Psalm 103
Day 103: Be blessed
Every verse is shouting ‘Jesus!’
Forgiveness, healing, redeeming, love, compassion, satisfaction, renewing, righteousness, justice, His ways, gracious, slow to anger, mercy, removal of sin, covenant, kingdom, rule. All of this speaks of Jesus!
In every nation, language, every culture, the answer is the same: Jesus!
Unusually for my devotion I am going to ask you to log onto Youtube and enter into the search engine: Jesus’ blood never failed me yet: Gavin Bryars.
The 1971 composition was first recorded for use in a documentary which chronicles street life in and around London. Bryars says: “In 1971, I was working on a film about people living rough. In the course of being filmed, some people broke into drunken song – sometimes bits of opera, sometimes sentimental ballads – and one, who in fact did not drink, sang a religious song “Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet”. This was not ultimately used in the film and I was given all the unused sections of tape, including this one. When I played it at home, I found that his singing was in tune with my piano, and I improvised a simple accompaniment. I took the tape to the recording room and I left it copying, with the door open, while I went to have a cup of coffee. When I came back I found the normally lively room unnaturally subdued. People were moving about much more slowly than usual and a few were sitting alone, quietly weeping. I was puzzled until I realised that the tape was still playing and that they had been overcome by the old man’s singing. Although he died before he could hear what I had done with his singing, the piece remains as an eloquent, but understated testimony to his spirit and optimism.”
All over the world people are singing of Jesus. The impact continues forever. Even in the homeless community.
Now go play that youtube clip and with this Psalm open in front of you, be blessed!
Missions Paul 