There really is a river

The Crown QuartetSomeone once said, in marveling about the miracle of music, that it is the only thing on Earth -- besides the saints of God, that is -- that will also be in Heaven.

(Some think their pets will be there too, but sadly there's no Scripture to back that up. I hope Javier understands because he's trying so hard to live a good life.)

Music -- like man -- was created by God to glorify God. That doesn't mean that all secular music is necessarily sinful, although it certainly can be and much of it undeniably is.

But even among sacred songs, there are some that seem to have a special anointing. One such song is There Is A River, words and music by Max and David Sapp.

When these songs are sung, one is never sure whether the power is due to the writer of the message, or the message itself, or the one who brings the message, or the heart condition of the hearer.

I suspect that in every case, it is a supernatural synergy created by any or all of the above.

Last weekend our family were able to hear our son sing with his group, the Crown Quartet. The guys traveled from Bible college in Tennessee especially to provide the music for a weekend of festivities at the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Hickory, North Carolina.

Come to this water ~ There is a vast supply  There is a river ~ That never shall run dry

There Is A River is one of the boys' best numbers, and clearly one of their favorites.  I heard them sing it via live streaming video a few weeks ago in a chapel service, but the first time I experienced it in person was last Saturday. They sang it again on Sunday and it was even better. Of course I cried! You might have too.

In the absence of a good-quality video of the Crown Quartet singing There Is A River, which unfortunately is not available, I turned to YouTube. Here's the Gaither Vocal Band performing There Is A River live, with David Phelps doing the solo work.

I love it when the audience sings with them at the end.

And he shewed me a pure river of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. (Revelation 22:1)

Comments

[Cheryl]

This post really resonated with me this morning. For my devotions I had been reading Psalm 65:9.......The river of God is full of water........ It talks about the happiness that the river of God brings. Good stuff!

[Jennifer]

@ Cheryl ... thanks for reminding me of that wonderful Psalm! I read it after reading your comment, and received a blessing. I appreciate you!

[rosezilla]

BEEEEE-utiful! Nothing like a good quartet. Singing the truth. As amazing as that was, the audience joining in was even more chill producing. I miss the old song-fests. (Where was Mark Lowry? He may be goofy, and at times hilarious, but man, can he sing!) Speaking of singing, have you seen the documentary (available through Netflix) called The Singing Revolution? It is about Estonia and it is really good, begins with some history, and gets more in to the singing part of it as you go. Worth seeing. congratulations on your boy. My young teenage niece sings "Breath of Heaven" and makes me cry every time.