The song of Moses (Exodus 15:1–19) was both declaration and anticipation: it looked back and forward. Within a few hours of singing this masterpiece of praise, however, the Israelites were murmuring! The question that must be asked then is, how many Israelites sang in the congregation that day with no real feeling or sincerity?
We must ask ourselves the same question. Do we sing with the heart or only with the mouth? Is our singing with an engaged mind, a faithful heart, and earnest desire for the God we praise? Meditate this month on the words of the hymns we so often sing.
A Rock that stands forever Is Christ, my Righteousness! In Him I stand un-fearing, In everlasting bliss! Christ is my boast and glory— All wrath for me is o’er; The judgment of the sinner Affrighteth me no more. There is no condemnation, There is no hell for me! The torment and the fire— My eyes shall never see! For me there is no sentence, For me there is no sting, For Christ, my Lord, who saved me, Will shield me with His wing! No hunger, Lord, nor thirsting, No danger, fear, nor fight, No foe, no tribulation, No throne, nor pow’r, nor might, No height, no depth, no creature That has been or can be. Can pluck me from Thy bosom— Can sever me from Thee! My heart in joy upleapeth— Grief cannot linger there! O Jesus, Lord in glory, Thou art my sunshine fair! The Source of all my singing Is Jesus there above, The Sun that shines upon me Is Jesus and His Love!—Paul Gerhardt, (1607-1676)
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