Already this summer, many have enjoyed their annual Vacation Bible School. Still other congregations are anticipating the exciting week of Bible study and energetic singing. We’ll continue this three-part series looking at VBS songs from yesteryear that still motivate, inspire and encourage children (and adults) today.
Last time we looked at the words of “Joy, Joy, Joy” and “Daniel and Ruth.” Today I encourage you to read the words (sing the songs) of three more classic songs from VBS. Taken from Matthew 7, Matthew 4 and Ephesians 6, see if you can find the basis for these spiritual songs, or perhaps we should call them ‘psalms.’
Share these words and be a “Booster” for your Vacation Bible School…even if the week has passed. Remember this classic:
“The wise man built his house upon the rock. (repeat 2 times)
and the rains came tumbling down.
The rains came down as the floods came up. (repeat 2 times)
And the wise man’s house stood firm!”
The foolish man built his house upon the sand. (repeat 2 times)
and the rains came tumbling down.
The rains came down as the floods came up. (repeat 2 times)
And the foolish man’s house went splash!”
So build your house on the Lord, Jesus Christ. (repeat 2 times)
and the blessings will come down.
The blessings come down as the prayers go up. (repeat 2 times)
So build your house on the Lord, Jesus Christ!”
And perhaps you remember…
“Roll the Gospel chariot along,
Roll the Gospel chariot along,
Roll the Gospel chariot along, and we won’t tag along behind.
If a brother’s in the way, we will stop and pick him up (repeat 2 times) and we won’t tag along behind.
If a sister’s in the way, we will stop and pick her up (repeat 2 times) and we won’t tag along behind.
If a sinner’s in the way, we will stop and pick him up (repeat 2 times) and we won’t tag along behind.
If the devil’s in the way, we will run right over him (repeat 2 times) and we won’t tag along behind.”
And finally, this popular classic…
“I may never march in the infantry, ride in the cavalry, shoot the artillery.
I may never fly o’er the enemy, but I’m in the Lord’s army. YES SIR!
I’m in the Lord’s army…YES SIR!” (repeat)
“I may never march in the infantry, ride in the cavalry, shoot the artillery.
I may never fly o’er the enemy, but I’m in the Lord’s army. YES SIR!”
Notice how some of these children’s songs have a tendency to repeat themselves? We have the same phenomenon in many of our ‘grown up’ songs. Consider, “People Need the Lord,” a phrase repeated 5 times. Or how about “Our God is An Awesome God!”, repeated 6 times. But before we get all wrapped up, tied up, tangled up (wait, that’s another song) about these ‘7-11 songs,’ don’t forget we have been singing repetition for years. Remember, “I Am Praying for You”, repeated 4 times in the chorus. Or how about “Bringing in the Sheaves”, repeated 7 times. We can lose our focus arguing about the little things and miss the power of the message. Besides, what better way to learn basic principles than to repeat it over and over and over and over again.
Next time in “Vacation Bible School…Part 3,” we’ll look at “His Banner Over Us is Love”, “My God is So Big” and “Wrapped Up, Tied Up.” VBS at Waterview church of Christ will start Sunday night, July 27th, at 6:30 and run through Wednesday night, July 30th. If you’re in town, make every effort to join us, and help boost our Bible School. Model your love for God’s word and make Him your priority!