PRAISE THE LORD
(AND SEND ME THE MONEY)
This is what the Lord my God says: 'Pasture the flock marked for slaughter. Their buyers slaughter them and go unpunished. Those who sell them say, 'Praise the Lord, I am rich!'"
(ZECHARIAH 11:4-5a)
"Praise(AND SEND ME THE MONEY)
This is what the Lord my God says: 'Pasture the flock marked for slaughter. Their buyers slaughter them and go unpunished. Those who sell them say, 'Praise the Lord, I am rich!'"
(ZECHARIAH 11:4-5a)
the Lord and send me the money, I'm happy, you can be happy too if you praise the Lord and send me the money, that's what Jesus wants you to do!"
Late one night while watching Colombo I fell asleep till a quarter past three. When just like a vision and I thought I was dreaming, I heard the voice of a man on TV.
He said, "Praise the Lord and send me the money, I'm happy, you can be happy too if you praise the Lord and send me the money, that's what Jesus wants you to do!"
I sat straight up, reached for my checkbook, scrambling with guilt to put my big pen in my hand, I wrote out the figures of one and four zeroes, went out and mailed it with a note to that man.
I said, "Praise the Lord, I'm sending the money, I surely want to be happy like you, praise the Lord, I'm sending the money, that's what Jesus wants you to do!"
I woke up late for work the next morning, I could not believe what I had done. I wrote a hot check for Jesus for ten thousand dollars, my bank account only had 31.
I got a second job at a gasoline station and I'm saving my money to pay what I owe. I don't get much sleep 'cause I stay up late watching all of the folks on the Lord's TV show, saying,
"Praise the Lord and send me the money, I'm so happy, you can be happy too if you praise the Lord and send me the money, that's what Jesus wants you to do!"
"Praise the Lord, I'm sending the money!"
*Note: Columbo was a popular TV show (about an unkempt detective, starring Peter Falk) at the time this song was written.
New Testament/Apocrypha
Songs Tuesday 17 June 2008
REVELATION
Jean Langlais was a French organist/composer (1907-1991), a deeply religious man who set the book of Revelation for unaccompanied organ. The centerpiece of his Five Meditation on the Apocalypse is the final section, with its eerie musical illustration of the tormenting locusts written about in Revelation, chapter 9; the gloomy organ chords suggest the dark pit from which the locusts come, announced by the organ's imitation of a trumpet. The organ chords represents the cries of the damned. For our class, I've combined part of Langlais' movement with the spoken text it illustrates. The text follows:Songs Tuesday 17 June 2008
REVELATION
And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man. And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men. And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions. And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle. And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months. And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon. One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter. And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men. And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them. And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone. By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths. For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt. And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.
IN CHRIST THERE IS NO EAST OR WEST
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
Galatians 3:28
In Christ there is no East or West, In Him no South or North; But one great fellowship of love Throughout the whole wide earth. In him shall true hearts ev'rywhere Their high communion find; His service is the golden cord Close binding all mankind.Galatians 3:28
THE GIFT OF LOVE
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."
1 CORINTHIANS 13:1f.
Though I may speak with bravest fire, And have the gift to all inspire, And have not love, my words are vain, As sounding brass, and hopeless gain.1 CORINTHIANS 13:1f.
I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
GOD SHALL WIPE ALL TEARS AWAY
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying of pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
REVELATION 21:4
Though the clouds may hover over there's a bright and a golden ray, if the promise lay in Heaven God shall wipe all tears away. When we reach that blessed homeland where it is everlasting day, on that bright eternal morning God shall wipe all tears away."He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying of pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
REVELATION 21:4
WHEN THE ROLL IS CALLED UP YONDER
"Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books."
REVELATION 20:12
When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound and time shall be no more and the morning breaks eternal, bright and far, when the saints of earth shall be gathered over on the other shore and roll is called up yonder, I'll be there. When the roll is called up yonder (x) I'll be there!"Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books."
