When Kathy and I first became believers back in 1978, neither of us knew the bible very well. As we began to read it together we decided we would memorize the names of the books of the bible in order so we could find our way around more easily. We both had a hard time doing that until we learned the Sunday school song that consisted of nothing but the names of the books of the bible from Genesis to Revelation. We sang it about three times each and had all 66 books down pat. But not only did we learn the content, we had fun doing it and every time we sang, it made us smile. It’s interesting how often you encounter memory devices in the bible itself. Proverbs 31, Psalm 119, Matthew 1 or a few examples. Philippians 2, Colossians 2, and Deuteronomy 32:1-44 are songs that helped everyone remember important doctrines or events.
Moses’ song in Deuteronomy 32, recounts God’s miraculous working in Israel from Egypt to the Promised Land. He wanted them to remember it all. Singing about it not only aids memory, but also exalts the content and ads fresh life to the exercise. It makes the task a joyful, pleasant one.
Lucado says, “We Christians are prone to follow the book while ignoring the music. We master the doctrine, outline the chapters, memorize the dispensations, debate the rules, and stiffly step down onto the dance floor of life with no music in our hearts. We measure each step, calibrate each turn, and flop into bed each night exhausted from another day of dancing by the book. Dancing with no music is tough stuff.”
Life is always at its best when we sing and dance to God’s music.