Powerful Musicians

Musicians and singers are powerful: They have the ability to elicit a response from a crowd of people. This requires a character in the musician that demands strict discipline, heart humility, and a clear mandate of purpose, without which, the elicitation is simply self-serving. In biblical times, those who served the Most High understood their role, and as a result, their honed craft served a higher purpose than simply a favorable crowd-appreciation response. These were seeking a much greater life purpose with their musical ability.

David, the shepherd teen, was such a one. He had all the qualities that any modern-day musical group would deem worthy of hire: Highly skilled musician and singer, very articulate, excels in the ability to communicate musically, very handsome - stands out from the crowd. With this impressive qualifying list, someone in the King's high court of Israel recommended this shepherd teen for the job of "first musician" to play during the King's many high anxiety-insanity moments when evil spirits would assault him. From the first time David played and sang, the King's response was deep shalom within his soul. He was hired. This inexperienced young musician was not only good looking, skilled, and articulate, he was exceptionally anointed from the Holy One of Israel!

For years I played and sang for the crowds...I learned how to get the emotional response I was looking for. But then, a serious "heart" operation from a God-intervention, caused me to line up my motivation. I had to relearn my craft all over again, and the most important lesson I learned is what will I do with the God-given power in a crowd of people? Will I own it? - or will I allow God to use me to bring His shalom upon the people? It was a conscious decision of my own will to to choose the latter.

Recently, we had such a musician come to play his instrument in Jerusalem before 3,000 Christian people representing 30 nations. Pedro Eustache reminds me of what King David must have been like. He had similar Davidic qualities, but the characteristic that stood out the most was his deep humility, reverance, and love for God above all else.

When a musician truly owns these qualities, the music that flows is more than beautiful. It creates an atmosphere in which the people present tangibly sense a shalom from on High; we sense God is present and we respond with our emotions accordingly. From that same posture I, too, have determined to play, sing, and communicate through my music until there is no more breath to breathe into my instrument.

Listen to Pedro - a truly anointed musician - play the ancient Armenian duduk flute (visit his website):