REVELATION 20:12
JOHN THE REVELATOR
Tell me who was that writing (John the Revelator) (X) tell what was John writing, well he wrote the book of Revelation, he wrote it in the book of the Seven Seals.SOMEBODY'S KNOCKING
Somebody's knocking at your door (at your door). (x) Crying, oh sinner, why don't you answer? Someone is knocking at your door (knocks like Jesus) (X), Crying oh sinner why don't you answer? Somebody's knocking at your door.YE THAT WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE
John 8:7
Lord, ye that without sin, Lord, cast your first stone (x). Cast the first stone, if you've done no wrong. According to the Bible, these words are a fact, some men brought a woman to Jesus caught this woman in act, Jesus put these men to a test, they got so 'shamed of themselves when He said, "Ye that without sin, cast your stone." Do you know one thing? Jesus stopped down, start writing on the ground. When He rose up, all of those men was gone. He says, "Woman! Where your accusers?" She said, "Master, yonder go." He said, "You! go, in peace and sin no more." Wait a minute, here, let me tell you something here, children. Listen here sisters and brothers. I tell you what you need to do. Do unto others as you will have do to yo. Yes, stop gossiping on the phone, before you tear up somebody's home (maybe mine!). Ye that without sin, cast your stone. Lord, ye that without sin, Lord, cast your first stone (x). Cast the first stone, if you've done no wrong.HEAVENLY VISION
"Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders."
REVELATION 5:11
This song, based on verses in the book of Revelation, is by the American Colonial composer, William Billings,
sung in the Sacred Harp tradition.
I beheld and lo a great multitude which no man could number. Thousands of thousands, ten times thousands stood before the Lamb and they had palms in their hands and they cease not day nor night, saying Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty, which was and is and is to come. And I heard a mighty angel flying through the midst of Heaven crying with a loud voice Woe woe woe , woe be unto the earth by reason of the trumpet which is yet to sound. And when the last trumpet sounded, the great men and nobles, rich men and poor, bond and free gathered themselves together and cried to the rocks and mountains to fall upon them and hide them from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne. For the great day of the Lord is come and who shall be able to stand?"Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders."
REVELATION 5:11
This song, based on verses in the book of Revelation, is by the American Colonial composer, William Billings,
sung in the Sacred Harp tradition.
WHAT ARE THEY DOING IN HEAVEN TODAY?
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying of pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
REVELATION 21:4
I'm thinking of friends whom I used to know who lived and suffered in this world below. They gone up to Heaven and I want to know. I want to know, what are they doing there now? Wonder what are they doing in Heaven today, where sins and sorrows are all done away. Where peace abounds like a river, they say. I want to know, what are they doing there now? There were some whose bodies were full of disease, no medicine nor doctor could give them much ease. Yeah, they suffered till death brought a final release. But what are they doing there now? There were some who were poor and often despised, they looked up to Heaven with tear-blinded eyes but people were heedless and cold to their cries. I want to know, what are they doing there now?"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying of pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
REVELATION 21:4
WE'LL UNDERSTAND IT BETTER BY AND BY
"To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne."
REVELATION 4:21
By and by, when the morning comes, all the saints are gone to gathering home, We will tell the story of how we overcome and we'll understand it better by and by. "To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne."
REVELATION 4:21
I COME THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE LIFE
I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. John 10:10
"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." JOHN 3:17
I come that you might have life more abundantly. (x) I come that you might have life through eternity. I didn't come to condemn the world, nor to shame you for your harm. No, no, but I came to mend your broken heart and give your heart a song. I come to give you life more abundantly, more abundantly."For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." JOHN 3:17
THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
The Rock group, The Byrds, had a hit with this song.
My buddies shun me since I turned to Jesus, they say I'm missing a whole world of fun. But I still love them and I sing with pride, I like the Christian life. I won't lose a friend by heeding God's call, for what is a friend who'd want you to fall? Others find pleasure in things I despise, I like the Christian life. The Rock group, The Byrds, had a hit with this song.
JESUS ON THE MAIN LINE
My Jesus on the main line, tell him what you want (x) and you can call him up and tell him what you want. Now the line is never busy, tell him what you want (x), and you can call him up and tell him what you want.GUIDE MY FEET
"You were running a good race. Who but in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?
GALATIANS 5:7
Guide my feet while I run this race (x) for I don't want to run this race in vain. Hold my hand while I run this race (x) for I don't want to run this race. "You were running a good race. Who but in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?
GALATIANS 5:7
OLD TIME RELIGION
"About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and siging hymns to god. . . ."
