Doxology

As I was studying a very practical passage in 1 Peter 4:12-16 on suffering, it set me to pondering about an issue that may have come up for fellow Music Ministers.  The passage goes like so:

¹² Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; ¹³ but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. ¹⁴ If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ¹⁵ Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; ¹⁶ but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.

Peter is dealing with churches in various regions, including Galatia and Asia, in regards to the (1) Reality of suffering, the (2) Reasons for suffering, the (3) Remedy for suffering, and the (4) Rank of suffering.  I will expand on these  points today and then in following entries apply it to the life of a Music Minister.

Reality Of Suffering.  Notice that the Apostle says that we are not to be “surprised” by suffering.  I tend to think that Peter is being a bit easy on me here.  He might also say don’t be “miffed” or “angered” or “frustrated” at the fiery ordeal because that is what I am far more prone to do than merely experience surprise.  Obviously, the churches to whom Peter was writing were far more mature than I am.

Notice also that he says that these trials “come upon” us (v. 12).  The suffering in which Peter refers is not the direct result of sin on the part of the sufferer but is something that comes from the Hand of Providence and is ordained by God Himself.  There is no sense, therefore, in thinking that I can be excused from suffering.  Which gets to my second point….

Reasons For Suffering.  Peter says that we must be tested.  They come “upon us for” our “testing” (v. 12) so that ultimately we may “rejoice with exultation” (v. 13).  This is not in a meritorious sense but in the sense of having great pleasure in identifying with Jesus IN suffering.  It is evidence to the sufferer for assurance that the “Spirit of glory and of God” is at work in the sufferer’s life (v. 14).  The challenge in suffering is to see it as for our good (Rom 8:28).  They did not “get past” God nor are they sent by God because He is a masochist or mean-spirited.  They are an expression of His love to His children.

Remedy For Suffering.  Because of all this, we are to rejoice and “keep on rejoicing” (v. 13).  Notice the language.  It is already assumed that we ARE rejoicing.  If I am not in a rejoicing lifestyle, something is wrong.  Suffering is a sign of God’s blessing (v. 14).  (Soap Box Moment—why don’t we hear THAT preached by “prosperity gospel” preachers???)

Rank Of Suffering.  Here’s what I really wanted to get to.  Thankfully, Peter qualifies suffering.  He is not saying that all suffering is a direct result of loving Jesus.  The bible says in Gal. 6:7 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap”.  To be honest, most of my suffering is because of my own selfishness.  A man going to the electric chair because he murdered a family of four is NOT what Peter is talking about here.  He IS talking about practical rejection because we treasure Jesus and stand on the truth that He gives through the gospel.  In verse 15, he says to be sure that we are not suffering because of our sin.

It’s on this point that I wish to make points of application in terms of growth (and lack of it) in church Music Departments.  In my next posts, I will attempt to give good reasons and bad reasons for lack of numbers increase.

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Here are some additional thoughts in regard to excellence in a Music Department:

**If self-glorification or impressing your congregation is your motivation for making the music as good as possible, you have your reward.

**Don’t mistake your displeasure over a style of music as lack of excellence.  Just because you may not like an old Southern Gospel song doesn’t mean that it should not be sung or that it isn’t excellent music.  Conversely, just because it’s a song that is popular on Christian Hit radio doesn’t mean that it’s not a good choice for a service.  The importance is in the biblical accuracy and in the effectiveness of communication to your congregation.

**Be ready to give suggestions to folks who do specials.  Many times they may be picking songs that are not a good fit for their ability.  One of your chief roles as the Music Minister is to place your people where they will be the most successful for the kingdom.  I saw way too much error in this regard back when Sandi Patty (or is it Sandy Patti?) and Larnell Harris were considered “contemporary”.  Every soloist thought that they could sing the repertoire of those fine musicians and too many congregations suffered for it.  These days, it may be tempting for most of your folks to try and pull of Mac Powell’s latest ballad but there’s only one Mac Powell.  Put your musicians in a position to be most successful.

**Make sure that you put a new piece of music that will be done as a choir special before that choir well in advance of actually presenting it.  Too many choirs work this way:  a new piece of music is to be sung this up-coming Sunday so they are given it the Wednesday night before for the first time!  Most experts say that we get about 60-70 minutes to prepare a choir special (counting the first time they see to when it is presented).  I would much rather look at a new choir special for six or seven weeks, ten minutes at a time rather than one week for 60 minutes.  It will be much more in that choir’s heart over the long-term.

