Dear Rose Park,
Music is a big deal in our family. Almost every day, music will be played around our house while the kids run from one room to the next. The ‘dance floor’ is typically in the kitchen where everyone shows off their best moves while trying not to slip and fall. Simon, in particular, loves to dance and teach Winnie his moves. Recently he’s invented a new dance move called “the elbow dance;” essentially, you just put your fists together, point your elbows out and sway back and forth to the beat of the music. Our hearts are filled with joy and laughter as we watch them carelessly and unashamedly dance.
Music is also a powerful aspect of our liturgy. Songs, hymns, and instruments are more than just pieces of music; they invoke memories and feelings of an intimate relationship with God, family, and friends. As I read in my study yesterday, one of my most favorite songs was playing, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” I imagine many of you know this beautiful hymn. You can probably hum the tune and perhaps even sing the first verse by heart. But do you know the second verse?
Forbit it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ, my God. All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood.
All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood. What charms you? What are the vain things that catch your eye? What are the things that make you stop and stare? What are the things you desire most? What forbidden fruit lures you to sin like Adam and Eve in the Garden? Think beyond material things; is it the fruit of power over another person? Is it the fruit of “being right” to the point of being cruel? Is it the charming fruit of a juicy piece of gossip about someone across the block or down the street?
Whatever fruit charms you most, I would encourage you, just like the composer of this song does, to sacrifice them to His blood; to lay those vain things at the foot of the cross, and let them die with Christ. Let the gossip die. Let the hurtful words in e-mails, texts, letters, and those that come out of our mouths die. Let the bitterness in our spirit die. Let the desire to manipulate and control die. And let Christ rise and make us into new creations.
As we inch our way towards Holy Week, I would encourage you to prepare yourself with repentance for Maundy Thursday and ready yourself for the mourning of Good Friday in order to celebrate on Easter Sunday. Until that day, let us sacrifice the vain things that charm us most to the blood of Jesus.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Mark