ACTS 16:25
Give me that old-time religion (x), it's good enough for me. It was good for Paul and Silas (x), it's good enough for me. It was good for the Hebrew children (x), it's good enough for me. "About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and siging hymns to god. . . ."
ACTS 16:25
SATAN WE'RE GOING TO TEAR YOUR KINGDOM DOWN
"I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven."
LUKE 10:18
Satan, we're going to tear your kingdom. The preachers are going to preach your kingdom down. (X) You've been building your kingdom all over this land, Satan we're going to tear your kingdom down. The deacons are going to pray your kingdom down (x), you've been building your kingdom all over this land, Satan we're going to tear your kingdom down!"I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven."
LUKE 10:18
THE NEW TESTAMENT:
Songs Week of 3 June 2008
Songs Week of 3 June 2008
I COULDN'T KEEP IT TO MYSELF
"Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, 'Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey yo rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.'"
ACTS 4:18-20
You know I said I wasn't going to run for my Jesus but I couldn't keep it to myself. (X) what the Lord God Almighty done for me. I said I wasn't going to shout for joy but I couldn't keep it to my self (x) what the Lord God Almighty done for me.ACTS 4:18-20
CALVARY MEDLEY
"Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while was still with you in Galilee? 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'"
LUKE 5b-7
Every time I think about Jesus (x), surely He died on Calvary. Make me truly think about dying (x), surely He died on Calvary. They crucified my Lord and He never said a mumblin word. He rose from the dead, they crucified my Savior and nailed Him to the cross (x) and the Lord will bear my spirit home. And Joseph begged his body and laid him in the tomb (x) and the Lord will bear my spirit home. Sister Mary she come running a-looking for my Lord (x) and the Lord will bear her spirit home. He rose from the dead!LUKE 5b-7
RUN MARY RUN
"Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus love, and said, 'They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!" JOHN 20:1-2
In this Spiritual, Mary (Magdalene), the first to tell of Jesus' Resurrection, is a type of all people with the "right" to "life." "Children gone" refers to the children of slaves separated from their mothers by slave owners.
Run, Mary, run (x), I say, you got a right to the tree of life! Little Mary, you've got a right, you've got a right (x). The Hebrew children got a right! With all them sorrows, you've got a right. The cross is heavy, but you've got a right. Ups and downs, but you've got a right. Children gone but you got a right.IT TOOK A MIRACLE
"[W]hat may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." ROMANS 1:19-20
My Father is omnipotent and that you can't deny, a God Almighty and miracle is written in the sky. It took a miracle to put the stars in place. It took a miracle to hang the moon in space. But when he saved my soul, cleansed and made me whole, it took a miracle of love and grace. LORD HOLD MY HAND
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." 1 CORINTHIANS 9:24
"You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?" GALATIANS 5:7
"I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith." 2 TIMOTHY 4:7
Oh, Lord, (please) hold my hand while I run this race. (X) Lord I don't want to run this race alone! Oh Lord guide my feet while I run this race! (X) I'm afraid to run this race alone."You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?" GALATIANS 5:7
"I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith." 2 TIMOTHY 4:7
COME AND DINE
"On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine, the best of meats
and the finest of wines." ISAIAH 25:6
Jesus has a table spread where the Saints of God are led, He invites his chosen people come and dine. With the Manna he doth feed and supplies our every need. O 'tis sweet to sup with Jesus all the time. Come and dine, the Master calleth, come and dine you may feast at Jesus' table all the time. He who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine, to the humble calleth now come and dine. The disciples came to land thus obeying God's command, for the Master calleth them to come and dine. There they found their heart's desire, bread and fish upon the fire, thus he satisfies the hungry every time. Soon the Lamb will take his bride to be ever at His side and all the host of Heaven will assembled be. O 'twill be a glorious sight, all the Saints in spotless white and with Jesus they will feast eternally. Come and dine, the Master calls, come and dine you may feast at Jesus' table all the time. He who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine, to the humble come and dine.and the finest of wines." ISAIAH 25:6
I'M GLAD OF IT
"I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty."
JOHN 6:35
You know he feeds me when I'm hungry, and I'm glad, I'm really glad. Oh God he feeds me when I'm hungry and I'm glad, you know I'm so glad to be alive!CHINESE PROVERB
"Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven." MATTHEW 5:15-16
Where there is light in the soul there is beauty in the person. Where there is beauty in the person there is harmony in the home. Where there is harmony in the home there is honor in the nation. Where there is honor in the nation there is peace in the world.<>WHAT MANNER OF MAN IS THIS?
