Stop Playing and Start Playing
I Samuel 16:16-23
Intro: The word play is in this story five times. That word is one of the most favorite words of young people.
They love to play. Babies are put in a playpen. They have playtime. They spend time on a playground.
Today, I want to do something that nobody else may never do.
I want to invite you to stop playing around and start playing.
I want to ask you to consider learning to play a musical instrument.
I want to encourage you to take a serious look at how you can be used of God in the area of music.
I started learning to play the piano when I was about twelve.
I started learning to play the guitar when I was about thirteen.
I actually bought an electric guitar when I was about fourteen, stripped it down and repainted it.
I learned the bass guitar when I was about fourteen.
I bought a banjo when I was about sixteen or so.
I am still learning to play instruments.
I. The Request – vs. 16 to seek out a man who is a cunning player
- Vs. 17 – provide me now a man that can play well
The need for people that can play is always in demand.
There is not a single church service where musicians are not needed.
Musicians are needed in the school, the church, the children’s ministries, the rescue mission.
II. The Reputation – vs. 18
- Vs. 18 – I have seen a son of Jesse…that is cunning in playing…
David had a reputation for being a cunning player.
He was not only good, but he was better than average.
David didn’t spend his time playing around; he spent his time playing.
He put in hours and hours of practice.
It was a passion; something he enjoyed and loved.
He developed his talent and his ability.
III. The Refreshing – vs. 23
Notice the results of David’s ability to play.
When David played, Saul was refreshed.
The power of music is unbelievable.
Notice II Chronicles 5
- 11 And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place: (for all the priests that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course:
- 12 Also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:)
- 13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD;
- 14 So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.
Conclusion: Read Psalm 150
Who do you suppose Psalm 150 was written to?