Note: This is a combination of two sermons dealing with Sacred Selections and clarifying the meaning of some of the songs we sing here at Rose Ave. As I presented these lessons it was with the understanding that these were MY thoughts on these things and how I justify singing some of them. Because our song books are written by men, we ought to make efforts to ensure that what we sing is scriptural AND all understand what is meant if something is "questionable". TATJR.
Presented, March 6, 2005
THE SONGS WE SING (1)
As announced a couple of weeks ago, tonight I intend to present a lesson in which we will notice the meanings of some of the songs we sing here from time to time. As we have emphasized on numerous occasions, our singing must be “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24) as well as with “the spirit” and “with understanding” (1 Corinthians 14:15). In Colossians 3:16 we are told that our singing is a form of “teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” From time to time, we have examined the message of various songs with this in mind, and we will continue to do so. But tonight, we want to take a closer look at some aspects of songs in our songbook that we need to understand if we are to truly teach and admonish one another. There are 3 aspects I want to examine tonight: 1) Difficult words and sayings, 2) Unscriptural songs, & 3) Observations about songs in general to make them effective (the way they are led, considering the poetry, the occasions, etc.). Because of time, we cannot address everything mentioned in every song. In fact, I could probably spend a lesson addressing each of these – but we want to notice a few examples in each area to gain a better understanding. IF you would like to hear lessons from time to time in more detail about these songs let me know.
I. Difficult Sayings
A. Why difficult language?
a. The first thing we need to understand about the hymns and songs we sing is that they are poetry. A major tenet of poetry is rhyme. Often poets will find obscure words that portray the meaning of a more familiar word or thought.
b.
Second, since these are not simply poems, but lyrics set to music
(therefore more complex poetry), there is often the challenge of capturing a
thought with more or less syllables than notes or the flow of a song will
permit
For instance, #54, “Ere you left your room this morning” The word
“ere” means “before” AND #56, “E’en though it be the cross…”
actually means “Even”
c. In addition to this many of the terms are based on various passages that are not as familiar as the ones we usually refer to.
B. Songs with words to consider
a.
#2 – We’re Marching to Zion
Zion is a reference to Jerusalem.
First mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:7 where David captures Jerusalem which would
become “the city of David” - Zion is that city (1 Kings 8:1)
It is used frequently in the prophets and psalms often with a dual implication
of first physical Jerusalem, but even more than that spiritual Jerusalem –
Hebrews 12:22. There are many songs that use this term
b.
#14 – Higher Ground
The chorus has reference to “heaven’s
table land” – which as used here has reference to a level plane above the plane
of the earth (much like the level top of a table sits above the floor)
The song has reference to us being, with the help of the Lord, lifted to a
“plane” higher than this world – OR a standard better than the ways of the
world. NOTE the text – Philippians 3:14. Concerning this, many of the songs
using these difficult words give the scripture reference with the song (at least
in our version of Sacred Selections)
c.
# 59 - Holy, Holy, Holy -
Vs. 2 - Cherubim and Seraphim – a reference to classes of angels. These are
both classes of angels. Something we don’t fully understand – but we know
Angels were spiritual messengers from God. Seraphim are mentioned in Isaiah 6:2
& 6:6 having six wings and flying.
The actual meaning of this verse – has reference to the throne scene in heaven
recorded in Revelation 4 including a sea of glass and all creatures worshipping
God.
Cherubim are mentioned more often – Genesis 3:24 – placed to guard the Garden of
Eden
Exodus 25:18-20 – Form to be made above the Mercy Seat on the Ark of the
Covenant
Hebrews 9:5 – same thing; Ezekiel 41:18-20 – Seen in visions
Also #615 – The Great Physician – speaking of Seraph song. A
reference to the songs of angels – the point being the name of Jesus is (it
ought to be) more precious to us than even the songs of angels.
d.
#70 – Ivory Palaces
A reference to a place of immense
beauty. In this song the ivory palaces has reference to heaven. Throughout the
song you read of fragrances – these are describing the death of Jesus. Consider
John 19:39 where Nicodemus used a mixture of myrrh and aloes to prepare the body
of Jesus. The point of this song is that Jesus left heaven to die for our sins.
e.
