“For, At just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen.”
I always have a song stuck in my head. At one point this week it was a song I learned in third grade called “Fried Ham.” The next day it was an R.E.M. song: “It’s the End of the World As We Know It.” A few hours later it was a worship song: “I Am No Victim.” Each song was triggered by something in the world around me: a ham dinner, an overreaction by a little kid, a news article. That’s the power of music – it sticks with you, and at the moment you least expect it, a song jumps to mind.
As Paul closes his letter to Timothy, his own writing causes a song to jump to mind. This happens periodically with Paul. It might be a poem that he himself wrote. Iit is more likely, however that it is a song he knew, perhaps a worship song from the time. This particular song is rich with deep thoughts. It speaks of the imminent return of Jesus as King of kings. Then it makes a poetic reference to him as the one who “lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach…” This is a reminiscent of the visions of God that several Old Testament Prophets had, particularly Ezekiel (Ez. 1) and Isaiah (Is. 6). The similarity continues with the celebratory worship phrase “All honor and power to him forever!” which is similar to the angelic song found in Isaiah. Putting it all together, the song Paul quotes places Jesus squarely on the one throne whereupon dwells the One God of Israel. It is a beautiful declaration of the deity of Jesus.
Here is your freedom for today: wisely chosen songs can lift the mind and heal the heart. The words of this song are deep, rich and profound. They draw the mind and the heart to the true center of the universe: the throne of God. They add beautiful complexity to our thoughts by painting Jesus into his rightful place on the throne. They inspire hope by reminding us of our great king’s ultimate return. The words of this song are perfect to help you rejoice on a great day; they are just as perfect to help carry you through a difficult and challenging day. Great songs can often do both. So what songs are you filling your mind with? Will they draw you closer to the King? Will they encourage and inspire you? Will they teach and train you? These are important questions because whatever you hear today will inform what you think and how you feel tomorrow.