Day 270
Isaiah 51:1-53:12; Ephesians 5:1-33; Psalm 69:19-36; Proverbs 24:7
Sing to the Lord a New Song!
At various times in my life – high school, college, and a few times since – I have performed in Broadway musicals. Often people make fun of such works on the grounds that in “real life” people don’t spontaneously break into song, as is a constant occurrence in musicals. In fact, people in the United States rarely sing together at all anymore, with the exception of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”
In today’s readings, however, we are encouraged, even directed, to sing as a Spirit-filled expression of praise and thanksgiving to God. Isaiah reports that the return of the exiled Israelites to Jerusalem will be a time of singing, and not only for the people; even the ruins of the city itself are called to “break forth together into singing” in praise of the Lord who has comforted His people and brought them home. The Psalmist finishes his lament by asserting, “I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving” (69:30). And the Ephesian Christians are exhorted to “sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts” (5:19).
The source of the songs of the faithful, of course, is overflowing joy for all that God has done and will do to redeem the world. And if you’re like me, that joy can hit you at any time and for a multitude of reasons. So don’t be afraid to burst into song. According to the Scriptures, you’re in fine company!
The Rev. Dr. Steve Clifton