#131- Rose of Sharon -
Rose of Sharon is reference to an
actual flower found along the Mediterranean seacoast. The phrase is also
mentioned once in the Bible in Song of Solomon, 2:1 along with “the lily of
the valley, #207.
"Rose of Sharon" is from a Hebrew word (saron), meaning a "plain."
The book of Song of Solomon is a love story. As these flowers are used in these
songs, they has reference to the beauty and attractiveness of Jesus to us,
blooming within our hearts and “fairest of ten thousand to my soul”.
f.
#293 – Night With Ebon
Pinion
The title describes the question. It is from two words, “Ebon” meaning
black (ebony) and “pinion” the tip of a wing. Thus the point is a black wing
hiding the light. The occasion is Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane praying to
God – Luke 22:44. It was the darkest of times in the life of Jesus.
g.
#393 - Mansion Over the Hilltop
Verse 2 speaks of being “like the
prophet, my pillow a stone”. Genesis 28:11 as Jacob is fleeing from Esau. He
uses a stone for a pillow and the Lord appears to him in a dream of a ladder
with angels ascending and descending upon it. Here he is promised that God will
take care of him.
The point of this song, is no matter how much or how little we have, we know we
have something better waiting for us on the other side of death.
h.
#457 – Just Over In The Glory Land -
Vs. 4 speaks of “Glad hosannas” being
sung to Christ the Lord and King. The word is a Greek word of praise meaning,
“Save, I pray!” (Thayer). Based on Matthew 21:9 where Jesus was entering
Jerusalem triumphantly to begin the week that would lead to His death. On this
day, the people were ready to make Him their King.
i.
#461 – On Jordan’s Stormy Banks
Another frequently used poetic
reference is the Jordan River. This was the river Israel crossed by faith as
they entered into the Promised Land as recorded in Joshua 3. Traditionally this
river is associated with death. As a Christian faces death he is said to be on
“the banks of the River Jordan” awaiting God’s help to enter his eternal
“promised land”
j.
#545 – O Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Verse 2 mentions, “Ebineezer”. There
is a footnote at the bottom saying, “The stone of help”. It is found in 1
Samuel 7:10-12. Samuel sets up a stone as a memorial to remind them of God’s
deliverance from the Philistines on this occasion
In this song, the point is we turn to God for our strength.
k.
# 668 - Our God He is alive –
Verse 3 says, “Secure is life from mortal mind, God holds the germ within His
hand. The point of this verse is to say that man in his mortal thoughts does
not understand life. But God does – in fact He holds “the germ” a reference to
“the earliest form of an organism” (American Heritage Dictionary)
Presented, April 3, 2005
THE SONGS WE SING (2)
QUESTIONABLE SONGS
About a month ago a lesson was presented in which we examined some of the obscure phrases in songs. We noted that the reasons for such include 1) the fact that they are a form of poetry which calls for rhyme, 2) adding music to poetry presents another challenge and 3) they are phrases used in scripture. Tonight we want to examine another aspect of concern in the songs we sing – unscriptural and questionable phrases in these songs. As I present this lesson, I want it understood that I am not judging any particular song leader who has led these. I simply ask that we consider whether or not we ought to be singing these songs in their current form or do we need to change the wording in some cases or do we need to lead them with an explanation?
I. Unscriptural (?) Songs
A. Realize the song book is NOT inspired. These songs were written by men who were fallible. Some of them written by denominational songwriters who held to false doctrines and wrote about them. Sacred Selections has changed some of the unscriptural language in many songs (and in some cases people question the changes) to what they believed would make the songs more scriptural. Because of this, there are also other songs NOT in this book that were in books contemporary to it because of questions concerning their meanings. And I believe that when this work was completed some 40-50 years ago, they did a pretty good job. And most songs that are questionable can be explained in one way or another, OR sung with slight variation.
a. Even with this, different people approach different phrases and songs with a different understanding. We need to be careful before we pass judgment on another in singing or leading a song. It is very possible that they have a different understanding of a phrase or word than we do. And realize, we ARE NOT dealing with the inspired word of God, which means we HAVE TO give room to interpretation. Why not talk with them about it and hopefully we can learn from one another.
b. WE, as Christians need to consider the meanings of songs and the way words are phrased so that we understand their meanings. Perhaps there are songs or portions of songs that you have a problem singing.
c. As I was preparing for this lesson some have presented songs they believe to be unscriptural or questionable that as I considered them I did not feel that way. I can see their concerns, but in many instances I can justify the wording of some of them. OTHERS I am confident some may feel to be perfectly acceptable that I question. Because of this, there may be some things I say in this lesson which are my thoughts that you may not agree with – if that be the case – feel free to discuss that with me.
