In seventh grade music class I learned the song, “Button Up Your Overcoat”. Written in 1928, this song seemed outdated even in 1969 when I sang: Button up your overcoat When the wind is free Take good care of yourself You belong to me. Oh, eat an apple every day Get to bed by three Take good care of yourself You belong to me. A read-through of the entire lyrics by B. G. DeSylva and Lew Brown reveals the well wishes of a girl for her man. ‘You belong to me’ doesn’t indicate a controlling or domineering spirit. It shows her care and concern for him. That song came to mind recently as I listened to Isaiah 43:1-5. Take a look at verse 1. But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O
“Master, I grant you three wishes,” promised the genie. Aladdin stared at the creature that had suddenly appeared out of the old oil lamp. Thus began the adventures of Aladdin and the Magic Lamp. When I heard this tale as a child, I wondered what I would ask for if a genie asked me that question. A new toy? A reprieve from chores? Popularity at school? The other day, as I listened to John 14, I thought of the genie’s offer. After the Last Supper, Christ prepared his disciples for the events to follow. Peppered within this discourse, Christ makes what appears to be an amazing promise—that He will give them whatever they ask. Sounds like the genie’s offer. Sounds too good to be true. Hmm…I’d l
