Angelic Music
Photo Credit: A. J. Medley
“Think of it this way. If the whole body were just an eyeball, how could it hear sounds? And if the whole body were just an ear, how could it smell different fragrances? But God has carefully designed each member and placed it in the body to function as he desires. A diversity is required, for if the body consisted of one single part, there wouldn’t be a body at all! You are the body of the Anointed One, and each of you is a unique and vital part of it.”
– 1 Corinthians 12:17-19, 27 TPT
A few years ago, while visiting my friend in Ottawa, I toured the National Gallery of Canada. As I meandered through the various exhibits, I would hear the most angelic sounding choral music. Following its audible trail, I finally found the source of the music. It was a 40-speaker sound sculpture by Janet Cardiff that allowed you to literally hear the single voice of each chorale member.
This musical piece, Spem in alium by Thomas Tallis, began with solo parts, but as the song progressed all the voices would eventually blend together in 40-part harmony. I was in absolute awe of the ethereal sound, making me wonder if this was what heavenly music sounds like. While initially hearing each voice separately in its purest sound was beautiful, I was most intrigued with the collective sound of the choir. It was so majestic I felt like I was being transported somewhere else. And no, I’m not crazy, you have to experience it for yourself to fully understand.
This art piece is similar to the body of Christ. He has beautifully blessed each one of with unique gifts, which are important in their own right. But He also intricately designed these gifts to complement each other, so that collectively we can help bring His kingdom closer to those who need Him.
