Horns of every shape and kind – October 19
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 38; PM Psalm 119:25-48; Ecclus. 7:4-14; Rev. 8:1-13; Luke 10:17-24
I love Meredith Wilson’s “The Music Man”. As a kid watching the movie over and over, I would march and sing along as Robert Preston sang, “Seventy-six trombones led the big parade, with a hundred & ten cornets close at hand. They were followed by rows and rows, of the finest virtuosos, the cream of every famous band…” Hearing the brass instruments play made me smile with the din of excitement and anticipation.
Horns are not subtle, but declarative. When breath flows through their chambers, the emerging sound grabs our attention, rousing us from sleep with the notes of “Reveille,” the morning bugle call. We are called to a respectful posture when “Taps” is played, the signal for lights out at the end of a military day and at the funeral of a person who served in the U. S. Armed Forces.
The Revelation to John appointed for today also incorporates horns – trumpets to be precise. Angels play them. Those notes that blast forth from the heavenly chorus ring out to rouse humans from our sleep. They call us to a respectful posture…not to honor our compatriots who have died in service to our country. Rather, the horns blow to bring a respectful demeanor to the earth in the wake of the sacrifice of the Lamb, who is Christ Jesus. The ordered cacophony of seven trumpets ushers in destruction of a third of all creation (of which we read in chapter 8) and woe (in chapters 9-11). Angels sounding the trumpets in Revelation do not inspire us to march about and sing along with full hearts. These horns bring hard truths and prophetic promises. And it is dark.
Revelation is ordered as the final book in the New Testament and wraps up the Bible. What a way to wrap up this story of God’s people! This apocalyptic book of prophecy and social commentary presents vivid visions and descriptive language of action and mystery. There are bad guys, angels, special effects, and one hero – Jesus, who died and was resurrected. Much is to be interpreted and decoded in the metaphors and allusions. Some have made it their life’s work to unravel and understand the symbols and messages to be preached.
People in the second or third century of the Common Era would not feel my cognitive dissonance - a collision of nostalgia and terror - in pondering the echoes of brass instruments in the book of Revelation. The sounding of horns meant stark warnings. It was horns that we are told were blown for seven days to break down the walls of Jericho (Joshua 6). Trumpets were the terrifying battle warning that troops were heading in their enemy’s direction, ready to attack. These metallic tones were for warning, not entertainment. Fear, not joy.
Before the chaos of trumpets and the dark aftermath of destruction in Revelation today, there is silence and prayer (v. 1-4). What if, before the unknowns of your day unfold, you and I take time for silence and sit in prayer with God? Perhaps light a candle as a symbol of your prayer, watching the gentle smoke waft up to be joined with the prayers of the saints. (v. 3-4). This moment or two of stillness can prepare and center us before we enter what feel like assaults from every side. Let us be still for a moment, knowing that God is God, and we are not.
Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
How do you respond to chaos? Are you exhausted or invigorated? Is it a new challenge or a tangle of Christmas lights that perplexes you greatly?
Daily Challenge
Slow down today. Set aside time to focus on being in your body, still and breathing fully. Give thanks to God for being with you, no matter what. This can help prepare you for any chaos that will come.