God Before and After Us

The Inescapable God
God Reveals Isaiah 52:7-12 (The Message)

 ^7-10How beautiful on the mountains
   are the feet of the messenger bringing good news,
Breaking the news that all's well,
   proclaiming good times, announcing salvation,
   telling Zion, "Your God reigns!"
Voices! Listen! Your scouts are shouting, thunderclap shouts,
   shouting in joyful unison.
They see with their own eyes
   God coming back to Zion.
Break into song! Boom it out, ruins of Jerusalem:
   "God has comforted his people!
   He's redeemed Jerusalem!"
God has rolled up his sleeves.
   All the nations can see his holy, muscled arm.
Everyone, from one end of the earth to the other,
   sees him at work, doing his salvation work.
 ^11-12Out of here! Out of here! Leave this place!
   Don't look back. Don't contaminate yourselves with plunder.
Just leave, but leave clean. Purify yourselves
   in the process of worship, carrying the holy vessels of God.
But you don't have to be in a hurry.
   You're not running from anybody!
God is leading you out of here,
   and the God of Israel is also your rear guard.
For Reflection "Grab your coats and get your hats.  Leave your worries on the door step. Life can be so sweet on the sunny side of the street....
I used to walk in the shade with my blues on parade. But I'm not afraid. This Rover's crossed over."

I'm not sure that songwriters Dorothy Fields and Jimmy Mchugh had salvation in mind when they wrote these lyrics, but it sort of fits, doesn't it?

Louis Armstrong is one of my favorites. There is great joy and celebration in this early rendition.  In my mind,  the emotion this tune evokes in me is similar to that which is felt when I know that God is near and guiding me.  "Don't look back.  Don't contaminate yourselves with plunder." Think on God's gifts as you listen to Louie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECYuEEzRWdE


Pray
for the joy of knowing God's grace.  Sing His praise.