The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"
Matthew 8:27
<>"As he [Paul] neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly
a light from heaven flashed around him."
ACTS 9:3
"About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me."
ACTS 22:6
What manner of man is this who died upon a tree? What manner of man is this who set the captives free? You know he walked, walked upon the water and he calmed the raging sea! What manner of man is this who gave his life for me. The prophet [Isaiah] called him Immanuel, the prophet [Daniel] called him a stone. The angel [Gabriel] called him Jesus before he was born. With the world on his shoulder He was seen coming from Borzah with his gown dyed in blood [Isaiah 63:1]. You know Ezekiel saw him coming as the wheel in the middle of a wheel and John told about him in the Book of the Seven Seals [REVELATION]. You know Paul [ACTS] gave a description brighter than the sun, if you don't know his name Lord you'd better run. What manner of man is this who died upon a tree? What manner of man is this who set the captives free? You know he walked, walked upon the water and he calmed the raging sea! What manner of man is this who gave his life for me?
I DON'T WANT TO BE LOST
"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord. . . . "
EPHESIANS 5:19
The reason I sing so hard, I don't want to be lost (x), I don't want to be lost when Jesus comes.EPHESIANS 5:19
YE MEN OF GALILEE
"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." MATTHEW 25:13
Ye men of Galilee why stand here gazing, gazing in the Heavens up above? This Jesus who left will come in like manner, to receive the ones redeemed by his blood. He led his disciples up to Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them there. He told them to go to Jerusalem and tarry till the mighty Spirit of God filled the air. He said watch and pray and always be ready, you know not the hour he will come, so trim up your lamps and always keep them burning, for ye are the Bride of God's Son. Ye men of Galilee why stand here gazing, gazing in the Heavens up above? This Jesus who left will come in like manner, to receive the ones redeemed by his blood.GOD SHALL WIPE ALL TEARS AWAY
"[H]e will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces. . . ." ISAIAH 25:8b
"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." REVELATION 7:17
Though the clouds may hover over, there's a bright and a golden ray. If the promise lay in Heaven, God shall wipe all tears away. When we reach that blessed homeland, where it is always lasting day, on that bright eternal morning, God shall wipe all tears away."And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." REVELATION 7:17
NO OTHER HELP I KNOW
"Yet, O Lord, you are our Father." Isaiah 64:8
"This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name. . . . '" MATTHEW 6:9
When I've done all I can and I've gone far as I can go. When I've fought for the right and grown weak, Lord, in my fight, then I say, "Father, I stretch, I stretch my hand Lord my hand to thee. No other help, no other help in this world do I know. No other shelter from the storm, no other comfort when things go wrong, no other hope in when despaired, no other friend I have anywhere. Then I say, "Father, oh, Father, Lord I stretch, I stretch my hand to Thee, no other help, no other help, Lord, in this old world I know. Then I say, "Father, I call you my father, Lord I stretch my hand to Thee, no other help, no other help, Lord, in this old world I know, in this old world I know!"This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name. . . . '" MATTHEW 6:9
LET THE CHURCH ROLL ON
"[I]f he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector." MATTHEW 18:17
"[Y]ou must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat."
1 CORINTHIANS 5:11
"[I]f he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector." MATTHEW 18:17
"[Y]ou must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat."
1 CORINTHIANS 5:11
"Encourage and rebuke with all authority." TITUS 2:15b
"Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him."
TITUS 3:10
Let the church roll on (x). There's a sister in the church and she won't do right (x), now what you gonna do? Take your sister, run her out. Let the church roll on (x). There's a preacher in the church and he beats his wife, now what you gonna do? Take the preacher and run him out. Let the church roll on (x). There's a gambler in the church and he shoots his dice, now what you gonna do? Take his dice, run him out. Let the church roll on (x). Bootlegger in the church and he drinks his booze, now what you gonna do? Take his liquor, drink it up. Let the church roll on (x)."Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him."
TITUS 3:10
If the deacon in the church and he won't do right, tell me what we going to do? (Now what should we do?) Let the church roll on. If the preacher in the church and he won't preach right, tell me what we gonna do? (Here's what we will do.) We won't do that, we just pray for him and let the church roll on!
