In Acts 17 Paul is proclaiming the Gospel to some Greek philosophers in the marketplace in Athens. Paul begins the discussion by commenting on the culture around him, connecting with what his listeners are already familiar with. He refers to the many altars, shrines, and idols he saw on his walk around the city. He says, “I see that in every way you are very religious” (verse 22). Paul even refers to one particular altar which is dedicated “to an unknown God” (verse 23), adding, “That is the one I am here to tell you all about.” Then, in verse 28, as he is making the case for the truth of the Gospel, he quotes a couple of lines from two of the Athenians’ own writers and poets.
Who are the best-known poets today? Would it not be our song-writers and musicians? And who are the best-known writers? Wouldn’t that be our screen-play writers, those who write the words for our movies and television shows? Songs and movies are what many people today know better than anything else. So, like Paul, I will oftentimes attempt to communicate the Gospel by making a connection with popular culture as found in movies, books, celebrities, and especially music.
I am an old grandfather and not very familiar with today’s music. The music I know is the classic rock of the 1960’s and 70’s. There was a lot of craziness in those times and in that music, but many of the tunes were so very good and are still popular. As I now look back on the lyrics of those songs, I see that the words oftentimes reveal needs and longings that can be satisfied only by faith in Jesus Christ.
There are two ways to make the case for the truth of the Christian faith. First, we can look at the external evidence; for example, the historical evidence for the truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Second, we can look at the internal evidence; looking into our hearts and considering our deepest longings and desires. The Gospel of Jesus Christ meets those underlying needs and desires.
I have done meditations on many of these songs, each in an attempt to help you get to know Jesus better, along with learning about his promise of eternal life. Each meditation is based on the Bible, but like Paul in Athens, I first look for some connections with life in today’s world. This makes it somewhat of a ‘reverse’ Bible study. Instead of starting with a Biblical passage and expounding upon it, I usually begin these meditations with a song. I then look at what that song is saying or asking, and then finally work toward a Biblical response. The songs may not always be your favorite kind of music, but the discussion of these songs illustrate a way of thinking about any kind of music in light of our faith. I will begin with one song as an example. Then, I will tell you how to find an entire course in previous Emailmeditations (see below).
Forever Young was written by Bob Dylan in 1974. It did not do very well as a single. In 1988 Rod Stewart, with Dylan’s permission, revised the lyrics, and wrote new music. Stewart’s more familiar version went to #12 on the charts and remains popular to this day.
The song is written as a blessing to a child, and it is a wise blessing indeed. But the wonderful title, which is repeated many times during the song, is what is most memorable, and, most appealing. “Forever Young” sounds good to me, as my old body wears out, forcing me to go to this doctor and then that doctor, for one darn thing after another. I have never met anyone in my age group who is enjoying this inevitable decline. There is something in us that rebels against our allotted “three score and ten years,” all of which I have already used up. That something is described in Ecclesiastes 3:11 where it says God has set “eternity in our heart.” We are made for eternity, for forever– not to get old and wear out and die. We were created for so much more, and that eternal truth expressed in Ecclesiastes 3:11 is why we love Rod Stewart’s song “Forever Young.”
Enjoy the song.
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May the good Lord be with you
Down every road that you roam
And may sunshine and happiness
Surround you when you’re far from home
And may you grow to be proud, dignified and true
And do unto others as you’d have done to you
Be courageous and be brave
And in my heart you’ll always stay
Forever young, forever young…
May good fortune be with you
May your guiding light be strong
Build a stairway to Heaven
With a prince or a vagabond
And may you never love in vain
And in my heart you will remain
Forever young, forever young…
And when you finally fly away
I’ll be hoping that I served you well
For all the wisdom of a lifetime
No one can ever tell
But whatever road you choose
I’m right behind you, win or lose
Forever young, forever young…
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Several years ago, I taught a class in my church called “Rock (and Roll) of Ages.” I would play popular songs, and then use them as a springboard into a discussion of our Christian faith. Most of the initial songs were from the music of my youth— ‘Classic Rock’ from the 1960’s and 70’s (Later sessions got into other types of music). We would look at what the lyrics were saying in light of what we believe as Christians. It was a fun way to get some new insights into some old truths. Then in 2014, I started to rework some of the content of that class into my daily Emailmeditations. You might enjoy the old songs posted there, and also, learn something from them. Those Emailmeditations may be found by clicking on HERE.
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Ecclesiastes 3:11 — God has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
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God in heaven, when the idea of you awakes in my heart, let it awaken not like a frightened bird that thrashes about in panic, but like a child waking from a nap, its face aglow with a trusting smile. Amen.
–Soren Kierkegaard
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