But this wasn't always the case. The myriad of acoustic & electric instruments we have today was limited generations ago. Instruments were string, wind or percussion without electric enhancement. Even further back simple things like hollow logs, seashells, & of course our own hands & mouths were the first noise makers we harnessed in harmonies that soothed our minds and stirred our spirits.
None of us were there to know, but basic logic tells us how music got its start. A clap of hands, a whistle from our mouths, a succession of grunts or just banging two rocks together. Picture yourself in the wilderness. Thru your years you have heard the birds sing & the eagles call, so it is only natural to think at some point, the first whistling sound was made by pursing our lips or rolling our tongues.
From there mankind embarked on a musical journey that includes not only basic & complex sounds…but our own thoughts & words to enhance our beliefs, send a message & impact lives around us. In Biblical context music has its roots all the way back to Genesis Chapter 4:21 where Lamech & Adah's son Jubal is referenced as the first musician, inventor of the harp & flute.
The force of music in our world cannot be denied. We see it today in the head banging metal noise & the words of hate in some songs. Music can be compromised & corrupted just as anything in our lives can be. But a natural force that was created first from love & harmony has roots too deep for death & destruction. The devil infiltrates all aspects and walks of this life...music is no different.
But the true force of music does not reside in the deceitful world of the damned...no, it resides on the whispers of the wind, whispers that are often so loud...they cause forts to crumble to the ground. Such was the case generations ago & it is documented in numerous accounts, even though the devil's deceptions would have you believe otherwise.
Jericho, a spring fed paradise surrounded by desert, one of the first cities in the world historically established over 10,000 years ago, with fortified walls dating back over 8,000 years. These walls and early architecture provided a foundation for future development. Around 1400 B.C. the Israelite's, led by Joshua, marched around the city walls for seven days, carrying the Arc of the Covenant & blaring traditional musical ram horns (Joshua Chapter 6). On the seventh day they circled the old city seven times blaring those ram horns and then...then they shouted in one accord & the walls collapsed. This directive was given to Joshua by the "Commander of the Lord's Army" (Joshua 5: 13-15) which appears to actually be God Himself. Today, dating archeological remains verify the cities destruction around 1400 B.C. So, what does this have to do with music you may be asking.
Well, we all know sound can have destructive physical powers. Sound frequencies can shatter glass, move objects across a table, hurt our ears & yes, crumble weak foundations. Certainly, there was Devine intervention involved here, but I think the "Commander of the Lord's Army" knew a thing or two about the destructive force of noise at the right frequencies.
That's an old school example on the force of music. And in the last few days we've seen a much more relatable example of this force. Jason Aldean's song "Try That in a Small Town" has brought the force of music front & center to American society. Never mind the fact that some rap, hip hop & grunge rock songs over the years glorified severe anti-social behavior, that I'm not even going to repeat. These verbal abuses have shifted American culture & not in a good way. So, Mr. Aldean writes a song that visually depicts the results of this mind set. His lyrics speak to faith, family & freedom...but the visuals have unhinged those that choose to ignore the violence depicted in the videos that captured just a small portion of the 560 plus riots that were inspired by commentary & in lyrics that remains on radio stations as well as on social & mass media today.
The force of music...it's come full circle and the hypocrisy shown once again by certain folks in this country to bolster their own agenda (& by that I mean wallets) is on full display. Look no further than the marxist group BLM...who raked in millions & did what with it...bought mansions for themselves.
Rolling Stone commented that Jason’s song is somehow anti-American because it shows the divide between city & rural life. Well, the geniuses at the Rolling Stone (which used to be a pretty good magazine years ago, now it's just a liberal rag) need look no further than the 2020 election returns to see the apparent divide that has existed for decades in the country and was exasperated in 2008.
In my own personal life, I have many stories about the forces of music, but I'll share this with you. Music has been a part of my life for over 50 years. The music choices that started me on my life's journey were songs like "Golden Country" by REO Speedwagon, and "School" & "Crime of the Century" by Supertramp...these among many others is what I listened to in my early teens. Listen to the lyrics to "Golden Country" they are prophetic as so much of the music of the 60's-80's is.
I went to an REO concert when I was around 14 years old, mainly to hear that song. I believe it was their encore & it was performed to perfection. I won't spoil the song, but there's a line that goes, "you better stop your hiding, or your country will burn." Truer words cannot be said then & now over 50 years later & threatening to cancel an artist that is bringing patriotism & truth to America, while ignoring those spouting hate & lies, is a type of hiding demonic forces deploy very well.
The Force of Music resides all around us. You choose what to listen to but remember the old saying...."Garbage in, equals garbage out." That holds true in your life choices...music included.
When all else fails me in this world, I know I can always retreat to the sweet sounds of the force of music found not just on electronic airwaves...but in the airwaves blowing in the silence of the wind.
"...I will not fail you or abandon you...Be Strong and Courageous" Joshua 1: 5-6
" I will sing a new song to you, O God!..." Psalm of David 144: 9
May your days be filled with the essence of music that inspires your Spirit & your night's sleep comforted by the soothing harmonies of your Guardian Angels. 🪶
Bryan Stross July 21, 2023 10:10 PM EST
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