Sadly, Michael doesn’t sing the very verse that I was singing along the lakefront. So it is a shame I wasn’t recorded. It could have been spliced-into Michael’s song and then all the lyrics would be available for the enjoyment of everyone. What’s more, I was a capella as well. 

However, at that moment, let me assure you. You’d rather have been in Acapulco. 

There are a couple of things that keep bringing me back to this hymn.

unfamiliar truth

Teaching on the Spirit goes in all sorts of directions today. Gifts and fruit. Power and Comfort. However, in a world in which the practice of authenticating documents and witnesses is so common, it is a little strange that this work of the Spirit has fallen from view.

The Spirit authenticates. When the word of God is read, or spoken, or taught—it is as if the Spirit of God countersigns it all and bears witness to us that it is true. Until he is involved in this way, it will tend to be a bunch of words, especially for those who are not yet believers. We should not expect anything else. The New Testament speaks of a ‘blinding’ that happens, making it difficult to see (2 Cor 4). 

But when the authenticating Spirit gets involved, it is as if the cartoon becomes animated, the black-and-white becomes colour, and the silence becomes life-giving words. 

And so, the hymn:  Spirit, breathing from above, Thou has taught me it is so.

Or, a little later:  While He whispers in my ear, I am His and He is mine.

In training preachers, for example, it is important to strengthen foundations around both Word and Spirit, preventing them being split asunder as so easily happens. After all it is the Spirit who inspires (the Word), illuminates (the listener who believes), anoints (the preacher)—and who can authenticate the truth, even for the listener who does not yet believe. This needs to be a fervent and persistent prayer whenever the word of God is being spoken.

familiar imagery

While on the subject of training preachers, it is important to utilise everyday imagery when illustrating the sermon (see here and here, for starters). The more everyday the imagery, the more likely it’ll connect with everyone. This is true, not just with communication, but with life. There is strength to be found in seeing things and being able to perceive the truths to which they point. 

And so, the hymn. How is it possible to be more ‘everyday’ than the blue of the heavens, the green of the earth, the song of the birds and the beauty of the flower? There isn’t a people who cannot relate to such imagery. And then, just as the sun set those toi toi alight, so the Son, by his Spirit, can create a ‘softer blue’, a ‘sweeter green’, a ‘gladder song’ and a ‘deeper beauty’. 

Let’s keep praying that the ‘Christless eyes’ of those we love will be opened by the authenticating work of the Spirit—becoming able to see that ‘something that lives in every hue’.

BTW—I did enjoy this little church in Taipei (Taiwan) singing the hymn—with a different tune and without skipping any verses! 

nice chatting

Paul