B. Let us consider some examples questionable songs – actually, there are not that many questionable songs in the book. There are more songs with obscure words as we discussed in our last lesson than questionable or wrong songs.
a.
#128 – O What a Savior
In the first verse we read, “They
searched through heaven and found a savior”... Some question this song because
it implies that when man sinned they didn’t know who would be found and they
were “searching” for a savior.
The fact that they were not frantically searching in heaven for a savior is
revealed in passages like Ephesians 1:3-4, 1 Peter 1:20, etc. BUT, let us
consider that the language is figurative AND based on Revelation 5:1-5 which
describes in heaven weeping because there was a scroll with no one worthy to
open it. Finally, they find Jesus and rejoice in that
I personally believe if scripture can use this figurative language, we can sing
with it PROVIDED we understand.
NOTE: At times, the leader may need to explain the meaning of something so that
all have a proper understanding of a phrase or word in a song. That is part of
teaching.
NOTE 2 – Often, when a song has something questionable in it, it only takes a
little change to make it all right. For example, in this song one could sing, “God
sent from heaven, our loving savior”
b.
#322 – The Old Rugged Cross
Some express concern about cherishing
the Old Rugged Cross. Living in a society where some religions have made a
relic out of the cross and they use it in their worship, this is certainly a
concern. BUT again, the language is poetic and based on Galatians 6:14 which
speaks of Paul boasting in the cross. It is obvious the intended meaning of the
phrase is that of what happened on that cross that we cherish – the blood of
Jesus was shed and THAT is what we ought to cherish.
1 Corinthians 1:17-18 – Paul says, “For Christ did not send me to baptize,
but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ
should be made of no effect. For the message of the cross is foolishness to
those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
NOTE: While I find nothing wrong with this version based on this, in our books,
the song has been adapted so that there is no question about its meaning.
c.
#437 – Where Could I Go
Some have a serious concern (including me) in this society singing, “Hardly a
comfort can afford”. While it may have applied when written and there are
places in the world and even in places in America (and there may be some here)
where it does apply, can WE really sing that?
HOWEVER, with the understanding that there are many things in this life we
cannot afford because of sacrifices we make for Him perhaps we can sing this.
OR there may come a time when we will suffer for His cause losing everything we
have (are we willing to do that? Revelation 2:10; Philippians 3:8).
OR you could think of the attitude of contentment that every Christian ought to
have with the understanding EVEN IF I could hardly afford a comfort I know that
I can turn to the Lord. Philippians 4:11, 1 Timothy 6:6.
d.
#454 – Grace Greater Than Our
Sins
Toward the close of the first verse it
speaks of the blood of “the lamb was spilt”. Some express concern because to
spill implies an accident, and the death of Jesus was NO accident in any sense
of the word. HOWEVER, the word spilt is defined as, “to cause or allow to
run or fall out of a container” (American Heritage Dictionary). This note
is also explained at the bottom of the song. Thus the description is perfectly
proper.
NOTE: This is an example of a song that is easy to fix by changing the word to
shed. Matthew 26:28.
e. Blessed Assurance, #477, - Rapture. (Also #346 – Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand, vs. 4, 2nd line) The word is defined as, “1 the state of being transported by a lofty emotion; ecstasy; 2 An expression of ecstatic feeling; 3 The transporting of a person from one place to another; especially to heaven.” (AHD) Thus as the word is used it has reference to lofty emotions which ought to describe the assurance of a Christian.
f.
