"Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took the timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dancing. Miriam answered them, 'Sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted; The horse and his rider He has hurled into the sea.'" Exodus 15:20-21
Miriam communicated the Gospel through song. The act of Miriam's praise and the words she speaks are both testaments to God's saving power and the joy that she feels in light of that salvation.
Read the verse again. If anyone has a question about the good news of God, Miriam has an answer. He's worthy of exaltation and praise because He has defeated your enemies; they are, after all, His enemies too.
I think about David rejoicing in 2 Samuel 6 because the Ark of the covenant had been returned to Jerusalem. (And if any of you are thinking about his nakedness let's remember yesterday's DoP and have a little grace and mercy – something the people who witnessed what happened failed to do and, therefore, missed witnessing the Gospel too.) HE WAS ELATED BY GOD'S PRESENCE! (That is what is noteworthy about that story.)
I also think of my Grandpa Klinger, the whistler, and my Grandma Volk, the hummer. I'm thankful that they whistled and hummed because of God's goodness, because of the joy felt in knowing and trusting in His promises.
I'm thankful for hymns, and choirs at churches around the world, and professional artists who have given their lives to creating (theologically accurate) music. I'm also thankful because the Gospel can be communicated in such an easy and enjoyable way.
Catch yourself humming, whistling, or singing because you have joy in Christ and in His saving power. Someone may hear you and be encouraged; they may even ask you what you're humming. That would be one of those opportunities that the Holy Spirit provides – you know, for you to share your joy and the purpose of your joy – Christ.
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
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