“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1) The psalmist proclaims a beautiful picture of the Kingdom of God, but for many this may seem unattainable or in reference to a future glory we have not yet seen. What does it look like to “live together in unity?” Dietrich Bonhoeffer comprehensively unpacks this vision and challenge and writes that
“This [verse] is the Scripture’s praise of life together under the Word. But now we can correctly interpret the words ‘in unity’ and say ‘when kindred live together through Christ.’ For Jesus Christ alone is our unity…We have access to one another, joy in one another, community with one another through Christ alone.”
Through Christ, our unity and love for one another triumphs over our differences and for this we praise God! The unity of the Christian church is remarkably unique, as is the way in which we worship and fellowship with one another. How many times in the week do we stop to sing with a group of people at work? It is not a normal part of our daily lives and yet we are called to join together and sing. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 5:18; see also Ephesians 5:18-21)
Why do we sing? Douglas O’Donnell expounds on multiple reasons ending with the idea that “singing in church unites us physically, emotionally, and spiritually as God’s people while it simultaneously witnesses to the world…As we sing, we remind one another to keep the faith and of our great salvation.” The unity we find in Christ is represented through singing and witnesses to our communities that salvation has done a remarkable work in us. Think of Paul and Silas in Acts 16 or the singers marching into battle in
2 Chronicles 20 where the act of singing both unifies and edifies the singers and hearers of God’s praise. Despite its uniqueness and any personal unfamiliarity with the exercise, perhaps we can view singing as a spiritual tool rather than a chore or symbolic component of a service. When faced with spiritual warfare or a sense of disconnection from God or our neighbor, we have the gift of singing, words to declare to the world. “Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (2 Chronicles 20:21)
For this message we join to sing, living together and praising God together in our new life in Christ. The text of Christian Bateman’s “Come, Christians, Join to Sing!” embodies this vision of praise and while it may be familiar and symbolic, its truth and purpose is a testament to the love of God and the unity of Christians through Christ.
“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
(Romans 15:5-7)
Come, Christians, join to sing, Alleluia, Amen!
Loud praise to Christ our King, Alleluia, Amen!
Let all with heart and voice before His throne rejoice;
Praise is His gracious choice; Alleluia, Amen!
Come, lift your hearts on high; Alleluia, Amen!
Let praises fill the sky; Alleluia, Amen!
He is our Guide and Friend; to us He’ll condescend;
His love shall never end; Alleluia, Amen!
Praise yet the Lord again; Alleluia, Amen!
Life shall not end the strain; Alleluia, Amen!
On Heaven’s blissful shore His goodness we’ll adore,
Singing forever more, Alleluia, Amen!