Then in a Nobler, Sweeter Song

As I do most Sundays since I was 17 years old, this morning I was playing the piano in church. I really really prefer to sing instead of play, but it seems that wherever I am, they need a piano player.

This morning I was lifted up in worship by the sweet, yet powerful singing of our little church. I could hear each voice, each with their own unique timbre. The colors of the voices were bright, dark, warm and even harsh. 75 individual voices lifted up together in harmony to state their faith in Jesus. The amazing aspect that struck me this morning is that since we only have one piano to accompany and lead, I could really and truly hear each voice coming together in one aggregate.

By the last verse of this song I was moved to tears as they finished the beautiful hymn accompanied by only one chord to start each measure: (It DID help that this song came after the sermon in Leviticus 7, speaking of the fellowship offering and how Jesus fulfilled all the laws to atone for our sins)

There is a fountain filled with blood,
Drawn from Immanuel’s veins,
And sinners plunged beneath that flood
Lose all their guilty stains.

The dying thief rejoiced to see
That fountain in His day;
And there have I, though vile as he,
Washed all my sins away.

Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood
Shall never lose its pow’r,
Till all the ransomed church of God
Are safe, to sin no more.

E’er since by faith I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme,
And shall be till I die.

When this poor, lisping, stamm’ring tongue
Lies silent in the grave,
Then in a nobler, sweeter song,
I’ll sing Thy pow’r to save.