**Try to wean your choir off of holding music.  This will require some sort of visual monitor through either projecting the lyrics on the back wall or setting up TV monitors.  What you gain in non-verbal communication excellence far outweighs what you may lose in “exact-ness” of watching sheet music.

**Keep in mind that excellence is also a mindset, not just a performance level.  I have seen church musicians cover mistakes in an excellent fashion and I have seen others do so in a very distracting way.  Keeping a worshipful, unhindered, un-distracting, selfless spirit during song services is crucial to effective leading.  A singer may be nailing all the notes of a song but if his brow is furrowed the entire song because his vocals in his monitor are too low, he is not “being” excellent.  If the choir had a distant, apathetic facial expression while a solo is being done during a choir special, they are not exhibiting excellence. In other words, excellence = God-ward + congregation-ward focus.

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…We won’t sing it at Grace Life Church.  I humbly submit that this should be the mantra of any church’s Music Program.  If the lyrics of a song cannot be read in a sermon and stand up to the doctrinal integrity of the preaching standards with scripture as the foundation then it should not be sung at all.

It is the holy responsibility of every Pastor to preach the unadulterated, immutable, infallible Word of God, with the Gospel of Jesus Christ being central.  A church must accurately proclaim the core doctrinal principles (One true God, Jesus as the only Son of God and Way to Salvation, the virgin birth, depravity of man, etc.) in order for true conversion to take place.  (For a clear understanding on what I’m talking about, click here to see our church’s Statement of Faith.) Like my pastor says it, “If you don’t have conversion right, nothing else matters!”

If that is taking place in your church, then you, as the Music Minister, have a wonderful opportunity to be an extension of that preaching in singing about it!  I am so very blessed here at our church to work with a pulpit that has such deep, rich, glorious truth coming from it. I’ve got to do all I can just to keep up!  Our church has been so wonderfully trained to look at the messages of the songs that we sing, to glory in the depth of that message, to not primarily look to a song style or flavor or the Top 20 Countdown to stay culturally relevant.  Most importantly, true, biblical conversions have occurred here so that our congregation rejoices in singing truth.  Music is not the focal point, God as He knows Himself to be is.

Once you have tasted of the richness of the depth of the Gospel, primarily displayed in the redemption of fallen man, singing about anything else just doesn’t seem worth it.  I know many churches that sing more about healing and deliverance, more about wealth and prosperity, more about spiritual warfare and kingdom dominion.  Those things aren’t wrong as much as they are lesser subjects!  As a Music Minister (in a biblically healthy church) stick to the most glorious, most powerful, most rich subject—that of a holy, perfect, complete, majestic God saving wretched, fallen, dead, God-hating man by providing His perfect, matchless, glorious Son by making Him to be sin for us!

I’ve lead songs about heaven, about “victory”, about gardens and mountains and rivers, about family, about the Church, about nations and governments, about prayer, about sun, moon, and stars, about worship, about singing.  Nothing compares to redemption, the cross, the blood, the curse of man and the ultimate saving of man.  Build your song services around that theme.  Yes, throw in some of the other songs occasionally but make sure your congregation sings about the glory of redemption.  You can do that even if not much of that subject is preached from your pulpit!

Brother Music Minister, be a theologian first and a musician second.

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It’s been a while since I’ve shared this and since there are a number of folks reading here now that might have missed it the last time I wrote on it, I thought I would revisit it today.

I get asked this question quite often:  “What are your standards for membership in the Music Department at Grace Life Church?”

Joining the Choir or Orchestra at Grace Life begins by visiting our Wednesday evening rehearsals.  We have two Auditoriums at the church.  On Wednesday evenings, the prayer and preaching service occurs in our Old Auditorium while our music rehearsals are occurring in our Choir Room and New Auditorium.  On any given Wednesday evening we will have a few folks who are not Music Department (MD) members that are sitting in to get a sense of what it’s like to be a member.  (Every August we have a special three-week promotion season where we allow non-MD members sing or play on Sunday services at my discretion.)

