In John 2:13-17, Jesus became angry over what he saw happening in the temple. I wonder, would it be much different today? (All thoughts and rememberances are the opinion of the blog author.)
As I sit and listen to this song, this is one I can imagine using in church as a worship chorus. I am hopeful that many churches do use it that way. God's love is amazing. And while I might not have completely surrendered to his design, it is certainly what is in my heart when I truly see the depth of His love for me. How truly irresistible is his love when we are confronted with it!
This is the story of the Son of God Hangin' on a cross for me But it ends with a bride and groom And a weddin' by a glassy sea Oh, death, where is your sting? 'Cause I'll be there singin' Holy, holy, holy is the Lord This is the story of a bride in white Waitin' on her weddin' day Anticipation wellin' up inside While her groom is crowned a King Oh, death, where is your sting? 'Cause we'll be there singin' Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy Is the Lord almighty Holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy Is the Lord almighty Holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy (Who was, and is, and is to come) Is the Lord almighty Holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy (Who was, and is, and is to come) Is the Lord almighty This is the story of the son of God Hangin'…
At some points, the song lyrics sound like something that David might have written in the Psalms. To be honest, this song touches on a theme that God has strongly laid upon my heart lately, and that is just how beautiful God is. And as I see Him in this light, it truly does make anything I do a light burden.
10 out of 10!
This is song number 2 that I will be giving a critical listen to. I chose this song because it was a 2018 Dove Award winner. Before I begin, I want to note that Cory records under the Bethel Music label. This is associated with the Bethel Church in Redding, California. While I am not a fan of their theology, I am going to (try and) not let that affect my opinion of the doctrinal validity of this song.
(My comments are in blue)
"Reckless Love"
Before I spoke a word, You were singing over me You have been so, so good to me Before I took a breath, You breathed Your life in me You have been so, so kind to me
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine I couldn't earn it, and I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for me You have been so, so good to me When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me You have been so, so kind to me
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine I couldn't earn it, and I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
There's no shadow You won't light up Mountain You won't climb up Coming after me There's no wall You won't kick down Lie You won't tear down Coming after me
There's no shadow You won't light up Mountain You won't climb up Coming after me There's no wall You won't kick down Lie You won't tear down Coming after me
There's no shadow You won't light up Mountain You won't climb up Coming after me There's no wall You won't kick down Lie You won't tear down Coming after me
There's no shadow You won't light up Mountain You won't climb up Coming after me There's no wall You won't kick down Lie You won't tear down Coming after me
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine And I couldn't earn it, I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
Listening to the song, I find myself worshiping the God that is spoken of. I also see a lot of Scriptural basis for the lyrics. God does pursue us, He does leave the 99, He pursues us even while we are sinners (foes). This song does not present God or my response to Him in a way that I find offensive. I did read a few criticisms for Cory's description of God's love as reckless, but I find it a word that really creates a feeling of appreciation for a God who would pursue us in so many wild and wonderful ways.
If I were to rate this song based on its impact as well as what it teaches I would have to give it a 10 out of 10. In fact, I'm going to listen to it again!
In my last post, I noted that I would start looking at some of the music that touches my soul, but a little more critically, since I believe that doctrine is important. I chose this song, because it goes back to the beginnings of my connection with CCM (Contemporary Christian Music). Kind of shows my age, as this song was released in 1980. I was in college (a Christian college), and had only been a believer about 4 years.
At this time, Keith Green was a phenomenon. Everyone on campus seemed to love him and his music. His story and the way that he was portrayed as living what he believed was amazing. His death in 1982, while I was still in college, was quite a shock and honestly even a test of faith to some extent. I mean, if God would take him, a man with such talent and potential, that brings up so many questions about how I thought things should work in the world of faith.
Lyrics are bolded, my comments are in blue.
Oh Lord, you're beautiful, Your face is all I see, For when your eyes are on this child, Your grace abounds to me
These words still touch me, and melt m heart. God is beautiful, and I need to be melted by that beauty in to a deep and reverent love for Him. I need to hear this daily.
Oh Lord, you're beautiful, Your face is all I see, For when your eyes are on this child Your grace abounds to me
I want to take your word and shine it all around
So powerful. My deeds are not a offering that I give to earn God's favor, but are the response of seeing His beauty.
But first help me to just, live it Lord
I am just a little perplexed at what he is asking hear, but I love the humility of the question. Let my response be worthy somehow.
And when I'm doing well, help me to never seek a crown For my reward is giving glory to you
Yes, the reward is not a pat on the back, or a "well done," for if that is what I am after, then I have come with the wrong motive and my efforts are in vain. My reward is the glory that God gets, and the joy I have found in giving Him that glory. Period.
Oh Lord, please light the fire That once burned bright and clean Replace the lamp of my first love That burns with holy fear
Seems like a bit of a struggle has taken place. But I love the openness and honesty. When those times come, and they do, turn to God and cry out for help. Isn't that what most of the Psalms are about?
I want to take your word and shine it all around But first help me to just, live it Lord And when I'm doing well, help me to never seek a crown For my reward is giving glory to you
Oh Lord, you're beautiful Your face is all I see For when your eyes are on this child Your grace abounds to me
Oh Lord, you're beautiful Your face is all I see For when your eyes are on
