silly songs from a bygone past

By the rivers of Babylon where we sat down.

There we wept when we remembered Zion.

When the wicked carried us away in captivity, requiring of us a song.

Well how can we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land? (psa137.1-4)

May the words of my mouth

and the meditation of my heart

be acceptable in thy sight... (psa19.14)

it wouldn’t be the first time or the last that a pop song would capitalize on the strength of scripture for lyrics. the psalmist writes of being in exile and having nothing but faith to sustain. the psalmist writes of being chided by the inhabitants of the land to sing the silly songs of a bygone past... primarily because of the hopelessness that nostalgia can bring on.

BUT... the exiles draw strength from the song. strength to carry on, even in exile, awaiting the time of hope and freedom. awaiting the day of the Lord.

what about us? when we find ourselves being chided by the powers of this world, daring us to live a song of worship, do we back down powerlessly? are we intimidated to point of denial? where does my help/hope come from?

eugene peterson translates the apostle paul's words on this present darkness this way:

This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting, you’ll still be on your feet.

Q: can’t we just preach Jesus Loves Me?
A: yes, but that’s just a piece of the peace.