If, after getting a taste of it, a prospect wishes to join, we set up a meeting with them.  At that meeting, I share my testimony, the prospect shares their testimony, and they answer a one-page questionnaire.  Most of the time, I do not ask Choir prospects to sing for me.  I am far more interested in the spiritual side of things than the musical side.  I do, however, ask all Orchestra prospects to play a little for me since the playing level is advanced.  We also review the qualifications and attendance policy for membership in the MD

Here are the qualifications:

1.        Must be a Spirit-filled believer who manifests the fruits of the Spirit.          

           Galatians 5:22-23.

2.        Member of good standing in the church and the community.

           Ephesians 5:8-9.

3.         Faithful to small groups, all worship services, church events, etc… (70% highly suggested)       

4.         Purposefully pray to be faithful to visitation.

5.         Should be willing to tithe.     

6.        Attendance-70%. This includes all rehearsals and worship services.

7.        Minimum 10% attendance of Small Groups

      Attendance Policy

The choir functions on a ten-week attendance period. Each ten weeks members must meet a minimum of seven rehearsals and seven Sunday morning worship services to maintain the 70% requirement. If you fall below the 70% requirement in a given ten week period, you will be notified by letter from the Music Department that you have fallen below the requirement. You will be given the next ten-week period to bring your percentage up to the 70% needed to maintain your choir membership. If you should be unable to meet the requirement for the second ten-week period, I will provide you the opportunity to meet with me personally to discuss your continuing membership in the choir. Attendance is taken at each rehearsal and service. It is your responsibility to contact the Music Department in the event of an absence. Please remember an excused absence does not hurt your attendance record.  An individual who shows no effort to attend Small Groups will be asked to step down from the Music Department until an effort to attend is shown.

To explain the “Member in good standing in the church and community”—Grace Life Church practices church discipline based on Matt. 18:15-20 and has adopted Ken Sande’s book “The Peacemaker” as a guidebook on that passage.  If a MD member is in discipline, they may be asked to step away from the MD for a season until the disciple case is resolved.

To explain the “Purposefully pray to be faithful to visitation”—Our church goes door-to-door in evangelism most every Wednesday evening after the service/rehearsals.  It is the expectation that all members of the MD be involved in that effort.

A note on the financial giving of our members—I do NOT look at anyone’s tithing record.  That is between them and the Lord.  Only those who take care of the financial records of the church see those amounts (not even our Senior Pastor sees them!)

Brother Music Minister, please seek to add meaning to membership in your church’s Music Department.

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I had a wonderful discussion with a church member a while back on the subject of music styles in the church.  It was a conversation refreshingly filled with gospel humility, kindness, love, and submission to authority.  Fortunately, our church is filled with folks who express such fruit.  As I was driving home after having the conversation it caused me to meditate upon several categories of attitudes in regards to the legalism/liberty debate.

Before I give you the categories, let’s define what legalism is and what liberty is biblically.

Legalism is the imposing of matters of conscience upon others who have variations in conscience in areas where God has remained “Sovereignly silent” from scripture.

Liberty is an acknowledgment of freedom in an area of conscience because God has remained “Sovereignly silent” in scripture.

(I coined the term “Sovereignly silent” because to say that scripture “doesn’t speak” to a particular area implies that God overlooked that particular area.  God forbid!  When He is silent it is VERY intentional.)

God’s word is filled with biblical principles that teach all of us how to lovingly walk through these areas with the primary passage found in Romans 14.  God’s word is very clear in areas where He has spoken (adultery, stealing, speaking lies, etc.) and in those areas there is no room for wavering, second-guessing, or compromise.

For the sake of the entry I will refer to “Issue X” rather than name music styles or any other area specifically.

The Arrogant Legalist (ALe).  In this camp, the individual has Issue X all figured out.  They are basing God’s approval of them upon holding to their stance on Issue X.  Unfortunately for him, “God’s stand” on the issue just so happens to line up with his own individual conscience.  (Insert sarcastic retort here.)  This mindset is filled with the “I’m right.  You’re wrong.  That’s all there is to it” language.  This person is unwilling to listen to any instruction of biblical principles and will wipe entire groups of people away over their opinion.  In fact, this individual does not want anyone to enjoy the liberty that they don’t have.  This type will almost always become angered when questioned about their reasoning on Issue X because they have made an idol out of their conscience.  There is usually little hope in getting through to one with this thinking.  Example:  Pharisees

