Hymns

4-6-21
(Reminder: I’m doing an A to Z devotional blog.)

I used a few H words in last week’s devotional, but there are a few others I want to use before we move on to the letter “I.” For example, the word HYMN.

I like to sing hymns to Him, but I don’t like to hem.
Ahem.

With so many cool praise and worship songs, it’s easy to forget about
the old hymns of the past. But many of those old-fashioned songs pack
quite a bit of theology.

When Paul and Silas were imprisoned, they sang. It probably wasn’t “Row, Row, Row your Boat,” or “Michael, Row the Boat Ashore.” What they sang probably had nothing at all to do with rowing. I’m guessing they were singing hymns . . . and drawing strength from the lyrics.

Next time you’re having a really bad day, google the words to a few of
these ancient hymns and spend some time soaking in the truth.

• Great Is Thy Faithfulness
• How Great Thou Art
• I Surrender All
• The Old Rugged Cross
• Victory in Jesus
• Sweet Hour of Prayer
• Onward Christian Soldiers
• It is Well with My Soul
Go ahead! Sing aloud. It’s allowed.

(Tee Hee Hee. See what I did there?)

Homonyms may not be used in Scripture, but they sure are fun. And
because God invented language, I wouldn’t be surprised if Jesus didn’t use
a few homonyms with the disciples.
Andrew: Where are we going?
Jesus: Sea.
Andrew: See?
Jesus: See the sea? Ready the boat. Where is the sail?
Nathaniel: There’s a sale? Great, I need more tackle.
Jesus: The sail, James. You were supposed to repair it.
Matthew: I repaired it. We’re ready. But where are we sailing?
Jesus: I’ll direct us to the isle.
Peter: I’m confused.
Jesus: Makes sense.
Peter: Since when?
Jesus: Just keep your eyes on the Son.
Philip: The sun has already set.
Jesus: Sigh.

Though homonyms sound exactly alike, you know they have very
different meanings. What about you? Do your words sound like one thing
and your life another? If so, you’ll want to move on to another H word in
Scripture: Hypocrisy.

Here’s how Scripture defines it:

“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” (1 John 4:20)

Jesus leaves no question about hypocrisy:

“He replied, ‘Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.’ ” (Mark 7:6)

Let’s strive to make our words match our actions. And the next time someone starts to grate on your nerves, remember you can be great by not retaliating . . . even though you may walk away with a knot in your stomach.