In Times Like These

 Our title today reflects the great truth for all times.  In times like these would be an accurate reflection on all times for all men.  At all times it is true that all men need a savior and an anchor for their souls.  Whether the time was the period of ancient Rome with all its pagan practices or the Middle Ages with its total social dysfunction or the Reformation with its wars and persecution or today with secularism again dominating the public stage, there is the constant need for Someone greater than the circumstances of the age.  There is the need for salvation in the midst of hopelessness.  There is the need for assurance in the midst of chaos.  But more importantly, in every age there is the need for forgiveness in the midst of sin and judgment. 

In each period of church music there has been a reflection of the times.  The steadfastness of God’s love in the midst of all human crises is seen in the songs we sing.  That God is there, the Almighty and Sovereign Lord, is hope and comfort.  That Jesus Christ is alive, resurrected and coming again is assurance that we too shall be resurrected and live forever.  That the Holy Spirit has been sent for our guidance and comfort lifts our hearts in praise that we are not alone.  Whatever the times may be, God is there to care for His children.  We are to sing of this and share this hope with a humanity that is hopeless without Him.  Our constant new songs should express this hope in the caring, loving, forgiving triune God.  Then others will want to sing along.

In the 1960’s times grew increasingly grim as the decade advanced.  There was war in Asia, civil rights conflicts with major riots in America, there were riots and strife on campuses and there was the ever present fear of nuclear holocaust.  Who would want to have a baby in such times as those?  That is the underlying story of one of America’s favorite contemporary gospel songs, “Because He Lives”.  The second verse relates a little of the angst that the Gaithers felt at the time of the arrival of their new baby.  But because of the assurance of God and of new life in Christ, the fear was replaced with hope and joy.

“How sweet to hold a newborn baby, and feel the pride and joy he gives; but greater still the calm assurance: this child can face uncertain days because Christ lives.  Because He lives I can face tomorrow, because He lives all fear is gone; because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living just because He lives.”   

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