The Ignorant Legalist (ILe).  By using the word “ignorant” I mean the literal definition of “unlearned or untrained” NOT to mean stupid or foolish.  This type of person is scared of someone else’s freedom but is somewhat blind to why they dislike the other person’s freedom.  They are guided by a nebulous “everyone sees Issue X as sin” mindset.  Some of this influence comes from contact with people who only share the same conscience on Issue X.  They can hold casual, civil, loving discussions about Issue X and many times are left with as many questions as answers.  Getting through to this type holds some hope.  Examples:  Nicodemus, Peter (his vision of eating meat)

The Loving Weak Conscience-ist (LWC).  There are those who must abstain from Issue X simply on the basis of having a weak conscience and have a scriptural knowledge of Issue X.  However, they rejoice in those who have liberty with Issue X.  In fact, they don’t want to see anyone abstain from Issue X because the LWC might not have liberty on the issue.  They oppose the Arrogant Legalist even though they may look somewhat like ALe on the same Issue.  They pity the Ignorant Legalist and will try to get through to them on the basis of love.  It is a joy for the Loving Strong Conscience-ist (see below) to be around the LWC person because they can rejoice in each other’s conscience and actively seek to come the other’s way on Issue X.  Example:  My wife’s maternal grandfather, Arlie, who couldn’t play games with dice but enjoyed watching others play games with dice and would not condemn anyone for doing so.

The Arrogant Libertarian (ALi).  This type does not really understand that God is “Sovereignly silent” on Issue X and they walk in a liberty that is shallow and short-sighted.  They deal with the Legalist with anger and gnashing of teeth.  In fact, the Arrogant Libertarian wants to impose his freedom of conscience upon everyone.  He will plow over anyone who doesn’t share his liberty and mock them for not having it.  This mindset is filled with the “I’m right.  You’re hindering my freedom.  Get out of my way!” language.  This person is unwilling to listen to anyone who has a weaker conscience and will offend anyone who doesn’t share his strong conscience.  There is usually little hope in getting through to one with this thinking.  Example:  Corinthian Church

The Ignorant Libertarian (ILi).  This person is much like the Ignorant Legalist in that they have very little scriptural basis for their stance on Issue X but because of up-bringing have liberty with Issue X.  They tend to think that Mr. ALi is a bit harsh and mean-spirited but they still avoid the subject of Issue X with a Legalist because they just don’t understand how a Legalist could be so close-minded.  If they do engage in a discussion with a Legalist on Issue X they are left with as many questions as answers.  Example:  those in the Roman church who were offending those with a weak conscience on the issue of eating meat sacrificed to idols

The Loving Strong Conscience-ist (LSC).  This individual has a full understanding of God’s “Sovereign silence” on Issue X.  They joyfully engage with Issue X with freedom.  They also rejoice with those who have a weak conscience on Issue X.  In fact, they don’t want to see anyone offended by their freedom and actively look for ways to protect those who have a weak conscience from sin.  They do not flaunt their liberty on Issue X and keep it in perspective by focusing on the gospel.  They oppose the Arrogant Libertarian even though they may look very similar to the ALi on the same issue.  They have mercy on the Ignorant Libertarian and will seek to instruct them on a biblical basis to strengthen their stance on Issue X.  It is a joy for the LSC to be around the LWC brother because they can rejoice in each other’s conscience and seek to appreciate the LSC’s perspective on Issue X and bind it all up together in love.  Example:  Paul the Apostle

Keep in mind that this analysis is not holy writ.  It is merely my take on the ilk of good folks who have grown (or ceased to grow) on those controversial matters of conscience.  As you deal with folks in your church, ask the Lord to show you where you land in this list on different issues and how you can help good brothers and sisters to move towards being loving in matters of conscience to the glory of God.

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In my last post, I gave you three ways in which you should question the fidelity of a church’s music department.  As promised, I will give the last two today.

The first three were:

You are image-driven rather than word-driven.

You compromise on doctrine.

You have little to no accountability for your members.

Now onto the last two:

You are more concerned with pleasing people than pleasing God.  I cannot think of one Music Minister/Worship Leader/Worship Pastor/Lead Musician who wants a congregation to be disengaged during a song service.  I can guarantee you that everyone who leads congregational singing has great pleasure in seeing individuals giving outward evidence to worshiping God during corporate singing.

