Sometime between Jesus Christ leading his disciples in the first "Lord's Supper" and the garden of Gethsemane Jesus and his disciples "sang a hymn" Matthew 26:30. Really? They sang? This response from Jesus has haunted me this week. Leading up to the deepest darkest moment of humanity the very son of God worships his Father. I can only begin to understand the significance of this worship response. The questions that have raced through my mind today as I think about this beautiful moment of worship are full of mystery and awe....
What at this moment did He sing?
What was the emotion in His voice?
Did the his voice shake as He sang of a loving God that He would soon be separated from?
I wonder at the thought of Jesus’ beautiful gift of worship. I cannot help but think it may have sounded much more like Psalm 136.
(Psalm 136:1-26 ESV)
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who alone does great wonders,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who by understanding made the heavens,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who spread out the earth above the waters,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who made the great lights,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
the sun to rule over the day,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
the moon and stars to rule over the night,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
and brought Israel out from among them,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who divided the Red Sea in two,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
and made Israel pass through the midst of it,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who led his people through the wilderness,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who struck down great kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
and killed mighty kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
Sihon, king of the Amorites,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
and Og, king of Bashan,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
and gave their land as a heritage,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
a heritage to Israel his servant,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
and rescued us from our foes,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
he who gives food to all flesh,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
I am blessed and changed by this beautiful revelation. God calls us to sing throughout scripture* but will I sing out to God as my “Refuge and Strength” during the darkest nights of my soul.
*(Psalm 66:2, Psalm 95:1, Psalm 81:1)
