I began reading in the book of Chronicles, and as I was going through the first two chapters of name after name after name in the genealogy of Adam, my eyes began to glaze over and I began to talk to the Lord. “Lord, please, I know something in this list of names should be stirring my heart, but deed, I’m missing it today.” And so I continued on believing it would just be out of obedience and nothing would be spiritually gained. But as I continued came upon the name of Heman. And in honesty my mind wandered as it often does and I giggled under my breath remembering the show my girls watched as children, “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.” This caused my mind to wonder as to whether or not Heman was a He-Man. What role did he play that was so notable that got him mentioned in the names of fame in 1 Chronicles Chapter 2.
Interestingly enough Heman played a role near and dear to my heart, he was appointed to Praise the Lord. “What an awesome job!” I thought. And then my brain kicked back in and I considered myself… appointed, anointed Praiser for God. And that a job I often forget the importance of, was so important to God that it was mentioned among the great and notable of the Bible that we are so familiar with.
Perhaps you are one of those who have been called into the music ministry, either in song or instrument, or perhaps you’re just setting back in the congregation. This message is for both you, and anyone who needs a reminder or encouragement that praise is serious business in the eyes of God.
Fifteen times Heman is mentioned throughout, Kings, Chronicles and Psalms.
There is Wisdom in Praise
Heman was notably wise. 1 Kings 31 says of Solomon, he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman…” No one was wiser than Solomon, but Heman was obviously not a slacker. Solomon and David both took the praise of the Lord serious enough to put the wise, faithful and prudent people in those places. When called by God into a position of praise, we too should understand that God has called us into that place of accountability and honor.
The Waiting of Praise
When I think of waiting, I most often think of the delay of something.
1 Chronicles 6:33 says “And these are they that waited with their children. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman a singer…”
They were waiting, as in the service provider, (waiter/waitress). An old time preacher that once attended our church said that a song prior to service was a “sermonic solo meant to prepare the hearts of the people.” Glory to God that puts a shout in my soul to think that a song I sing or a word I say would cause another to praise our Lord!
The Willingness of Praise
1 Chronicles 16:41 reads “And with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest that were chose, who were expressed by name, to give thanks to the Lord, because his mercy endureth for ever;”
There should be an instant willingness in the people of the Lord, both those called to serve on the platform and those sitting in the congregation, to give praise to God in a manner fitting Him. Many aren’t comfortable of outwardly vocal praise because they’ve never been exposed to it in the churches they attend. I’ve had the blessing of being in vocal and non-vocal churches. Guess which one I prefer? And guess which one I’ve felt the presence of God in the greater degree? There’s a reason God “appointed” people to praise; it was because He knew the power behind it, and He wanted faithful people in those positions. It stirs the soul, it creates a desire to become one and be a part of the congregation as a whole. It’s builds a unity in the believers when they are in one spirit, praising and glorifying the work of the Lord in that place. It’s every bit as important to the congregation to praise as it is the singers and musicians. But it does usually start with the “sermonic solo’s or duets, quartets and choirs.” Woah… I wrote myself happy again.
Praise the Lord with gladness today!!!!