Love Songs!

This past Thursday I had my monthly performance at an assisted living facility here in Port Townsend, Washington. Since Valentine's Day was coming up, most of the music I played and sang followed a theme of love; most serious and well focused, but a couple funny songs as well. This group always seems eager for my return, so they are a fun audience for which to perform and interact.

During most of my performances I play a wide variety of types of music. Especially with my violin I can play music reflecting a wide range of moods; blues, Celtic, classical, fiddle, jazzy, lively, mournful, etc. And the lyrics of songs I sing also convey a variety of messages. This audience also enjoys hearing some of the songs I have written for my wife during our years prior to marriage and since. Though I generally select music I can believe in, those songs are especially meaningful every time they are performed.

When it comes to music, people look for different things and respond in a variety of ways. Some are really MOVED BY music while others may enjoy it and then simply MOVE ON. Such also reflects a varied response to God's messengers and message as well.

In Ezekiel we read. . .
"(30) 'As for you, son of man, your people who talk together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, say to one another, each to his brother, 'COME, and HEAR WHAT THE WORD IS THAT COMES FROM THE LORD.' (31) And they come to you as people come, and they sit before you as my people, and THEY HEAR what you say BUT they WILL NOT DO it; for with lustful talk in their mouths they act; their heart is set on their gain. (32) And behold, YOU ARE TO THEM LIKE ONE WHO SINGS LUSTFUL SONGS WITH A BEAUTIFUL VOICE AND PLAYS WELL ON AN INSTRUMENT, for THEY HEAR WHAT YOU SAY, BUT THEY WILL NOT DO IT. (33) When this comes -- and come it will! -- then they will know that a prophet has been among them.' " ( Ezekiel 33:30-33 ESV)

The New Living Translations reads, "like someone who sings love songs with a beautiful voice". Entertained, but NOT MOVED! Hearing, but not heeding! Noting the talent, but not taking the message!

What about us? What marks our response? Are we MOVED BY the message of God to heed His warnings and abide in His Will or do we enjoy a good lesson and simply MOVE ON to live life the way we want? God's message is not just another song! It is the theme for life now and for eternity. How sad for God to speak such wonderful words and perform such loving acts on our behalf, only to have it all rejected.

God's message is one of love. It is "Good News" if we will accept it and properly apply it to our life. May we remain open to living with His song in our heart to motivate us through life.

Have a great day LISTENING, LEARNING, AND THEN LIVING GOD'S LIFE MESSAGE!
Carl

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