“Holy, Holy, Holy”, #59 – Someone questioned the word “trinity”
which is found in the concluding words of verses 1 & 4 of that song. Some
versions have changed it from its original language to, “God over all, and
blessed eternally”. Interestingly, the words in Sacred Selections are the
original words while the second ending was added later (when I don’t know).
Nevertheless, the concern is the word “trinity” which is NOT found in the New
Testament. It has reference to the three persons of the Godhead which IS
scriptural (cf. Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14 which says, “The grace of
the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit
be with you all. Amen.”)
g.
Songs addressed to Jesus
There are man songs that are addressed
as if one is speaking to Jesus. Some perceive some of these songs as one
praying to Jesus. That is a concept that does not describe the avenue of prayer
in the Bible. Concerning prayers we are instructed to pray to the Father
THROUGH Jesus Christ (John 16:23, 1 John 2:1; Hebrews 7:25; Ephesians 2:18,
etc.). But most of the time, songs addressed to Jesus that can be worked
through.
For example: #147 – Jesus Hold My Hand. While the words are written as
if they are directed toward Jesus, they are not necessarily a prayer. We are
singing a song of praise understanding our need for Jesus to “hold my hand” as
we travel through this life. Note the Chorus of that song which says, “When I
kneel in prayer, I hope to meet You there” is a clear indication that one
realizes he is approaching the Father in prayer THROUGH Jesus.
We have even had people challenge #653 – Sing and Be Happy as praying to
Jesus because of the Chorus. But it is not even addressed to Jesus but rather
tells us we need to “Look to Jesus to pray.” I challenge anyone to tell
me how we can pray to God properly without looking to Jesus.
There are other songs to consider, #240 - Tell it to Jesus alone, #241
– I Must Tell Jesus, and #646 - Have a little talk with Jesus. But
even some of these songs can be considered proper if we understand our need to
have Jesus help us, however it happens. Remember – He is our advocate,
interceding on our behalf (Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 John 2:1)
h.
#A - My God and I;
and #26 – In the Garden. These songs are often called into
question because they deal with walking and talking with God as if it were a
literal conversation. Of particular concern is My God and I which in
verse 1 says “we walk and talk as good friends should and do. We clasp our
hands, our voices ring with laughter…” As I read these songs, I understand
they are NOT literal and CANNOT be literal but describe a close relationship
with our God which ought to exist. We KNOW we are not holding his hand and
physically talking with Him.
However, it needs to be understood that there are some who DO THINK God still
speaks directly to them and that ought to be a concern to us as we sing these
songs.
II. Observations about Singing and Song Leaders
A. Sometimes a phrase can mean different things. We have shown that in this lesson. Sometimes a clarification is as simple as explaining what is meant.
B. Many songs can be very simply corrected – again as we have shown. Others can be sung omitting a verse in question.
C. Finally, Song leaders have awesome responsibilities. NOTE: These observations are not intended as fault finding of any one individual song leader, but suggestions to make our opportunities to teach in song more efficient.
a. You set the tone for the rest of the services. That is why most experts who have studied these things recommend that we start with an upbeat song to get the service going. IF the song leader leads songs that are difficult and unfamiliar, or leads them too high or too slow.
b.
Sing appropriate songs – For example, I have heard song #51 led “to
prepare our minds for the Lords’ Supper”. It doesn’t apply to that at all – in
fact, #289 – The Breaking of Bread” was probably penned as an alternative to its
misuse.
Also when we sing an invitation song, it ought to be appropriate for that.
c. Are you teaching that which is truthful and understandable? Can you explain what a song means (at least to you) if you were asked?
d. Also be considerate of the audience – perhaps there are times we need to announce and change a word or omit a verse, or give a small explanation AS YOU TEACH because 1) there are some who have expressed concerns about a song – Romans 14:19 – pursuing those things which make for peace and edification; 2) there MAY be some who have not yet been properly taught certain doctrines.
ALSO, when someone has a REASONABLE concern about a song, we ought to give them due respect as we choose what songs to sing.
e. Friends, this is serious business so we need to give God our best AND we need to prepare by ensuring songs are scriptural.
Let us always strive to “sing with the Spirit and with the understanding” God demands this if we are to be pleasing to Him. May this lesson help us to strive to sing in a manner pleasing to God.