Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Moving Lyrics

I'm sitting in my office preparing this week's song selections and find myself deeply moved by the words of "O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing".  Check it out...

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O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise
The glories of my God and King
The triumphs of His grace

The song begins with an expressed desire for a thousand tongues (a cool metaphor) to sing of the praise, glory, and triumphs of our great Redeemer, Jesus.
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My gracious Master and my God
Assist me to proclaim
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of Thy name

We then sing a petition to our gracious God to help us tell of His honor and character to all the earth.
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Jesus the name that charms our fears
That bids our sorrows cease
‘Tis music in the sinner’s ear
‘Tis life and health and peace

I love this!  "The name that charms our fears" takes me to 2 Timothy 1:7 - "God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control."  The gift of Jesus is truly one of joyful music, life, heath, and peace.
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He breaks the power of canceled sin
He sets the prisoner free
His blood can make the foulest clean
His blood availed for me

Here we sing of the magnificent work of Jesus on the cross.  He breaks the deadly curse and power of sin and sets the prisoner (us!) free from captivity.  His precious blood cleanses us from the stain of sin.  1 John 1:7 teaches us that "if we walk in the light, as he (God the Father) is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin."  What a great truth to meditate on!
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He speaks and listening to His voice
New life the dead receive
The mournful broken hearts rejoice
The humble poor believe

This verse speaks to the life giving power of Jesus.  As the Good Shepherd speaks and calls, His sheep hear His voice and follow Him to safety and life (cf. John 10:3).  Our broken hearts are made new!  The gift of salvation by God's grace takes us from darkness to light, death to life.
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Glory to God and praise and love
Be ever ever given
By saints below and saints above
The church in earth and heaven

The song ends with a final call for the church, both on earth and heaven, to ascribe glory, praise, and love to God.  Not only "ever" given...but "ever ever" given!
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Have a great week, everyone!

Chris Drombetta

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