The Procession
Psalm 68: 24-27 “Your procession has come into view, O God, the procession of my God, the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary. In front are the singers, after them the musicians, with them are the maidens playing tambourines. Praise God in the great congregation; praise the Lord in the assembly of Israel. There is the little tribe of Benjamin, leading them, there the great throng of Judah’s princes, and there the princes of Zebulun and of Naphtali.
I’ve read this verse over and over, and each time I read it I can almost hear the band coming within view. Have you ever went to a parade and you could hear a great band coming from afar? Perhaps they were a couple of blocks away, but you knew that they were coming your way. Your heart speeds up in anticipation while the big bass drum resonates in your chest as you feel each beat. When the trumpets start blasting out the tune, your eyes light up with the glory of the moment.
Imagine, if you will, a parade for God and only God. In the very front are the singers warming up the crowd and drawing them into the spirit of the moment as they sing in perfect harmony and synchronization. This is no somber moment calling for silence, this is a time of rejoicing and anticipation. As if that wasn’t enough, before the sounds of the singers fade, you’re caught in the midst of the most splendid band you’ve ever heard in your life as they play continuously music so in tune with nature, glory, and God that the majesty overwhelms you. A sound so melodious, and yet deafening at the same time fills your head as the young girls shake their tambourines in perfect beat as their faces shine with anticipation. The bangles catch the sunlight causing you to shield your eyes from the reflection. You can hardly hear yourself think but your eyes are drawn to the next group in this strange parade. The people that are considered to be the least important have been placed strategically next to the singers and given a place of honor, just like a little flower girl and ring bearer foretell of the beauty that is about to follow them. Why do they have the honor of preceding the important people? Next in the parade are the royalty robed in garments so brilliant and eye-catching that you know you’ve never seen such finery before. You’re drawn into the procession as you step out to follow them because you have to know where they’re going and what this is all about. They start filing into the sanctuary of God as the voices and the musicians join in chorus proclaiming the glory of God. “Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord. To him who rides the ancient skies above, who thunders with mighty voice. Proclaim the power of God whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the skies. You are awesome, O God in your sanctuary, the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God! (Ps. 68-32-35)
Our God rules the earth and is deserving of the very best of our songs, our music, and our hearts. Don’t offer Him some pittance of a shadow of worship and think that it is good enough.
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This is the debut album by EXW friend Paul Langford. Paul is a Chicago based singer, arranger, keyboardist, producer and conductor. Paul has a career that spans 14 years. Paul's work includes arranging for groups like GLAD, Voices of Liberty, VoiceTrek, The Chicago based "Caroling Party" and Day of Discovery Singers. His arranging has appeared on recordings side by side with greats like Gene Puerling and David Maddux, and he has sung with Don Shelton, Bonnie Herman and Bob Bowker, among others.