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The Trumpets of the Lord

Trumpet - n.a. brass musical instrument with a flared bell and a bright, penetrating tone.

• v.- to proclaim widely or loudly.

Modern editions of Canonized Scripture, commonly called the Holy Bible, mention the trumpet or trumpets approximately 118 times. The first mention of the trumpet comes in the eighteenth chapter of Exodus, as God gives Moses the Ten Commandments. The final appearance of the trumpet comes in Revelation 22 with the proclamation:

“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He will reign forever and ever.”

If you recognize this latter passage from the last time you heard a performance offering of the “Hallelujah!” Chorus from Handel’s Messiah, you probably also recall that a famous trumpet solo accompanies it!

Though the contexts and circumstances differ, the trumpet in Scripture consistently accompanies a message or messenger(s) from God. Just as trumpets play an extensive role in our story as children of God, such is the case with my life. I began playing trumpet as a middle-schooler in a small, rural community in East-Central Oklahoma. Since then, my life with the trumpet has taken me through four degrees in higher education and performance opportunities in nearly two dozen countries on three continents. I have been immensely blessed to play in some of the most well-known venues on Earth in collaboration with some of my generation’s most notable musicians. I teach trumpet to students at all levels and recruit students for our School of Music at SNU. Through all of these amazing experiences, I have carried a keen awareness of my calling also to accompany the message of God in my music-making. I have sought to shine the light of God’s love every time I pick up my horn. Sometimes, I enjoy the blessing of playing sacred music in worship and concerts where I can share freely and openly, but other times my witness is limited to my character, actions, and words. I seek to glorify The Name of God in all of these scenarios. And so it is with you! Whatever your gifts are, thank God today for allowing you the privilege of serving him in that way. Ask God to develop your gift in you while navigating your path to live into your calling so that you can trumpet (or “proclaim widely and loudly”) the love and grace of God through all that you do.

Reflection:

As you are now taking steps to prepare for your vocation, are you aware of how God has called you and is using you and your gifts?

Are you able to show God’s love by your witness and your presence in the lives of others?

Dr. Lacey Phelps
Fine Arts Recruiter