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 been intrigued by the minor characters in novels and stories. That interest extends to the lesser-known individuals in the Bible. The Scriptural account of the Crucifixion rightly focuses on the Savior, Jesus Christ. However, one thief repented and was saved at the last moments of his earthly life (Luke 23:39-43). We do know that this man was a violent criminal, for thieves of that time rarely broke into homes (usually someone was there) but attacked, beat, and sometimes killed their roadside victims. The traditional song “Lilli Schull,” based on a true story from 1903, refers to the dying thief. This song is not easy to listen to, but it is certainly memorable. The only recorded version that I am aware of is by Uncle Tupelo, and it is a good one.