Music is a universal language, having the ability to transcend borders, cultures and generations. It has such a profound impact on our thoughts and emotions that it can often influence our worldview and behaviour. Personally, I consider music a great tool for meditating on God’s word. It is a source of encouragement through the various seasons of life; there is a unique power in taking in Scripture through song.
I consider music a great tool for meditating on God’s word.
Some days, I’m unconsciously drawn to a particular song, which causes me to play it or sing it over and over. Normally, when this happens, I pull up the lyrics and do a little research to get a better understanding and appreciation of the song. One song that has recently had this effect on me is the common hymn ‘Rock of Ages.’ We sang it at church recently and I decided to do some reading on it.
A Hiding Place Where I Am Found
There are so many interesting facts and thoughts on the hymn and it’s author that I had to labour hard to not go beyond basic background information. ‘Rock of Ages’ is an old, popular and yet timeless hymn sung in a lot of churches across the globe. Written by a man named Augustus Toplady in about 1763, it is said to have been written while he took shelter from a storm in an actual cleft of a rock.
The writer was able to notice the gospel in the very first line of the hymn.
In one very short blog post, the writer muses over the first line of the hymn: “Christ was “cleft” – split apart, apart from the Father, in order to make a way, forcefully, through sin. He made a hiding place for me, a way for me to be found in Christ, and with the Father.”
I found these thoughts on the first line of the song very beautiful as the writer was able to notice the gospel in the very first line of the hymn. My own thoughts lingered on the third verse:
“Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress,
Helpless, look to Thee for grace:
Foul, I to the fountain fly,
Wash me Saviour, or I die….”
Seeking out Scripture Through Song
I’ve known the hymn for a long time and have sung it many times before, but when I listened more intently, I found little gems in the words of the hymn that made it feel as if I was listening to it for the first time. I paid attention to the words of Scripture through the song and I was greatly challenged.
What did I offer to God that he should take me? Did I have a right or claim that compelled him to cleanse me of my guilt and sin? Was it something about me that drew God to me? Nothing. Nothing indeed. I came to Christ a stranger bearing nothing to offer him but my shame, guilt and sin. I came naked to him for dress and oh, how the grace of God abounds. That Christ died for me and clothed me in his righteousness so that I will no longer be guilty and ashamed.
Encouraged and Challenged
The hymn’s words, and the Scripture contained in the song, both encouraged and challenged me to reflect on the true nature of Christian righteousness. This is because unsuspected temptations can arise, leading a Christian to mistakenly believe that they possess some inherent ‘specialness’ or merit apart from Christ, or that they can secure God’s favour through a multitude of ‘good’ works.
Many of us who identify as Christians may not recognize the temptation to think in this way or believe such an audacious notion. Nevertheless, a closer examination of our attitudes towards life and our treatment of others reveals how we may have been compromised in one way or another. This compromise can manifest in a general attitude of entitlement, self-righteousness, or impatience towards both fellow believers and unbelievers, as well as those who are still young in their faith.
The hymn’s words both encouraged and challenged me to reflect on the true nature of Christian righteousness.
Beyond Lip Service
While we proclaim “simply to the cross I cling,” our actions often betray a contradictory clinging to worldly notions. There is a tendency to regard ourselves as more righteous than others by merit – a stark contradiction to the humble surrender expressed in our hymn.
Titus 3:5 tells us that, “he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” Therefore, our self righteous attitudes and actions would not merely be a contradiction of the hymn, but the truth of scripture that it embodies.
Cultivating a Habit
As I considered more deeply the hymn ‘Rock of Ages’, the biblical truths became more apparent. The words of Toplady resonated more profoundly, striking a deeper chord within me. They served as a sober reminder of the Apostle Paul’s words in Ephesians 2:13, ‘But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.’ The hymn’s lyrics brought Paul’s words closer to my heart, emphasizing the power of Christ’s sacrifice in bridging the gap between our sinful state and God’s grace. It also highlighted the need for a response of humility in recognition of such truths.
We should cultivate the habit of identifying the scriptural truths in timeless hymns.
I think it is safe to say that it is good practice to listen to the right songs and reflect on these songs and hymns. As we listen and reflect we should cultivate the habit of identifying the truths of Scripture in the songs. Most especially in the common and familiar timeless hymns like ‘Rock of Ages’.
Let us not be too familiar to recognize the richness of their lyrics, which so beautifully capture the essence of our faith. By doing so, we can rediscover the profound truths that have guided generations of believers before us. May we sing these hymns with passion and understanding, allowing their words to resonate in our hearts and minds. And may their messages of grace, redemption, and hope continue to inspire and transform us. So that we may grow deeper in our walk with God.