In The Choir

Revelation 5:11-14

One of the first groups I joined in the church was the choir. That was a good time, before other church-related responsibilities, such as teaching Sunday school, took over. Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed, and still enjoy, teaching Sunday school. It's just that sometimes I really miss singing in the choir but I know I just don't have the time for rehearsals, Sunday morning warm-ups and the other things that go into being a part of the choir.

I still remember my first choir rehearsal. It was during the summer when the choir of the church I was attending had what they called a summer choir, or choir for anyone who wanted to sing, but didn't think they were ready for prime time choiring. As I walked in I was greeted by the choir director with a warm smile and a gentle hello. I replied with a sheepish look, but in a voice that mustered as much confidence as I could.

As soon as I said hello one of the choir leaders sat up, looked my way, smiled widely and said one word, "Tenor." I had no idea what my vocal capabilities were, but he seemed to be so sure of it that I said, "Yes." without even thinking about it. So, for the next few years I sang tenor in a 40-voice choir in my church.

As much as I remember the first day I sang with the choir, I remember the last. Our church's worship and educational planning was centered around the lectionary. On that last day I sang in my church's choir the lectionary cycle fell on the Old Testament passage that begins with Isaiah 6:1 and talks about the call of that prophet. "In the year King Uzziah died..." is how it begins, and it's also how a song which always brings tears to my eyes begins.

Today, as I read the passage from revelation I recalled how I stood in the middle of that choir, surrounded by dozens of voices, all singing the praises of God. It brought back memories of knowing what it must be like   to worship God with all that is inside me.

I really have no words to describe it, and therefore am thankful to the Psalmists and author of Revelation for describing it so well for me. I leave you with this challenge. Put on a pair of headphones, find a place you can be undisturbed for 7 or 8 minutes, and follow the link below. Oh, don't forget to turn up the volume.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kECS5_NsK68