I just wrote a new song based on Isa. 43. The prophet is praising God for his deliverance of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. He comments on the sea parting and the enemies being destroyed in their chariots. This was written during the exile in Babylonia. God says, "Hey! I am doing a new thing! Forget about the olds things. Can you not see with your eyes? I made a way in the sea, but now I make a way in the desert and I am bringing you back to the promised land!"
Encouraging words from our Lord. For me today, God is saying, "It's nice that you remember the things I've done for you in the past, but don't forget I am the God of today and tomorrow as well. I am doing a new thing! I will make a way for you."
Jerry and I have chatted about this community taking off and doing some performing together, perhaps a showcase concert this summer. God can make a way. Are you into it? For this community to take off though, we ought to be talking to each other and responding to blogs, etc. Be in prayer for this new community.
Here are the lyrics for my new song. Enjoy and let me hear from you.
D A
Lord, you are the mighty one who rescues
D A E
Saving us from all that would enslave
D A
You come and enemies will scatter
G D E/B
Fleeing from your inescapable light
D A
Lord you came and freed us from our bondage
D A E
With a breath you rolled the sea away
D A
For your works in ancient days we praise you
G D E/B
I sing your praise, but still you call to me
Chorus 1
C G
I am doing a new thing
D
Can't you see it with your eyes
C G
Forget about the old things
F A
You should never be surprised
C G
I'm doing a new thing
D
The desert springs will rise
C G A
I am doing a new thing
D A
Lord you are the mighty one who sets the captive free
D A E
I was once a tortured soul, but now you rescued me
D A
I sing your praise for everything you’ve done
G D E/B
Still You call “look and see” at all the good to come!
Chorus 2
C G
I am doing a new thing
D
Can't you see it with your eyes
C G
Forget about the old things
F A
You should never be surprised
C G
I'm doing a new thing
D
Receive it from my hand
C G A
I am doing a new thing
Solo: over verse [ D A (2 Measures) (x3)
G (1 Measure) E (1 Measure) ] x 2
Bridge:
G D A B
Long ago I parted the sea and they crossed it on dry land
G D E E G A B B (1 meas) C
But now today I make a way. Believe and understand
Repeat Chorus 1
Repeat Chorus 2
C G
I am doing a new thing
C G
I am doing a new thing
C G A
I am doing a new thing
C G F F G A... D A
I am doing a new thing
This week during my devotions I read Jesus' parable of the barren fig tree Luke 13:6-9. I've always read the fig tree as the nation of Israel being unfruitful for God's kingdom. I've read the vine dresser as Jesus interceding for Jerusalem. I've read the vineyard owner as God the Father, ready to give up on Jerusalem. I never really liked this interpretation, but that is how I read it.
This week, I asked myself how the vine dresser was showing repentance. If you read the passage before the parable Jesus speaks of repentance. Clearly, the vine dresser has chosen to intervene. He will till the soil around the fig tree. He will add fertilizer. He does this in hopes that the fig tree will become fruitful. His behavior before was to allow nature to take its course, to let the fig tree do what it does without his intervention or assistance.
His repentance inspired me to think about my ministry. How do I let those who are under my care, fend for themselves? How do I just let them go and do what they do? If their lives do not bear the fruits of their relationship with Jesus Christ, is there anything I should be doing to help them become fruitful?
How might I till the soil and add fertilizer? Tilling the soil is tenderizing, helping the soil to become more able to receive nutrients and moisture. It occurred to me that loving actions and a loving peaceful presence with others has the same effect on human beings. When we are consistently loving and consistently caring, consistently compassionate and humble and a peaceful presence that exudes the divine nature of God, people tend to respond. They become more open to you. They become more open to God. And what is the nutrition the soul desires? Is it not the word of God? Is it not knowledge of God? Is it not to experience God's truth within? Is it not to experience God?
As we consider our ministry is as Christian musicians, how might we till the soil of the hearts of our listeners and fertilize them with the knowledge of God?
