#DailyReading What Does Your Praise Sound Like?
July 18th
Read 1Sam 1:21—2:17
1Sa 2:1-10 And Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. (2) “There is none holy like the LORD: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God. (3) Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. (4) The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble bind on strength. (5) Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn. (6) The LORD kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. (7) The LORD makes poor and makes rich; he brings low and he exalts. (8) He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor…
This is what Hannah sang when she brought Samuel, after being weaned, to dedicate him to the Lord’s service. Compare that to what Mary, the mother of God, sang when she visited her cousin Elizabeth:
Luk 1:46-55 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, (47) and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, (48) for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; (49) for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. (50) And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. (51) He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; (52) he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; (53) he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. (54) He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, (55) as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
In both the heart/soul magnifies the Lord. They both give praise to the Lord. Both describe the Lord has one who reverses fortunes of those who trust in him and those who do not. The Lord guides and aides those who are his. The both proclaim the Lord’s ultimate victory over his enemies. The both proclaim power, strength and exaltedness of his anointed. They are both based on other passages from Scripture.
Before you start singing that mindless “praise song” give heed to how the scripture praises the Lord Jesus Christ in the Old Testament and the New ask yourself, “Does this look like or sound like any other songs in the scripture?” If not, maybe you need to try one of these first. Because of Jesus’ victory through his innocent suffering and death he deserves a little something better than Christian lite.
Lord Jesus Christ, even as you filled the women of old with your praises by the power of the Holy Spirit, so fill your people with the same Spirit that they may compose and sing your praises in a manner worthy of your name. Amen.