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.
Matthew 25:1-13 is a well-known parable that enjoins us to be ready for the Lord’s return. Using Jewish wedding traditions of the time, Jesus contrasts those who will be ready and looking for His return with those who are unprepared. The old Gospel song “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning” is based on this story. I like the version by Mississippi Fred McDowell. Because it is an old recording, the sound quality is not great. However, the repetition of phrases drives home the key points of Jesus’ teaching.