary for our survival, and often, even for our thriving. "Thou openest Thine hand and satisifieth the desire of every living thing" (Psalm 145:16). Thus, beautiful things sometimes come forth from those who may not only disbelieve, but who may even violently reject the reality of the Maker of all beauty. "Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee" (Psalm 76:10).
The universe is a gallery and studio of glory upon which an Artist of unimaginable genius composes, paints, and forms wonders designed to bless human senses with beauty that graces our hearts with joy, and then raises the question, "From whence did the music come?" Born again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ know the answer, and we seek to introduce those who don't know to the Source of all truth, goodness, and beauty. I pray for the composer and artist of the music to which I listened this morning, that if she knows from whence the music comes, she will have the same response of worship that filled my heart as I listened to her art. And, if she does not know, may the beauty of God as revealed in the Lord Jesus be discovered as her personal Source and Savior.
"The invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and godhead."
(Romans 1:20)
I hope so. All genuine beauty proceeds from the God to whom the Psalmist prayed, "Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us" (Psalm 90:17). This does not mean, however, that the vessel knows or acknowledges the Source of that which which flows in and through it. Humanity cannot escape the reality of the God who "giveth to all life and breath and all things" (Acts 17:25). Nor can we fail to receive from Him things necessary for our survival, and often, even for our thriving. "Thou openest Thine hand and satisifieth the desire of every living thing" (Psalm 145:16). Thus, beautiful things sometimes come forth from those who may not only disbelieve, but who may even violently reject the reality of the Maker of all beauty. "Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee" (Psalm 76:10).
The universe is a gallery and studio of glory upon which an Artist of unimaginable genius composes, paints, and forms wonders designed to bless human senses with beauty that graces our hearts with joy, and then raises the question, "From whence did the music come?" Born again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ know the answer, and we seek to introduce those who don't know to the Source of all truth, goodness, and beauty. I pray for the composer and artist of the music to which I listened this morning, that if she knows from whence the music comes, she will have the same response of worship that filled my heart as I listened to her art. And, if she does not know, may the beauty of God as revealed in the Lord Jesus be discovered as her personal Source and Savior.
"The invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and godhead."
(Romans 1:20)
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