I've been taking a class this past week on the Westminster Confession, and it's been incredible. Yes, it's true; centuries-old confessional statements can be meaningful.
While going over a certain chapter, our professor randomly shared a personal thought. He said one day he was watching some TV show and they showed an ultrasound of three triplets "jostling at each other in the womb". And so he wondered, at what point are they morally responsible for their behavior?
Definition from Wikipedia: "The show must go on" is a well-known phrase in show-business, meaning that regardless of what happens (such as the lead breaking a leg), the show must still be put on for the waiting patrons.
Definition from the Bible: The word of the LORD came to me: "Son of man, with one blow I am about to take away from you the delight of your eyes. Yet do not lament or weep or shed any tears. Groan quietly; do not mourn for the dead. Keep your turban fastened and your sandals on your feet; do not cover the lower part of your face or eat the customary food of mourners ." So I spoke to the people in the morning, and in the evening my wife died. The next morning I did as I had been commanded. (Ezekiel 24:15-18)
This is a pretty tall order; Ezekiel was pretty much asked to swallow his own emotions and to carry on the work of the Lord. "The show must go on." Even feelings have to be held in submission for the sake of the Word of God. Thank God that unlike the secular show business, we can pour out our emotions to the very God to whom we submit our emotions.
Look at this remarkable piece of poetry; it comes through with the new musical arrangement. I've listened to this many times before, but finally decided to look up the lyrics for the second verse because I never understood which "know" or "no" he was singing. "Could my zeal no respite know... Could my tears forever flow"... Poignant.
Rock of Ages, cleft for me Let me hide myself in Thee Let the water and the blood From Thy wounded side which flowed Be of sin the double cure Save from wrath and make me pure
All the labors of my hands Could not meet Thy law’s demands Could my zeal no respite know Could my tears forever flow All for sin could not atone Thou must save, and Thou alone
Nothing in my hands I bring Simply to Thy cross I cling Naked come to Thee for dress Helpless, look to Thee for grace To Thy fountain, Lord, I fly Wash me Savior or I die
While I draw this fleeting breath When my eyes shall close in death When I soar to worlds unknown See Thee on Thy judgment throne Rock of Ages, cleft for me Let me hide myself In Thee
The arrangement might be a little over dramatic for some, but it's still a good song.
