I think that instead of the terrible music we hear on the radio or mtv, full of its profane words, images, messages, ideas... we will listen to real talent and auditory beauty in the kingdom of heaven. Our own words won't be necessary because all those in the kingdom will want to sing "Holy, Holy is the Lord..." There will be no desire to create music that draws the opposite sex together for raunchy and leud behaviors. No, that trash will perish. We won't hear, "but it's rhythmic..." Sure, there will be rhythms in the kingdom but I get the feeling it will look completely different from the depraved kinds we have produced and sold for popular consumption. The more I listen to the glorified songs and music videos of our day, the less appeal they have for me. This self-gratifying, overly sexualized music outlet happily drinks from the toilet when there is fresh water available only a few feet away. And that is not to say that the "christian" music genre has it right. There are PLENTY of equally terrible songs coming from that side of the industry... they may not curse or idolize the female body, but some naively sing about life with God as if it were a giant gumdrop we are all just merrily licking from.

So, sometimes it is the wordless songs that make me smile and enjoy life more. You get to listen to the melodies and chords and innovative manipulation of instruments. It becomes less about what the artist has to say and more about the incredible sounds you get to hear. I think that's what I like about this random kid in this talent show. He's just up there with his instrument (kudos for him that it isn't ANOTHER guitar but the highly neglected VIOLIN!) and a little bit of technology, putting something cool and creative together for the audience. There WILL be music in the kingdom, but I wonder what kind it will be. An eclectic sort, I'd imagine. I hope that the thread tying all of the musical expression together will be LOVE & sheer JOY. That those who are singing and playing do so because it is just a blast to perform for their amazing God who has gifted them in that way. No need for their own fame or recognition. No crap artists popping up to give it a go. Just the raw and rare talent for what it is. Now that would be something worth listening to.