Insight from our Singing - part 18

We come to the conclusion of our series on the hymnbook I have been reading.  The hymn that I close with is a simple one that many of us are familiar with but have gotten away from singing as often as we perhaps used to.  This is no fault of the hymn, but more a fault of the fact that we have moved away from hymns in general.  As we think about worship it is important to be reminded that content overcomes culture every time.  Or at least it should.  We are to worship in Spirit and Truth, not in the name of cultural sensitivity.  This is also not to say that change or all of the newer songs are bad - it is to say that we perhaps need a different way of evaluating our songs than simply what it "does for me."  Something far more objective is needed - and content provides that objectivity.  We should evaluate songs based solely on their biblical content and the contribution that biblical content makes not only to our Sunday service, but to our weekly worship. 

In this respect, the doxology perhaps stands unique.  So simplistic that a child can learn and sing it.  And yet this simplicity is bounded in the depth of truth as we allow this song to form our day it by the power of the Spirit of God can be used to transform our day.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

A reminder to us that all that we have we have from the hands of our heavenly Father.  A reminder that in Him is no evil, and that He is working for our good.

Praise Him all creatures here below.

A truth that we often forget - we are created and derivative.  He is creator and singular.  We are therefore bound by this distinction to honor his "otherness".  We are below God.  We must never get that mixed up and think ourselves His master.

Praise Him above ye heavenly host.

This reminds us of the world beyond the world that we see.  We get caught up in election cycles and news cycles.  We get bombarded by the reality of living in a sin stained world and we need to be reminded that this world is not our home.

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

The deep theology of the trinity.  And perhaps aside from needing to update the word ghost (especially this close to Halloween), a good reminder that the God that we serve is indeed singular, but not alone - he is after all Three in One.  Triune.  Holy.  Praise be to our glorious God.

Amen

This word is perhaps the most critical.  Which is why in my favorite version of the song it is sung seven times.  The word simply means "so be it". It is a statement of agreement with the content of the song.  I agree that God gives me all good things.  I agree that I am to praise Him because He has created me.  I agree that there is something beyond this world to look forward to.  I agree that He is the triune God to be worshiped.  And in this agreement I submit to Him.  I obey Him.  I worship Him.  May all of us hear the words of Scripture be it read or sung and have the courage to say "Amen".