Because of that, it is easy to make that the highest priority in putting together a church’s repertoire and week-to-week song lists.  In fact, the first three evidences of being unbiblical that I gave in my last post can be tied to an effect of this cause.  The “He really gets our folks going” and/or “Our crowds have really grown since he’s been here” and/or “Just look at all of our people with hands and voices raised!” justification for being image-driven, theologically loose, and low in accountability is all-too-common in today’s churches.

That’s not to say that it isn’t a beautiful thing to see a congregation fully engaged in a song service.  I LOVE seeing it myself!

The questions are these:

*How are you getting them “there”?

*Are you edifying Jesus’ Bride by being Christocentric?

*Is obedience to God in the forefront of everything that is done?

*Are you using “Well, the people loved it” as an excuse?

*Can you support song selection, use of media, volume level, etc from biblical principles?

You bristle at input from your spiritual authorities.  If you have read much at all at this blog, you had to expect me to also mention this.  You may have all of the lyrics of your songs biblically accurate.  You may be extremely careful in your use of media.  You may require great accountability for all those involved in your music program.  You may even think you are most concerned about pleasing God.  But if you react sinfully to advice from your pastor or elders without repentance or if you rebel against your leadership, you are most likely not walking in God’s favor.

I understand that you should take issue with those who have leadership over you if they ask you to do something clearly unbiblical (speaking lies, singing clearly unbiblical lyrics, etc.).  However, even in that situation, there is a proper way to appeal to them (see David/Saul, Paul/High Priest).   Fortunately, that rarely happens.  Most of the time, it is a pastor having God’s glory and the edification of the congregation in mind when a suggestion on making changes are made that send Music Ministers into a tizzie.  How can this be?

If you think there is even the slightest chance that your pastor is “walking on egg shells” around you because of your sinful temperament in regards to his leadership, stop reading this article and get with him NOW.  Humble yourself and ask his forgiveness and begin the process of receiving help from him (and others if necessary) on how to repent into biblical, loving submission to authority.

I can tell you—without hesitation—that submission to biblical authority has been, by God’s grace, one of the greatest elements to this man’s success in ministry.  All glory belongs to the Lord.

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Notice that I am NOT saying that these are 100% absolutes but that they may indicate that there are issues in your church’s Music Department.  I’m also not saying that some of the elements/techniques/principles are completely wrong in themselves but leanings and dependencies on such things are most likely wrong.  However, there are some absolutes mentioned in this list as well.  There are areas of no compromise.

Have an open mind and heart as you read.

You are image-driven rather than word-driven.  If you are more concerned with your hairstyle/clothing, lighting, and media images than you are about the words to the songs in the set then you may be unbiblical.  Do we need to remove distractions from the culture of our congregation in the way we dress?  Absolutely!  Here in Alabama, it would be a distraction for me to NOT wear a tie while I lead the music.  In Seattle or New York, it might be a distraction for me TO wear a tie.  Are there times when we use special lighting in our services?  Of course.  But lighting effects are not the chief element on which we are dependent.

What we are dependent on are songs that are rich with gospel language and direction.  Give your people truth!  (Which leads me into the next area….)

You compromise on doctrine.  Do you find yourself “looking the other way” on a particular line of a song just to present it in a service because you think the song will get a positive reaction from the congregation?  I’ve been guilty of it myself.  We live in an age where great discernment is needed.  Not all that calls itself “Christian” really is.  Just because a song gives you goose-bumps in a movie doesn’t mean that it needs to be in a church service.

Carefully read the lyrics next to your open bible.  I’m not even talking about open, obvious error like “satan is lord” or “Jesus is not really God”.  It’s the more subtle lyrics that are the bugaboo.  Are there anything in your repertoire that could be misunderstood?  Are there words that center unbiblically on man’s ability and energy rather than on God’s unfailing ability and power?  Your congregation doesn’t need a pep talk on trying harder.  They need loving reminders of the faithfulness of their God and Father and His Champion of a Savior—Jesus Christ.

You have little to no accountability for your members.  Do you just let anyone step right in and participate from the platform immediately?  I am all too familiar with that concept (been there—done that/seen it done lots more).  As church membership becomes less and less meaningful and downright unpopular, church leadership is finding it harder and harder to require even minimal levels of standards for those who assist in leading corporate worship.