I DON'T WANT TO BE LOST
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire. . . ."
1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-19
The reason I pray so hard, I don't want to be lost (x), I don't want to be lost when Jesus comes. Well, the reason I'm sanctified, I don't want to be lost (x), I don't want to be lost when Jesus comes. Well, the reason I love my brother, I don't want to be lost (x), I don't want to be lost when Jesus comes. "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire. . . ."
1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-19
I WANT MY CROWN
"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown
that will last forever." 1 CORINTHIANS 9:25
"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 TIMOTHY 4:8
When I've done, Lord, the best I can, please give me my crown, God knows I want my crown, When I've done the best I can I want my crown, yes my crown. Sometimes I'm stumbling Falling on down Sometimes leveled with the ground. When I've done Lord, the best I can I want my crown.that will last forever." 1 CORINTHIANS 9:25
"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 TIMOTHY 4:8
SCANDALIZE MY NAME
"[N]o man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness."
JAMES 3:8
Do you call that religion? To hear the answer, and to see the song sung by Jessye Norman and Kathleen Battle in concert, go here.
WELL I MET my sister the other day, I gave her my right hand. But just as soon as my back was turned she scandalized my name. Now do you call that a sister (x), she scandalized my name! Well let me tell you, I met my neighbor the other day (you did?), I gave her my right hand (go on) but just as soon as my back was turned she scandalized my name? Now do you call that a neighbor? No, no. (X) She scandalized my name. Now wait a minute, let me tell you. I met my Deacon the other day and gave him my right hand. But just as soon as my back was turned . . . He scandalized your name! Now do you call that a Deacon (no, no). You'll never believe it. But, I met my preacher the other day, gave him my right hand. But just as soon as ever my back was turned (tell me), he scandalized my name. Well do you call that a preacher (x)? Well do you call that religion? No, no! He scandalized my name! JAMES 3:8
Do you call that religion? To hear the answer, and to see the song sung by Jessye Norman and Kathleen Battle in concert, go here.
Gospel Songs from the New Testament:
Home Listening
Home Listening
SO HIGH
"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to the measure of all the fulness of God."EPHESIANS 3:18
Well,He's so high (so high you can't get over Him) So wide (so wide you can't get around Him) So low (so low you can't get under him) Great God Almighty (you must come in at the door) Oh well, He's high (so high you can't get over Him) He's wide (so wide you can't get around Him) So low (so low you can't get under him) The mighty lamb (you must come in at the door) Well I went down in the valley You know I did over there ever stay My soul got happy in the valley You know I stayed right there all day Well, He's high (so high you can't get over Him) And he's wide (so wide you can't get around Him) I know he's so low (so low you can't get under him) The mighty lamb (you must come in at the door) Well I ain't been to heaven but I’m, I'm told The streets the streets are pearls You know the mighty mighty Mighty gates are gold And He's high (so high you can't get over Him) So wide (so wide you can't get around Him) He's so low (so low you can't get under him) The mighty lamb (you must come in at the door) Well, He's high (so high you can't get over Him) And he's wide (so wide you can't get around Him) I know he's so low (so low you can't get under him) The mighty lamb (you must come in at the door).
SEEING IS BELIEVING
"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."
ROMANS 1:20
"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."
ROMANS 1:20
Lyrics below. To hear Seeing Is Believing, go here.
Every time I see the sun rise Or a mountain that's so high Just by seeing is believing I don't need to question why When I see a mighty ocean That rushes to the shore If I ever had cause to doubt Him I don't doubt Him anymore Oh seeing, seeing, seeing is believing And I see him everywhereIn the mountains, in the valley Yes I know my God is there Oh, in time I look above me See the stars that fill the sky How could there be any question Only God can reach that high.
I SHALL NOT BE MOVED
"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord in not in vain."
1 CORINTHIANS 15:58
"He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither."
PSALMS 1:3
"He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither."
