Before the passing of Jim Henson, early genius of children's TV programming, one could little escape the impression that certain segments of his inimitable "Sesame Street" show were created with a wider audience in mind. One had only to hear parents laughingly discuss the latest Bert and Ernie exchange to recognize this apparent intent. The program was a success on all fronts - educational and entertaining. Its subsequent loss of cutting edge and transformation into agency of political correctness indoctrination following Henson's death tended, however, to undermine the enthusiasm the show once enjoyed.
The program, at least at one time, contained a song that recently came to mind following an evening of Gospel music - a quite frequent practice in this part of the country. The words went something along this line: "Don't worry if it's not good enough... just sing, sing a song."
There is something about "singing a song" that elevates the spirit - particularly when the song represents an expression of the heart. As such, Scripture repeatedly recognizes the role of music in relation to God's presence and beneficence. "Enter His gates with thanksgiving," the Psalmist exhorts, "and His courts with praise."
Few examples of Scripture are more explicit as to the potential of anointed music than II Kings 3:6-20. On a joint campaign in the desert and having run out of water, the armies of Israel, Judah and Edom are desperate and on the verge of collapse. Learning that Elisha is in the camp the kings send for him. "And Elisha said... But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the word of the Lord came upon him..." to a resolving of the dilemma.
Two thoughts ensued in relation to the aforementioned evening of Gospel music:
1. How meaningful such times can become in a day of growing stress and uncertainty;
2. How inspiring when, transcending those barriers of sectarian identity whereby we so often divide the Body of Christ, focus becomes centered rather upon him and the realities of divine grace.
I needed that.
Burl Ratzsch
