Everyone likes a victory parade and today there will be parades and singing of patriotic songs, speeches and family gatherings and barbeques and fireworks all in celebration of the freedom we enjoy as a nation. When we see the stars and stripes of our flag go by, we stand tall in proud recognition of, and gratitude to God for the many victorious battles that have been fought and won that have made us and preserved us as a nation. I trust each reader of this devotion will have opportunity today to join in the celebration.

In Chapter 5 of our Scripture, we find songs within a song. We are told in verse one that Deborah and Baruch sang together (do you suppose it was an alto and tenor duet?) recalling what the Lord had done in delivering his people from the oppression of the enemy and in verse 11 we are told that when the travelers stopped at the watering places, the musicians would lead them in singing triumphal songs. 

Someone once said that other world religions have their dirges, but Christians have their joyous songs of redemption. Indeed, by God’s “Amazing Grace” we can sing songs that celebrate who God is and what he has done for us on “The Old Rugged Cross” where “Jesus Paid it All” that gives us that “Blessed Assurance” of his “Coming Again” and oh “What a Day That Will Be.”

I’m glad I was raised in a Christian family that liked to sing. Mother played the piano and as a family we often gathered around and sang. My sisters would sing the melody and alto parts, I sang tenor and dad sang bass. I am also glad that here at Vernon Hall where I am a resident, we have times for singing. In addition to the Sunday service, every Friday after breakfast we sing our favorite hymns for a half hour. Although age has taken its toll on my body, my voice is still strong and gotten deeper. I can no longer sing the high tenor notes, so I sing bass.

As believers let us sing our songs of “Victory in Jesus.”

Rev. Bill Monroe

Extended Scripture: Judges 4–5 (ESV)