How much do you really want what’s being offered?  Are there times when you feel the ‘gift’ just isn’t worth it?  A father offers his son an old, beat up car as a graduation gift; but the boy was wanting something newer and with more appeal.  Dad’s response; ‘Well son, this is what you’ve got.  You can take it or leave it.’

But is it really a choice?  If you reject what’s offered you’re left with nothing, but if you take what you don’t really want, how can that be ‘my choice?’  Thomas Hobson lived in the late 1500’s and he owned a horse-rental business in England.  This idea provides the back drop for Sunday morning’s lesson.  Can a Christian find Biblical application in “Hobson’s Choice?”

“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15

Sunday morning, August 25, 2013

The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“The Steadfast Love of the Lord” -123

Taken from Lamentation 3:22-24, our opening song this morning is a Psalm since we will be singing scripture.  “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.”  Of course!  If His love is steadfast…it never would cease.  We believe and know that His mercies never come to an end either.  But the question today, do you hope in Him?

“Lord, Take Control” – 790

We’ve set the contribution early this morning, and as we prepare to give back a portion which is rightful His.  We’ll sing about giving our hearts, minds, bodies and souls to God.  But most are more comfortable with just giving to God our financial means, our money.  But are you really prepared to say, “Lord, take control” of my life?  It’s more than just a song, it’s a commitment.

“We Bow Down” – 577

A contemporary song with a basic message, “You are Lord of creation and Lord of my life, Lord of the land and the sea.  You were Lord of the heavens before there was time, and Lord of all lord’s You will be.”  Some will, in their hearts and lives, bow down and worship while others will just sit by and sing.  What are you willing to do?

“The Lord’s Supper” – no book

Tillit S. Teddlie wrote a vast number of songs to focus the Christian and glorify God.  This spiritual song is used primarily around the Lord’s table as we remember Christ death.  Notice the scripture reference as we conclude each verse; “While we feast Christ gentle whispers, ‘Do this in My memory.’”  At Waterview this Sunday morning we’ll read I Corinthians 11:23, 24 then sing this song to focus more on His memorial.

“By Christ Redeemed” – 366

Similar to Teddlie’s song which sites I Corinthians 11: 24, this song by George Rawson also alludes to Paul’s words in I Corinthians.  Notice the words from this old song; “By Christ redeemed, in Christ restored, we keep the Supper of the Word, and show the death of our dear Lord, until He come.”  Each line of this song ends the same way, ‘…until He come.’  Paul wrote in vs 26, “…for as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”

“O Happy Day” – 494

I remember very well the night my grandparents were baptized.  The congregation that gathered together sang this song after their baptism.  We’ll sing it again Sunday morning as we conclude the Lord’s Supper and remember the hope we have because of the sacrifice He gave.  Christians appreciate the last verse, “Tis done; the great transaction’s done; I am my Lord’s and He is mine!  He drew me, and I followed on, charmed to confess the voice divine…”  Each time we take of the Lord’s Supper, we confess His matchless love.

“We’re Marching to Zion” – 869

A great song before our lesson…Christians are marching to Zion (heaven) and we should be proudly proclaiming that fact.  Or are you more like verse 2, refusing to sing?  Maybe for those who have never heard would refuse to open their voices and hearts, but how can a child of God keep quiet when we join together to praise Him?  You might stop and think about that next time you don’t want to sing…

“I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say” – 389

Perhaps not a typical invitation song, but the message here is clear.  Each line begins with “I heard the voice of Jesus say…”  Reading your Bible and you’ll hear Him say ‘Come unto me…I am the living water…I am the light of the world’.  Jesus calls us to come follow Him.  Reading your Bible you can hear the voice of Jesus.  Maybe this is more of an invitation song they we’ve previously thought?

“Home of the Soul” – 875

By request we’ll sing this old spiritual song of heaven.  Christians strive for that home above, we hope for a ‘sweet rest’ and we look forward to the bright homeland, but we first need to endure the storms of life.  Maybe we should ask ourselves how much we long for Him?  Are the storms worth fighting?  Are we laboring for the Master and leaning on Him, or are we just biding our time here on earth?  If you are one of the ‘ransomed’ you’re looking forward to that beautiful home of the soul…And, if the truth be known, you have a “Hobson’s Choice”.