PSALMS 1:3
Well Lordy I shall not be, I shall not be moved I shall not be, I shall not be moved Just like a tree that's growin' in the meadow (down by the water) I shall not be moved I'm on my way to glory land and I shall not be moved On my way to glory land I will not be moved I'm like a tree that's planted by the water I shall not be moved I shall not be, I shall not be moved I shall not be, I shall not be moved Just like a tree that's planted by the water I shall not be moved I shall not be, I shall not be moved I shall not be, I shall not be moved Just like a tree that's planted by the water I shall not be moved Well I'm on my way to glory land and I shall not be moved On my way to glory land I shall not be moved I'm like a tree that's planted by the water I shall not be moved Oh well I shall not be, I shall not be moved I shall not be, I shall not be moved Just like a tree that's planted by the water I shall not be moved On this rock of ages, I shall not be moved On this rock of ages, I shall not be moved Just like a tree that's planted by the water I shall not be moved Glory, glory, glory Hallelujah, I shall not be moved Glory Hallelujah, I shall not be moved Just like a tree that's planted by the water I shall not be moved.
DAY BY DAY
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
2 Corinthians 4:15-17
The biggest hit from the Broadway and film musical, Godspell
Day by day, day by day, oh dear Lord, three things I pray: to see you more clearly, love you more dearly, follow you more nearly, day by day.
THERE ARE SEVERAL versions of "Day by Day" (the hit from the musical based on the Gospel According to Matthew, Godspell). The 1972 single version is here. Another version, with scenes from the film adaptation, is here. The film version is here. (The DVD is in the NCKU library.) A stage version is here. Shirley Bassey's live version is here.All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
2 Corinthians 4:15-17
The biggest hit from the Broadway and film musical, Godspell
Day by day, day by day, oh dear Lord, three things I pray: to see you more clearly, love you more dearly, follow you more nearly, day by day.
The Gospel
According to Elvis
Elvis Presley claimed to be deeply religious, and some of his finest vocals are in his Gospel recordings. The songs below are all related to New Testament texts we've studied.
REACH OUT TO JESUS
Critic, Harold Bloom has argued that American Christianity is "Gnostic," since American Christians claim to "know" Jesus (not merely have faith in him). Many Christians, as in this song and the next, claim to "know" Jesus to the extent of "walking and talking" with Jesus.
To hear the song, go here.
Is According to Elvis
Elvis Presley claimed to be deeply religious, and some of his finest vocals are in his Gospel recordings. The songs below are all related to New Testament texts we've studied.
REACH OUT TO JESUS
Critic, Harold Bloom has argued that American Christianity is "Gnostic," since American Christians claim to "know" Jesus (not merely have faith in him). Many Christians, as in this song and the next, claim to "know" Jesus to the extent of "walking and talking" with Jesus.
To hear the song, go here.
IN THE GARDEN
This is another Gospel song with a Gnostic point-of-view.
To hear it, go here.
I come to the garden alone While the dew is still on the roses And the voice I hear falling on my ear The song of God discloses And He walks with me And He talks with me And He tells me I am his own And the joy we share as we tarry there None other has ever known He speaks and the sound of His voice Is so sweet the birds hush their singing And the melody that He gave to me Within my heart is ringing And He walks with me And He talks with me And He tells me I am his own And the joy we share as we tarry there None other has ever known.This is another Gospel song with a Gnostic point-of-view.
To hear it, go here.
IN MY FATHER'S HOUSE (ARE MANY MANSIONS)
Based on a verse from the Gospel of John (14:2). To hear the song, go here.
Based on a verse from the Gospel of John (14:2). To hear the song, go here.
I, JOHN
This Gospel song is based on the first and final chapters of the book of Revelation. To hear this song, go here.
Oh well, I, John, he saw might numbers A way up in the middle of the air I, John he saw might numbers Way in the middle of the air Got to mighty move, John, you saw mighty numbers Way up in the middle of the air Well there were three gates in the east And there were three gates in the west Three gates in the north Three gates in the south And that makes twelve gates to the city all square wide John, you saw might numbers way up in the middle of the air Well John declared that he saw a man He held twelve bright stars in his right hand Well his eyes flashed fire like the burning sun Old John got scared and he wanted to run Well he wanted to run but his feet wouldn't go Cause he felt the gospel cutting like a two-edged sword And he heard a voice that said John, you take a look And read what you see and then you write it in a book And he saw twelve angels in the east And there were twelve angels in the westThis Gospel song is based on the first and final chapters of the book of Revelation. To hear this song, go here.