Folks who are on the platform ARE seen as leadership whether you want to admit it or not.  Inviting the hot-musician-visitor to sit in with the band or praise team after only attending a Sunday or two is by default telling your congregation that character may not really matter much.  Am I saying that ministers shouldn’t reach out to visitors who are talented musically?  Pah-lease….Of course we reach out to all men and women.  However, if a prospect isn’t interested in building long-term relationships and submitting to basic accountability standards (church membership, faithful in attendance/finances, sharing conversion testimony, etc.) then what you gain on the front end might bite you big-time on the back end (pardon the pun).

I’ll give you the last two in my next entry.

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Today, I hope to finish up this little look-see into a very important character of scripture.  We’ve seen from Matt. 26:1-16 that Judas Iscariot was not red-skinned and holding a pitchfork.  He might have even been a guy that would have caught your attention.  I imagine him as somewhat of a thinker and passionate.  In today’s world, he might have even risen to be a leading pundit on political news stations or talk radio.

We also see that he was a disciple—albeit that his following of Jesus was not in a saving, redemptive way.  However, it is a crucial element to grasp as we look at Judas and then into our own hearts.  Failure to do so will undoubtedly contribute to a false sense of security.  In other words, it is a healthy thing to come close to Judas—not too close, mind you—and ask the Lord to give us true discernment as to our own hearts.

I asked previously the questions that arise from this particular text:   Are you led by expectations?  and How do you react to those who don’t meet your expectations?

Today I wish to ask these questions:

Are you drawn to people with a divisive spirit?  I’m pretty certain that Judas was aware of the chief priests’ and elders’ agenda to take Jesus out of the way (v. 3).  Jesus even spoke to His disciples about what was going to happen.  After the “final straw” scene in Simon the Leper’s house where Judas calls Jesus out for his “waste” (v. 8; John 12:5-6), Judas quickly runs to those who had it in for Jesus (v.14).

If you react selfishly and sinfully to those who don’t meet your expectations and continue to do so, the next step in the process is inevitably finding other “like-minded” folks with whom to ally.  It may not be as drastic or historic as Judas running to Jesus attackers (v. 14).  It may be one outspoken guy in your Small Group class.  It may be a former disgruntled church member.  It may be a “wise-in-his-own-eyes” Elder or Deacon.  One thing’s for sure—divisive people don’t travel alone.  They eventually join forces.

Are you looking for opportunity to play your cards?  Once Judas “went to bed” with the chief priests and elders of the people, everything was in place.  They had Him.  There’s only one step left after having (1) idols of expectations, (2) sinful reactions to disappointment, and (3) joining up with other divisive, frustrated people and that is to (4) attack openly.

As you read this, you may have all your plans in place to get a Senior Pastor fired or pull the rug out from your employer or air your husband’s dirty laundry.  (Fortunately for us, Jesus had no dirty laundry nor any other failure or sin in Him!—That is one key difference in this passage between Him and all of us.)  But let me warn you from God’s word that if you take this final step, there is no going back.

I know that in the Eyes of God in one sense, all sin is sin and that there is no difference between a little white lie and mass-murder.  But in another sense, there is a huge difference in public, corporate sin by openly attacking leadership from all other sins.  God does not tarry long with those who practice such (Titus 3:10, 11).

There have been many sundry motivations for Judas-like attacks.  It may be jealousy, opposing vision, or avoiding accountability.  I write this at this blog because, unfortunately, it happens all-too often from the office of the Music Minister towards the Senior Pastor.  If there are clear, biblical grounds for appealing to leadership as to the qualifications of a Senior Pastor and Elder then there are biblical principles in place that one may follow (Matt. 18:15-20; Titus 1:5-14; Heb. 13:17; 1 Tim. 5:1, 17-22).  These principles are a far cry from the mindset that Judas had.

Brother Music Minister, you may think that you just can’t deal with your God-given authorities any more.  You may be tempted to take the quick strike.  You had better think twice or you might end up like Judas who afterwards showed remorse and wept bitter tears, could find no place of repentance, and committed suicide (Matt. 27:3-5).  You may not literally commit suicide but you might be contributing to your own spiritual destruction.

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In my last entry I asked a very forthright question.  It is also can be an offensive question.  Who…me?!  A Judas?!  No one could ever be as bad as that guy!

