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.
I have always enjoyed songs about man’s failure and God’s full, free, and forever forgiveness. Scripture is clear: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The outcome of our sin is catastrophic: “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a). However, this is not necessarily the final outcome: “But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23b). The life of Paul is a compelling example, as on his knees on the Damascus Road he was transformed from a murderous persecutor of the Church to a Gospel preacher to all (Acts 9:1-6). The song “On My Knees” by the Red Clay Strays explores both sin and salvation. Because it is in the Southern Gospel style, it is easy to imagine being in a tent meeting on a hot August night. Perhaps it will warm us up a bit in a New England winter.