It is fascinating that we consider the Psalms to be Scripture. The Psalms were authored by quite an assembly of people. Normally we think of David, but there was a nameless afflicted man (102), Moses (90), Ethan (89), the Sons of Korah (several), someone named Asaph (83) and others. Most of Psalms were written for use by musical groups. They were a Hebrew hymnbook.
I was thinking about this while browsing through a modern hymnbook. Once again there is quite a variety of writers from the Wesley brothers to Martin Luther and Fanny Crosby. How many centuries have to pass before they will be looked upon as inspired enough to be Scripture? Some of them have incredibly inspiring theology. My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less by Edward Mote is excellent. “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus name. On Christ the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.”
Some of the more familiar hymns become such a part of our thinking we often sing them without thinking about the words. Our brain goes into automatic drive and the words mindlessly pop out of our mouths. I have discovered it is a real blessing to sometimes not sing the hymn but just read the words. Our brains are forced to use a different area other than the music area. Edward Mote’s hymn could remind us that salvation is only possible via the blood and righteousness of Jesus. We would be reminded not to think so highly of ourselves and instead be “Clad in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne.”
Written by Roger Bothwell on March 2, 2017
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