2 Chronicles 5:11–14; 2 Peter 1:16–21; Matthew 17:1–9
Introduction
Music has the mysterious power to move the human soul in ways words alone cannot. A melody can awaken memory, stir emotion, and unite people across language and culture.
During the reformation, the Catholics, including Johann Eck and Jesuit Adam Contzen, famously remarked that Luther’s songs turned more Catholic souls to Protestants than his writings and sermons, as they championed doctrines like sola fide through congregational singing.
The Scripture reveals something more profound on music when it is directed toward God in reverent worship, that it can become a conduit for divine glory. Not because the beautiful sound or tune manipulates God, but because praises align human hearts with heavenly atmosphere. The Bible presents moments when worship, especially musical worship, coincides with the overwhelming encounters of God’s presence that transform those who experience it.
Glory Filling the House Through a Unified Praise
At the dedication of Solomon’s temple, priests, Levites, singers, and musicians assembled “as one.” Trumpets, cymbals, and voices united with a single theological refrain: “For He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.” This covenant formula recalls God’s faithful character revealed throughout Israel’s history (cf. Psalm 136; 1Ch 16:34,41; 2Ch 7:3; 20:21; Ezr 3:11; Ps 100:5; 106:1; 107:1; 118:1; 136:1; Jer 33:11).
The Chronicler emphasizes holiness "All the priests... consecrated themselves" (2 Chr 5:11) and unity (“one voice”) "regardless of their divisions" (2 Chr 5:11). Worship is not performance for applause as we commonly see today but a corporate surrender in holiness unto the LORD. When praise was lifted, “the house of the LORD was filled with a cloud,” so overwhelming that the priests could not stand to minister. This cloud evokes the Shekinah glory, the same divine presence that filled the tabernacle in Exodus 40:34-35.
The Bible does not teach that music causes God’s presence mechanically at all times. Rather, when music is lifted in holiness and unity, our God-centered worship coincides with God’s self-revelation for a transformed life. As Augustine wrote, “He who sings prays twice,” not because melody has magical power, but because it engages the whole being of the worshiper in mind, will, and soul with the glorious encounter.
A transformed life through music is in the holiness and unity of our proclamation. That is, declaring God’s goodness and covenant love to the world. The goal is not emotional excitement or entertainment but a divine encounter to transform lives. True worship displaces human desires with God’s glory.
The Glory Revealed on the Mountain
On the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus’ face shines “like the sun,” and His clothes become radiant, "as white as the light." Moses and Elijah appear, representing the Law and the Prophets, testifying that Jesus fulfills the entire scriptural witness. A bright cloud envelops them, the same symbol of divine presence seen in the temple (cf. 2 Chr 5:13; Exo 40:34).
Although the divine encounter here does not mention music explicitly, the heavenly voice echoes a liturgical proclamation which melodious to the ears, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”
(Matthew 17:5). The encounter produces both awe and reverence. In unity, the disciples fell on their faces, overwhelmed by the holiness of God. The proclamation of Peter indicates a transformed mind-set at the encounter of God's glory.
The transfiguration experience parallels the temple worship encounters. Both involve a mountain, a cloud, a divine voice, and overwhelming glory. It is worth noting that true worship ultimately centers not on rituals or songs but on Christ Himself, the embodied glory of God (John 1:14), to transform our lives.
Our music must reveal the humanity of Christ as the instrument of God's glory unto all manner of persons. When we behold Christ through our music, our worship lands us at the epicenter of our Heavenly Father's presence. The disciples’ transformation began not with their effort but with beholding His glory. As Paul later wrote, “Beholding the glory of the Lord, we are being transformed” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Glory Remembered and Interpreted
Peter reflects on the Transfiguration as an eyewitness: “We were eyewitnesses of His majesty.” He emphasizes that the experience was not a myth but a historical revelation. Peter elevates Scripture as the sure and reliable source of God's glory than a prophetic message or experience.
This provides the foundation for a critical balance in our theological reflections. Our encounter with glory, whether through worship, dream, or vision, must be interpreted through the prophecy of Scripture. The Spirit-inspired Scriptures guard against subjectivism and other human sentimental influences. I love how John Stott puts it, “Experience must never be allowed to sit in judgment on Scripture; Scripture must sit in judgment on experience.”
Peter’s testimony also shows transformation. The once-impulsive disciple now writes with sober clarity, grounding faith not in sensation but in revelation. Indeed, glory encountered becomes truth proclaimed.
Music, Glory, Transformation
Today's Sermonette brings to us the basic principles of music, glory, and transformation. We come to the understanding that worship that centers on God invites awareness of His presence (2 Chronicles 5). From Matthew's narrative, the true glory is revealed supremely in Jesus Christ (Matthew 17). Our spiritual experiences must be anchored in Scripture (2 Peter 1).
Music serves as a vehicle to encounter God's glory. Therefore, it must not be performed but ministered. It prepares the heart, unifies the community, and proclaims divine truth. But transformation occurs when people encounter the living God revealed in Christ and illuminated by the Holy Spirit.
This aligns with Ephesians 5:18-19, where Spirit-filled believers speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. The result is gratitude and mutual edification, not mere emotional catharsis or placebo.
Reflect on the words of Martin Luther, a reformer and a musician, is noted to have said, “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.” He understood that music amplifies truth, carrying doctrine into the affections.
Conclusion
We live in a church culture saturated with music and good sounds yet starving for the Shekinah glory. Songs entertain, distract, and soothe, but only worship exalts the true God for transformation. The temple filled with glory, the mountain blazing with light, and the apostolic testimony preserved in Scripture all point to the same reality about God, that when He reveals Himself, lives cannot remain the same.
The question is not whether we enjoy music, but whether our worship leads us to behold God's glory through Christ. When our hearts unite in truth-filled praise, when our eyes are fixed on the Son, and when our experience is grounded in God’s Word, we do not merely sing about God's glory, we actually encounter it. And those who truly encounter God’s glory never leave unchanged but transformed.
Shalom aleikhem...
