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Singing Children’s Songs
Singing Children’s Songs
While we were wrapping up VBS a few weeks ago I kept thinking about the songs. How many children’s songs do you remember? The “Wise Man” who built his house upon the rock. My girl’s favorite was “Father Abraham,” probably because of the absolute madness that ensues such a ballad. I’m afraid we grow up singing these songs without placing them deep within our hearts and retaining the greater meaning. At some point we quit believing the words. Do you really believe it is wise to build your life on the rock of Jesus Christ? Do you really believe that you are true child of Abraham and an heir to the covenants of promise? Do you live like it? What about “Roll the gospel chariot along”?
If a brother (or sister) is in the way, we will stop and pick him up. How often do we stop and consider our brethren? Fewer still, the ones who would slow their pace in order to carry him for a while. I’m by no means advocating that we do all the work for our brother, such is not possible. But I’m afraid we repeat the slogan, “We are a family” but don’t always act like it. Are you willing to stop and pick them up?
If a sinner is in the way, we will stop and pick him up. We sang that growing up, yet now have the hustle and bustle of responsibility, and instead we fly by the sinner with the chariot at full speed! Our poor horse lugging the buggy is winded, worn, and yet we keep whipping. We drive and shout, and keep pushing — all while the destitute and endangered are loafing along the side of the road. They stand and wonder which way they must go to find the water in the desert, just hoping for someone to stop and point them in the right direction. Yet we blow past in haste, and leave them choking and gagging on the dust of our fast-paced life. Are you willing to stop and pick them up?
If the Devil is in the way, we will run right over him. Violent? Perhaps. But, this is a violent war that has already claimed many victims. Many more are being held as prisoners of war. We sing with fervency this wonderful lyric (the intensity in the hand motions of the little ones is awesome!). Yet, we reach adolescence and the Devil’s enticement doesn’t look so bad. We make adulthood, and where we once would gladly “run right over him” we are starting to wonder if he hasn’t figured something else out that is a little better. The chariot begins to lessen speed, the reins loosen slightly, and the pace slows. This bad guy standing along the road suddenly looks quite harmless. Maybe instead of running right over him, like some heartless individual — we ought to lend him a ride to the next stop. That’s how it starts folks. The Devil isn’t so bad, he just needs a little help. Once he slides onto the chariot bench, he is not easily removed. You give him a spot and he hunkers down to stay. At what point did you stop running right over him and start picking him up for company along the journey?
While it is important for the kids to grow up hearing those great truths. It is greater still for us to help them KNOW what they mean and develop a deep trust and belief that they are true. I would ask you to consider every song. “Jesus loves me this I know,” don’t stop believing that! “The B-I-B-L-E, that’s the book for ME” may that always be true! “My God is so big, so strong, and so mighty; there’s nothing my God cannot do,” you don’t outgrow God! You don’t outgrow truth.
