"Every man leaves a lasting influence... that will affect future generations for centuries to come. But let's face it, not all legacies are the same. Some are productive, others are destructive. Some are illustrious, others are infamous... what kind of a legacy will you leave behind? A spiritual legacy is one that money can't buy and taxes can't take away, it is passing down to the next generation what matters most."
Steven J. Lawson

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Wake Thy Slumbering Children

So I have not posted in quite a while, but I finally felt inspired by some very encouraging music by Indelible Grace. The new album Wake Thy Slumbering Children is the fifth Indelible Grace cd and has songs that deal with the theme of the Tempter's power that is Satan's power and the risen Lord Jesus Christ. The title refers to our cries to our Savior to revive the slumbering church. It is encouraging to know that when our souls are bereaved and lonely, we can take comfort in what the song "O Heart, Bereaved and Lonely" says: "O, watch and wait with patience, and question all you will; His arms of love and mercy are ‘round about thee still.” Even when we feel alone or feel like the church is sleeping and drifting, that the arms of our loving Savior are still wrapped around us and will never let us go.
Wake Thy Slumbering Children has songs like "Go to Dark Gethsamene" that reminds us of that saving work of Christ on our behalf and calls us to "Learn of Jesus Christ to die" as he did. In living as we are called, we may die to ourselves and our own selfishness for others and love them as Christ so loved us. My favorite stanza from this song is the third that reads:
"Calvary's mournful mountain climb;
there, adoring at His feet
Mark that miracle of time,
God's own sacrifice complete
"It is finished!" hear Him cry;
Learn of Jesus Christ to die
Learn of Jesus Christ to die
May we all remember that mournful day and yet rejoice in our risen Lord, trusting that He hears and knows all our fears and desires. When we feel the Tempter's power, we ought to dwell on the miracle of Christ's sacrifice and praise the one who can help us overcome the temptations we face every passing hour. Pray that the church will not falter in doing this, but will be alert to fight the Tempter's power. Wake Thy Slumbering Children!