Praise Before Victory

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Singing in Bible times comes before victory. Trumpets and voices brought down the wall of Jericho. David and other kings sang psalms before going into battle. Nehemiah arranged for singers and musicians to be along the wall, making music, while the men worked. The wall around Jerusalem was rebuilt in 52 days. Even with today’s equipment and technology, that seems impossible. The salvation of the Philippian jailer and his family came after Paul and Silas sang hymns in the jail cell. The tradition of singing before battle carried over into the Civil War. Trumpeters and drummers led soldiers into war.

The greatest victory in history is the salvation of our souls. The last night Jesus was with the disciples, He washed their feet and shared in the Last Supper. “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives” (Mark 14:26). Jesus’ heart was breaking. He knew His friends would desert Him. He prayed that His time of suffering and crucifixion could pass, but He submitted to the Father’s will.

THINK ABOUT IT

Before Jesus faced betrayal, denial, beating, crucifixion and separation from the Father, He sang a hymn with His friends. As many times as I have read that verse, I never thought about how important the song was. We go to church and hear sermons, but it’s the songs we sing that ring in our hearts during the week. The victory of our salvation was preluded by the song Jesus and the disciples sang. Praise be to God!

PRAY ABOUT IT

Lord God, help us to catch the impact of every word in Scripture. Let the words penetrate the depths of our souls to your honor and glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Adopted

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After the death of Saul and his two sons, David was the anointed King of Israel. He asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” Ziba, Saul’s servant said, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in both feet.”

David had Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth brought to him. “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.”

Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?” (2 Samuel 9:1-8)

THINK ABOUT IT

During the time David reigned in Israel, crippled people were considered outcasts, but the king brought Mephibosheth into his royal home as one of his own family. Ziba and his family farmed the land that once belonged to Saul, and they harvested the crops to provide for Mephibosheth.

We are all outcasts before God until we experience His amazing love. None of our good deeds could win our Lord’s favor. All of them are as filthy rags without the love of Jesus. Our sinful nature blocks the way for us to be in relationship with a holy God. Yet Jesus took away our sin when he died on the cross. He rose from the grave to give us eternal life, abundant life and a seat at the royal table forever.

PRAY ABOUT IT

Thank you, Lord, for making a way for us to be a part of your family forever. Help us to believe and to live in light of your mercy and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.