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.
I appreciate songs that look at Bible verses and consider the spiritual implications. One such song is “He Said, ‘If You Love Me, Feed My Sheep.’” John 21:15-19 records the interaction of our resurrected Lord and the penitent Peter, who had denied Jesus three times just before the Crucifixion. Here, Jesus graciously restores Peter to a position of great authority and responsibility. The message of forgiveness and empowerment is most encouraging. What I especially like about the song based on this Scripture is that it directly applies the commands to all of us. Certainly we are all called to be faithful laborers for our Savior. The version of this song that I know is by the Avett Family. Their family harmonics are winsome and evocative.