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 JEHOVAH [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 existence of Satan is a sad reality. His rebellion against God (Isaiah 14:12-20) was a failed attempt to take God’s place as ruler of all. Because of this assault against all that is good, Satan was cast out of his original position in heaven (Ezekiel 28:16) and judged at the Cross (John 12:31). His evil activity continues on earth now (I Peter 5:8) in a myriad of ways. However, he will be cast into the lake of fire at the end of human history (Revelation 20:10). Even now, his power in the life of a Christian is limited, for “greater is He [Who] is in you than he [who] is in the world” (I John 4:4b): God the Holy spirit is infinitely more power than Satan. A traditional Gospel song that matter-of-factly states the truth of Satan’s limitation and the end of his wicked action is “Satan, Your Kingdom Must Come Down.” The version by Uncle Tupelo is effective in its simple presentation.