Singing A New Tune

Saturday, October 19, 2002

Matthew 5:14-16 – You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (NASB)

When someone's life took a bad turn of events, my dad used to say, "Well, they'll soon be singing another tune!" Sadly, it is often true. With any change of circumstance, some people seem to crumble, while others keep right on going.

One person, who came into a huge fortune, says that he was happier when he was poor, yet when he was poor, he had cried for riches. Another rises to the occasion and uses the money for ministry, friends, and family.

One person whines in good circumstances and bad. Others find God in all things and grow where they are planted.

It is said that Roman Emperor Nero made human candles by tying Christians to stakes and setting them on fire to light the city. But in the midst of such a terrible death, the early Christians would sing praises to God. Then Nero would cry out, "Stop them from singing! Stop them from singing!" In their burning, they could have screamed or begged. Instead, they used their final moments to light the world with worship.

What kind of song would we be singing under those circumstances? What kind of song are we singing in our own circumstances right now? Would our song be different if we grasped the fact that everything touching us has first passed through the hands of God?

1 Thessalonians 5:18 – Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (RSV)

Prayer: Father God, whatever our lives hold today, we give You grateful thanks. We sing praises to You for sendng circumstances that cleanse and purify us, and grow us up into the image of Christ. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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About the author:

Brenda Wood <brenda.w@nextcom.ca>
Sandycove Acres, Innisfil, Ontario, Canada

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