the Greatest song?

On the radio the other day, the annoucers were talking about "What is the greatest song ever written?" And I still can't seem to decide which song I think is the greatest song ever written...

Any other thoughts?

Isaiah 40

I had study group today for the OT paper I am doing through Carey. This week, we looked at Isaiah 40. I thought it sounded like a familiar passage, and upon reading it, realised that I had been quoted the last verse (v31: But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.) many times. Usually as a sort of encouragement, or when I am unsure about what to do next so am encouraged to 'wait on God', or when I've been tired after doing much 'ministry'. But having to read it and dig deeper into it today made me realise the full potential of that verse. It made me realise also, how we can diminish God by quoting verses like that out of its context.

What do I mean? Well, this passage (or prophecy) is written during the time of exile. In fact, this is the first passage in Isaiah written during the time of exile. So, in the beginning of the passage we have God reassuring his people that he is still there for them and hears their anguish of being conquered and taken away into a foreign land. And so the passage goes on to remind the readers (or hearers) about the glory, the grandeur, the majesty of God. That God really is bigger than all their troubles.

Back to that familiar verse (v31) again. Understanding the context of the passage has made the verse even more profound for me. Looking at it by itself, just tells me that if I wait on the Lord (whatever that means) all will be well again and God will make things right for me (emphasis mine because thats what I think it will end up being about - me, not God). But reading it in light of the exile, tells me that God exudes so much grace. The Israelites are in exile because of their own doing (or their ancestors doing). In many occasions, they have turned away from God and disobeyed God. In the end resulting in them beign carried away in exile. But still, God comes to them to reassure them that he still cares for them. God still comes to them to remind them that he is sovereign and about his glory. God still comes to them to give them hope, that He is their hope.

So now, this verse reminds me about God's compassionate nature. That God will extend grace despite my stubborness and disobedience. That God will bring me hope, and God will be my hope. That God is far bigger than anything else - nothing else campares to the grandeur of who God is. No longer does it imply to me that God will give me strength or whatever. It is about God. And who God is. And thats what it should be about. Because there is so much more hope in God and who God is than in merely thinking about what he can do for me.

So, perhaps another reason, why not to quote verses at people? It diminishes God.

MI:3

Went to watch the third installation of the Mission Impossible franchise. Predictable storyline and it delivered as expected - explosions, gadgets, different places in the world and once again, Ethan Hunt does the impossible (with the help of his team of course).

Some good moments in the movie, though the ending was far too soppy (even for chicks!). It was too much of a "happy ending". But I did enjoy it, and I do recommend it if you are after a brainless movie to chill out with. And, bring on X-Men 3!