If you are someone who delves into the history of gadgets, you may guess what this is. 
This is known as a theremin, and it’s a fascinating invention. In fact, it’s a surprising invention because it came into existence by accident. Its creator, Leon Theremin, was a Soviet physicist whose purpose in creating it was to build a land-based device that measured gas density. While creating it, he figured out that when he moved his hands near the circuitry, it altered its resonant frequency. In other words, Theremin, who was also a trained cellist, figured out he could make sound by just moving his hands near the upright antenna, which controlled volume, and the loop antenna at the side, which controlled pitch. This fascinating invention became a precursor to technologies such as the microphone, as well as video and television systems.
David, Another Unexpected Instrument
If you go to 1 Samuel 16:14-16, 23, you may find a familiar story. King Saul, who was rejected as King over all Israel (16:1), is tormented by an evil
spirit supposedly sent by God (verse 14), so his attendants suggest that a little music therapy would help him. After hearing someone else mention David’s resume, Saul sent for David, who comes and plays for him.
“And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him” (verse 23, ESV).
David’s instrument was his harp, which may have been his best friend while he kept his sheep, and during the days when he was a fighting man of valor described in verse 18. Therefore, he knows exactly how his instrument works and how to use it. The harps used in those days had strings made out of animal intestines (please forgive me if you’re grossed out). Their unique design meant that when someone like David plucked the strings, they would have distinct pitches and produce a sweet, soothing, harmonious sound when played together. However, as we can see from this story, it’s not meant solely for playing music. David is using his harp as an instrument to produce music, and that music also provided relief and comfort for Saul, who was rejected as king but never rejected by God.
You might ask how that works? Saul may have been rejected as king of Israel because of his actions, but he was not out of the grace of God. God was trying to reach out to Saul so that he would repent and desire God. David’s role, playing his instrument, and being and instrument here, is giving Saul a taste of the presence and the grace of a God. Thus, David himself became an instrument through which Saul could experience the grace of God and through which praise is consistently elevated to God.
You might feel unworthy of such an incredible honor, but Jesus came to die to connect you with your Father again, so you could become His instrument of praise. That’s music to His ears.
How were we designed?
What’s our function?
What’s our use and purpose?
From Genesis 1:27, we can understand that we are made in the image of God. Thus, our function is and has always been to reflect the image of God. We have so many different things we can do because of to the way God made us. However, we were meant to reflect God in absolutely everything that we do. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says that “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (ESV). Therefore, that is our function and what we were designed to do.
Moreover, Jesus beautifully outlines our use and purpose. In Matthew 5:14-16, he says the following: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Wow! This is what we were meant to do! Our purpose is to be instruments of praise for God. Instruments that He can use to provide relief for others and spread more of His message, love, and grace to the world! I don’t know about you, but I find this highly motivating. God Himself chose us, sinners saved by grace, to be channels of love to the world.
Like Theremin, you may have no idea what you, as a creation, are capable of, but God has an amazing habit of turning our paths to His purposes. He only wants us to trust Him and become a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). David became an instrument of praise because he trusted solely in his God, who used him for a purpose he couldn’t have believed.
You might be asking yourself, “How can I be an instrument of praise?”
Ask God for His Holy Spirit. Ask Him to inspire you and guide you in knowing how to spread His love.
Remember who you are and whose you are. Remember that He made you to reflect Him. Regardless of what you’ve done, His arms are wide open to receive you.
Pay it forward. Dedicate everything that you are to the Lord.
Spread what God has given you in the way you…
Think (Philippians 4:8)
Say (Ephesians 5:19)
Do (1 Corinthians 10:31)
You might feel unworthy of such an incredible honor, but Jesus came to die to connect you with your Father again, so you could become His instrument of praise. That’s music to His ears.
