Psalm 100 says that believers should come before the presence of the Lord with singing, and Ephesians 5 says that we should speak to one another in psalms, and hymns and spiritual songs. When we experience the joy that flows from the presence of the Lord, it is only natural that we should sing songs of praise to the Lord.
In the story of Jesus' birth, songs of praise were offered by three different individuals. After Mary learned that she would be the mother of the Messiah, she sang a beautiful song known as the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). After his son, John, was born, Zachariah sang a song known as the Benedictus because he knew that John would introduce the Messiah to the world (Luke 1:68-79). Then a very old man named Simeon sang a song to the Lord known as Nunc Dimittis when he was permitted to see the Messiah with his own eyes (Luke 2:29-32). These are beautiful songs because they reveal the heartfelt gratitude of those who witness the power of God and sense His presence. Each of these individuals, Mary, Zachariah, and Simeon, knew that God had blessed them in an extraordinary way, and so they could not help but sing unto the Lord.
May we rejoice in the blessings that flow to us through Jesus Christ and by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. (Hebrews 13:15 NKJV).
Jim Roberts
Peace Church
Indiahoma, Oklahoma
www.ok-peacechurch.org
Friday, October 14, 2011
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