CHURCH SOLOS
The article "Singing in His service" in the January issue of The Christian Science Journal brought me a new way of approaching the solos I sing in my church—a Presbyterian church.
I have often felt frustrated about my singing, feeling it was not as acceptable as others' singing. The congregation regularly applauded when they sang, but there was silence for my offerings. While many people complimented me on my voice and choice of songs, I felt their evaluations were well intentioned but could not be trusted.
The writer's insights helped me to see that the solo is "not a performance; it is a ministering," and that there is "only one voice and one listener." I am so grateful.
, Lilburn, Georgia
Working with the WORD
Last December, when I received some information on gift subscriptions to the Christian Science periodicals, I began prayerfully to consider what I was going to do about it. I was especially helped by the explanation in the November Journal's "Working with the WORD" column of this passage in Isaiah: "The word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return" (Isa. 45:23). Drawing upon commentary in The Interpreter's Bible, the column explained that "righteousness" means "the perfect correspondence between God's word and God's deed." It added that "word" in this part of Isaiah "not infrequently has a spacious and inclusive meaning tantamount to revelation (see 40:8; 55:10-11). It goes forth into the world filled with his energy and power." The column concluded: "'Shall not return,'" as in Isaiah 55:11, means that God's Word cannot be revoked nor without effect."
As a result of my studies I have found more opportunities than ever before to give Christian Science periodicals as gifts, and the positive response from recipients shows how much they value these gifts.
State College, Pennsylvania
I work in the department of religious studies at a university. It is helpful to have some articles in the Journal with metaphysical insights and others with Biblical insights. Many ministers have told me that they find wonderful material for sermons in the Journal and are helped by the section "Working with the WORD." Health care providers also find inspiration in the pages of the Journal, which has such a professional look about it.
, Denver, Colorado
THREE DAYS IN THE TOMB
I have been enjoying the Journal and hesitate to raise what may seem a very picayune matter. In a couple of articles I have noticed statements—phrased in different ways—that Jesus spent "three days in the tomb." The Bible records that his body was placed in the tomb late on Friday afternoon (at dusk, just before the start of the Hebrew Sabbath), and that he was already risen early the first day of the week—Sunday. Thus his occupancy of the tomb was closer to a day and a half, not three days. It is of course correct to say that Jesus rose "on the third day" (i.e., Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) but not that he lay in the tomb for "three days."
, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania (via e-mail)
Editor 's note: You have made a good point about not implying that this was literally three July days—seventy-two hours. We appreciate your observation.
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