Well, you may forget that Judas was a disciple for what most believe to be about three years.  Early on, it may have been much more difficult to notice Judas’ tendencies and heart for betrayal.  When Jesus told the disciples in the upper room that one of them would betray Him (Mark 14:18), we see nowhere in the text that everyone pointed to Judas and said “Well DUH!  It’s gotta be ol’ Judas here.”  (On a totally different subject notice that all of the true disciples were asking “Is it I?”)

Judas’ downfall was gradual.  He started out on a path that seemed just like Peter’s, James’, and John’s.  But that which was in Judas’ heart soon began to unravel at the end of his journey.  Looking at the text (Matt. 26:1-16) again let us draw some questions to ask ourselves.

Are you led by expectations?  Remember that Judas was also known as revolutionary who was primarily concerned with the liberation of Israel from the hand of the Roman government.  Judas saw in Jesus someone who might be able to lead a political/military revolt against his oppressors.  Judas re-defined in his own mind what Jesus referred to as the “Kingdom of Heaven”.  Judas did not come to Jesus on Jesus’ terms but on his own terms!  Everything that he processed, he did so through that lens.

What are some expectations you have for your individual ministry?  How might you be using others to promote your own agenda?  What would those closest to you say about what really drives you?  Is it solely the glory of God and considering others as more important that yourself (Phil. 2:3)?

How do you react to those who don’t meet your expectations?  Judas must have become increasingly irritated at the direction Jesus was taking His own growing influence.  Jesus had ample opportunities to take advantage of the larger crowds by being political rather than obedient to God’s redemptive plan.  Judas, I would guess, was asking himself “Why is Jesus not using His miraculous powers to subdue Caesar?” and thinking “Doesn’t Jesus know that He’s driving folks AWAY by talking about dying???”

In addition to that, remember that Judas was also the treasurer of the group (John 12:6).  (On a side note, also notice that Judas gave evidence to a lack of character by stealing from the money box (John 12:6).  Where are you making the tiniest of compromises?)

For Judas, the scene at Simon the leper’s house was the last straw.  He had had enough!  But don’t think it was any accident that Jesus had the congruence of Judas’ agendas on display here.  Not only was Jesus wasting His time (IJHO—In Judas’ Humble Opinion) by chilling out at a leper’s house but Jesus also let a woman waste a fortune while doing so!  As we say in Alabama, Judas had a real “come-apart”!

What are your “lines in the sand”?  Is it a salary cut?  Is it lack of recognition?  Is it jealousy in seeing the preaching pastor honored and not you?  Is it not getting to teach a particular song to the congregation?  Is it not getting to dress a certain way?  Is it a drop in attendance at church????

We all have certain areas that are very important to us.  The Lord is in the process of teaching us how to let go of idols and be more and more conformed to the image of Christ.  He uses people (esp. authorities) to do that.

We’ll continue on with this subject in my next post.

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I’m sure everyone’s immediate answer is “NO!”.  No one wants to think of themselves as a betrayer including yours truly.  However, God’s word gives us some insight into how Judas got to the point to where he would actually sell out his “Master” to those who wanted to destroy Him.  Of course, we know that all of this fit into the sovereign plan of God’s redemptive story but Judas isn’t given that excuse from the gospel writers.

For this entry, I wish to look at one particular telling passage from the gospel of Matthew.  We know that Judas was a zealot and a political figure who wanted most of all political and socioeconomic emancipation from the Roman Empire.

With that in mind let’s look at the text:

Matt 26:1-16

1 When Jesus had finished all these words, He said to His disciples, 2 “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man is to be handed over for crucifixion.”  3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people were gathered together in the court of the high priest, named Caiaphas; 4 and they plotted together to seize Jesus by stealth and kill Him. 5 But they were saying, “Not during the festival, otherwise a riot might occur among the people.”

6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at the table.  8 But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, “Why this waste? 9 “For this perfume might have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.” 10 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you bother the woman? For she has done a good deed to Me.  11 “For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me.  12 “For when she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial.  13 “Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.”

14 Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?” And they weighed out thirty pieces of silver to him. 16 From then on he began looking for a good opportunity to betray Jesus.

NASU

Have you ever connected these dots before?  Have you ever noticed that there was a covert operation to destroy Jesus, Jesus then “disappointed” the disciples (esp. Judas), and then Judas sought out that covert movement to assist in their agenda?

Because of the length of the scripture text, I’ll wait until my next entry to look more deeply into what all is going on and how to apply to our lives, especially as Music Ministers.

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