No one likes a hypocrite. Unfortunately, hypocrisy is one of the common reasons Christians turn off those who are outside of the faith. Hypocrisy and failing to live according to God's will were major issues the prophet Micah highlighted as he served as God's mouthpiece. It's a shame that the people of God haven't eliminated their tendency to be hypocrites. Thankfully that's where God's grace comes in. Since humanity is sinful, there will always be some measure of failure when it comes to practicing what we preach.
This week's selection for Music Monday centers on a theme which Micah specifically condemned his contemporaries for. Especially in chapter 3, Micah calls out the leaders for exploiting their positions for their own benefit. All-Star United, a late-nineties Christian rock band, cornered the market on sarcastic-but-true themes and with 'Smash Hit' call out all those who use Jesus to further their own personal gain - much like Micah.
The impetus for us is to be faithful and consistent, resisting the temptation to use our advantages for selfish reasons.
Our current sermon series is a study on the Minor Prophets of the Old Testament. Yesterday we looked at Hosea.
Hosea was a prophet of God called to marry a woman who God promised would break their marriage vows and cheat on Hosea. God asked Hosea to do this because it signified Israel's spiritual adultery and unfaithfulness towards their Lord. And as the story unfolds, once his wife has left him, Hosea goes and takes her back. Why would he do such a thing? Because it is a picture of how God loves Israel so much that He will redeem them. The entire book is an astounding object lesson about the love of God and our awful sinfulness. I became enthralled by the book and its story in high school when I heard the song "Gomer's Theme" by Third Day (Gomer being Hosea's wife). It is off of Third Day's second album and powerfully summarizes the book of Hosea while speaking to our own condition and predilection to go astray.
Around these parts, this summer has been largely characterized by precipitation. Even this morning a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Northern Indiana and sure enough, the skies opened up around 9:45 and it's been steadily raining for a good hour and a half - with no signs of stopping. Without any other ideas, I figured I might as well use it as inspiration for today's Music Monday. Scripture certainly uses rain in literal and figurative ways to teachuslessons.
Here are my top 3 Christian songs that involve rain:
3. Michael W. Smith - "Let it Rain"
2. Delirious? - "Rain Down"
1. Jars of Clay - "Flood"
After the jump we have two honorable mentions that didn't quite qualify since their content doesn't exactly deal with rain, but they were close enough to be considered.
I attended a funeral this morning of a college friend's father who had actually been a co-worker of mine at my previous church. Reflecting on the life of such a Christ-like servant and devoted family man was, I teared up as I listened to the eulogy my college friend gave in honor of his dad. His testimony was a powerful one. Stories were offered of how Dave never thought he was better than anyone and how he saw people who others often overlooked.
Funerals of saints can easily turn into celebrations. Celebrations of the faithful. Celebrations of their life. Celebrations of the Savior.
One of the hymns sung during this particular service is my pick for this Music Monday: Blessed Assurance.
"Filled with His goodness, lost in His love"...this was his story, this is my story, this can be your story.
