A Certain Type Of Beat
I’m really quite perplexed, Lord, by a certain type of beat,
One that in a Christian church I never thought that I'd meet.
This beat that I’ve been hearing, (mostly played upon a drum-kit),
Has a rhythm that I’m sure cannot rightly worship fit.
The reason that I say this is, because this type I hear
Daily on my radio via the sound waves stations share.
This entertaining rhythm they throughout the day repeat,
Each trying to seduce me with its body stirring beat.
This beat is very common in the music of our day;
Its very earthly rhythm holds so many in its sway.
Thus, I guess it’s not surprising that in church it’s wanted too,
But given that worship’s Holy, how could such be right with You?
I’ve always understood, Lord, that our worship is for You,
So why should we think that we can have our own way here too?
Surely when we’re worshiping, we can forgo our own way,
Given that all You ask of us is only one worship day.
You showed Your great displeasure when the Israelites of old
Thought wrong ideas of worship they could equally uphold.
So surely today, Your displeasure would be just as strong,
Should a Christian introduce what in worship would be wrong.
We’re told in Revelation of a Babylonian power,
That You will soon destroy, Lord, at Your second-coming hour.
We’re told that its musicians receive the same destruction,
For presumably they aid this power, (and its corruption).
Now what I find intriguing is, that Babylon of old
Also engaged musicians to aid its wrong, (we’re told).
Out on the plain of Dura stood an image of its king,
That all had to bow down to -- or death on themselves -- they’d bring.
I’ve noticed there’s also an image in Revelation,
That all are forced to worship, or face extermination.
It seems that it’s connected to the Babylonian power
Whose musicians are destroyed at Your second-coming hour.
In the book of Revelation, there’s another thing that’s said:
Christians should flee Babylon, correctly worship You instead.
This clearly shows -- that in Babyon -- Christians are residing;
That those who choose to stay there, Your will won't be abiding.
The reason that I mention all these things that I have here,
Is because this beat I’ve heard may be Babylon’s, I fear.
Could it be that Babylon is religion gone astray,
Its music and musicians helping steer folk Satan’s way?
Could Babylon be Christians who have made a compromise,
An alliance with the world no true follower would prize?
Could Babylon be worship that is seeking its own way,
A compelling movement that has universal sway?
Earth’s history has shown much done in Your name was wrong,
How apostasy has plagued Jews and Christians all along.
Hence I can’t help thinking, Lord, that this beat in church I hear,
Is rebellion’s End-time swan song, a sure sign Your coming’s near.
By Lance Landall
(refer to diagram below - you may have to wait for it to appear)
Sources drawn from include —
"Music in the Balance" by Frank Garlock and Kurt Woetzel.
"Restoring True Worship" by Ruth Webb.
You may also like to read the poem "Trojan Horses, Golden Calves".