Day Six: Talk of the Town

“Listen to the village musicians gathered at the watering holes.
They recount the righteous victories of the Lord
and the victories of his villagers in Israel.”

Judg. 5:11, NLT

Have you noticed how quick the gossip chain is? Wherever people gather you’re sure to hear the latest. We all like to feel like we’re in the know. We want to show how much we know and share our opinions about what we know.

Sometimes what we talk about is from an official news source. My husband especially likes the feature on our morning news called “The World in 90 Seconds.” It covers everything from natural disasters to human interest, and always ends with a comic quip to make you smile.

Sometimes what we talk about is local gossip or our own personal experiences. What’s the buzz on the street, the talk of the town? What are people writing songs about? The tabloids are full of who did what to who and why. Is it all about the victories God is winning over the enemy? Is it about the difference vibrant Christians are making in our communities - the way they listen and care and give, and how they radiate the presence of God?

Sadly, that is not always the case. But that’s what was going on in this verse. The watering holes were the gathering place of the time. Everybody had to have water to live. While they were there they exchanged the latest news and went home humming the latest top hit by the Village People. And what was the big news? It was all about God. He got top billing for the mighty victories He was winning. His people got honorable mention for showing up and being faithful.

Wouldn’t it be cool if that was the big story on our news channels and street corners every day? Let’s live in a way that is news-worthy, not because of our hypocritical, sinful, shameful behavior and attitudes, but by overcoming evil with the power and goodness of God.