Tuesday 21 May 2013
- Bible Book:
- Ephesians
“Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (vv. 19-20)
Ephesians 5:15-20
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Background
Were some of the new Christians inEphesusheavydrinkers - alive with the wrong sort of spirit? In every communitythere are those who want to escape into a quick fix or an ecstaticstate. The writer to the Christians at Ephesus urged them to enjoythe wholesome and elevating thrill of Spirit-led lives andSpirit-filled praise. Their voices were to be raised in psalms,hymns and spiritual songs that were focused on God.
To Ponder
- From the beginning one Christian experience of effervescent joyhas come from the songs and melodies of the Church. How do youexpress your joy?
- First there was the chanting of Hebrew psalms, later thehaunting lilt of plainsong melodies, then the hymn tunes of theReformation and the Evangelical Revival and then the chants ofTaize and exuberance of charismatic and pentecostal praise. Whathymns or songs best express for you, your praise and worship ofGod?
- St Augustine urged his hearers to make sure the tune of theirlifestyle matched the tune on their lips! How well do you dothis?