Today as I was having my morning "moment with God" I was listening to "Nearer My God To Thee" by André Rieu & his Johann Strauss Orchestra. The first two stanzas are instrumental, with the last being sung. As I watched the faces of the people listening, seeing even the musicians shedding tears as they played, it highlighted the fact that the Christian faith is the only religion where music and singing cannot be divorced from it.
As tears began to well up in my own eyes, I began to recall all the times this song was sung by those in tragedy, such as when Titanic was sinking, and those in despair in concentration camps, and those, like me, who are very near the shores of Zion through sickness or age.
I immediately went to hear another version of this song, sung acapela. The same tears began to flow down my cheeks. The God who pierces the heart in a fancy concert, is the same God who pierces the heart in a country church.
Oh to be near Him! Oh to know that He will carry me over to Zion! Oh to feel Him ever near, here and now! To be drawn into His presence, even while undeserving of it. Draw near to Him dear friend!
Hear the orchestra version here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yRC1VJsCk8 and watch intently the faces of the people and musicians
Hear the acapella version here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CTlxFwXHAs and see the intensity of the singers
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