Focus: Singer's Due Portion

Text: Neh.11:22,23

"The sons of Asaph, the SINGERS were over the business of the house of God. For it was the king's commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the SINGERS, due for every day."

The sons of Asaph were consecrated singers and devoted worshippers. Singing to the Lord was one thing they did with great passion and enthusiasm. They sang to glorify their God. They functioned as singers in the house of the Lord. Singing was a sacred business for them. In the days of Ezra, we read, "And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David king of Israel. And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid" (Ezr.3:10-11). 

The sons of Asaph were singing in turns to the Lord. In their courses they were singing turn by turn to the Lord. They made sure that praises were going up to God constantly, continuously, and consistently. No moment passed by without praises going up to the Lord. You know, God feeds on the praises of His people. In fact, He inhabits their praises.

What is that one thing you do by faith that attracts God's attention? In what area of divine service are you investing your whole energy into that brings glory to the Lord?

I want you to understand that every service we render to the Lord has its due reward. Life of praising God is eternally rewarding. God cares for those who sing and worship Him. Singing is one area we can express our faith in the world. The psalmist says, "Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed" (Ps.37:3). From the Hebrew, the word 'verily' also means 'faithfulness.' In fact, the margin of the Revised Version says, "Feed on faithfulness." Those who trust in the Lord feed on God's faithfulness. Singing to the Lord is an expression of faith.

Singers are givers. They give joy and take away sadness. They gladden hearts and make grieving souls feel relief. It is good to sing to the Lord either as individuals or as a group. Singers sing to glorify God and express their faith.

Singers are sustained by God. God supplies their needs. Back in the days of Ezra, the king ordered that the singers should be given the portion due them on daily basis. There is a daily allowance for those who sing to the Lord. By singing we qualify for daily supplies. I pray for what is due you as a worshipper to come to you. I pray for the overflow of God's blessings in your life. By the Spirit's inspiration, Paul says, "Render therefore to all their dues…" (Rom.13:7). 

The blessings due you are coming your way, and it is a daily blessing. In that spiritual office that you occupy, God will sustain you there. Your dues will not delay to come. The King of kings has commanded for you to be given your due portion. He is the King behind all earthly kings. His word is law. He has issued a decree to have you sustained on daily basis for as long as you breathe and sing to the Lord. Mind you, we do not sing for pay, but God pays us for signing. Singing is one way of seeking God, and God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. We are not professional singers or entertainers; we are spiritual singers, praisers and worshippers. Singing is a sacred job for the spiritual. It is what we do with a sense of responsibility.

Why not become a singing Levite? Become a praiser of God. Every believer is a singer. We sing the songs of redemption. We sing to bless the Lord for His mercies and goodness. Those who count their blessings end up singing praises to God. God has daily blessings for daily singers. There are daily portions for daily praisers. No one loses for singing to God. There is a sure pay for the God-praisers. Amen!

by Bishop Moses E. Peter