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.
In Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus delivers the parable of the ten virgins. In Jewish weddings of that era, it was customary for the groom to go to his bride’s home, fulfill required religious ceremonies, and then take her to his own home to complete the marriage celebration. In this parable, Jesus contrasts the five foolish women who were unprepared for this event, even though they knew it was coming, with the five wise ladies who had their lamps ready in order to meet the bridegroom upon his promised return. The lesson for all of us is found in verse 13: “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” The traditional Gospel song “Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burnin’” is based on this spiritual story. Let us listen to a rendition by Hot Rize.