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.
Even though I have never ridden a train and have no plans to travel, I love train songs. “Engine 143” is based on a wreck that occurred in 1890 in West Virginia on the Chesapeake and Ohio line. It does not qualify as a Gospel song until the very end, where it references the famous hymn “nearer My God to Thee,” probably the most popular song in the United States in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. James 4:8a comes to mind: “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.” “Engine 143” was popularized in the 1920’s by the Carter Family. Other well-known artists such as Johnny Cash have recorded this venerable song. We will listen to a more recent version by Dave Alvin, backed by fiddler Brantely Kearns on vocals.