Melodic Mondays
Those of you who know me know that I love music even though I am not musical myself. I listen to good music as often as I can. It is beneficial to the brain, valuable to the vocabulary, and strengthening to the soul. Isaiah 12:2-3 is a lovely passage that includes this soaring statement of surety: “The Lord JEHOVA [YAHWEH] is my strength and my song.” This could be translated, “God is my mountaintop and my music.” Yes, He is! Each Monday, I want to study this subject and suggest a song to listen to. Anyone reading this devotional has easy access to any song. (I am an exception because I do not go on a computer or other information device.) If you do not like my suggestion (and we all have different tastes), you can think of or search for one that speaks to you. Then, it can become a source of encouragement throughout the week.
The victory of Jesus over death – His Resurrection – is a cause for continued celebration. I Corinthians 15:20 says, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept [have died].” Thus, the Resurrection ensures the resurrection of every believer in Jesus Christ. In Luke 14:14, Jesus promised, “Thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” Yes, “the dead shall be raised incorruptible” (I Corinthians 15:52). A traditional song that presents this Biblical truth is “Ain’t No Grave”. My favorite version is by Johnny Cash. He recorded it not long before his death, and his voice is weak. However, his faith is not, and his personal certainty comes through powerfully. This rendering is appropriately upbeat (with Scott Avett on banjo), for the victory of Jesus becomes our victory (I Corinthians 15:57).