Twelve angels in the north, Twelve angels in the south That's a total of forty-eight angels to the city, four squared wide.
IF I BE LIFTED UP
Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life." JOHN 3:14
This song is associated with Country singer, Emmylou Harris. To hear this song, go here.
Down in the valley while on my knees I asked my Jesus carry please He promised that he'd take care of me If I would lift him up He said if I Be lifted up He said if I Be lifted up I 'll be your father I'll be your mother I'll be your sister And your brother He said if I Be lifted up I'll bring joy, joy, joy To your soul When I am lonely When I am sad My Jesus comes and makes me glad He is the dearest friend I've have had I want to lift Him up He said if I Be lifted up He said if I Be lifted up I 'll be your father I'll be your mother I'll be your sister And your brother He said if I Be lifted up I'll bring joy, joy, joy To your soul.Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life." JOHN 3:14
This song is associated with Country singer, Emmylou Harris. To hear this song, go here.
OF THE FATHER'S LOVE BEGOTTEN
To hear this song, go here or here.
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God. JOHN 1:1
"I am the Alpha and Omega," says the Lord god, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:8
OF THE FATHER'S love begotten, ere the worlds began to be, He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He, Of the things that are, that have been, And that future years shall see, evermore and evermore! O that birth forever blessèd, when the virgin, full of grace, By the Holy Ghost conceiving, bare the Savior of our race; And the Babe, the world’s Redeemer, First revealed His face, evermore and evermore!To hear this song, go here or here.
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God. JOHN 1:1
"I am the Alpha and Omega," says the Lord god, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:8
O ye heights of heaven adore Him; angel hosts, His praises sing;
Powers, dominions, bow before Him, and extol our God and King! Let no tongue on earth be silent, Every voice in concert sing, evermore and evermore!
NEW TESTAMENT
Class Songs
Week of 27 May 2008
HOLY SPIRIT
Class Songs
Week of 27 May 2008
HOLY SPIRIT
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you forever, the Spirit of Truth." JOHN 14:16
Holy Spirit, come on in the room (x), bless my soul. Help me choir! Holy Spirit, come on in the room. Somebody in the building needs you, come on in the room (bless my soul). We can't do nothing at all, until you come on in the room (bless my soul). We need your power, come on in the room! Yes we need your power, come on in the room, bless my soul! We need a fire, come on in the room, etc. Yeah, we need the fire, come on in the room! We need you right now, bless my soul! Yeah! Bless my soul all night and all day! Bless my soul, I've been waiting a long time!NICODEMUS
JOHN 3:1-21
A man came to Jesus saying what must I do to be saved from my wicked ways? I'm wicked, I'm wounded. Lord I need a change! Nicodemus, your soul must be saved. Nicodemus, turn from yoru wicked ways. Nicodemus hear me when I say you must be born again! Yes you must be born again!JOHN 3:1-21
OH HAPPY DAY
Oh happy day, O happy day when Jesus washed O when he washed, when Jesus washed my sins away. He taught me how to watch and pray and we'll rejoice in every way!SCANDLIZE MY NAME
"[N]o man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness."
JAMES 3:8
Well I met my sister the other day, I gave her my right hand. But just as soon as my back was turned she scandlized my name. Now do you call that a sister (x), she scandalized my name! Well let me tell you, I met my neighbor the other day (you did?), I gave her my right hand (go on) but just as soon as my back was turned she scandlized my name? Now do you call that a neighbor? No, no. (X) She scandalized my name. Now wait a minute, let me tell you. I met my Deacon the other day and gave him my right hand. But just as soon as my back was turned . . . He scandalized your name! Now do you call that a Deacon (no, no). You'll never belive it. Well, I met my preacher the other day, gave him my right hand. But just as soon as ever my back was turned (tell me), he scandlized my name. Well do you call that a preacher (x)? Well do you call that religion? No, no! He scandlized my name!JAMES 3:8
DAY BY DAY
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
2 Corinthians 4:15-17
The biggest hit from the Broadway and film musical, Godspell
Day by day, day by day, oh dear Lord, three things I pray: to see you more clearly, love you more dearly, follow you more nearly, day by day.All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
2 Corinthians 4:15-17
The biggest hit from the Broadway and film musical, Godspell
OF THE FATHER'S LOVE BEGOTTEN
Based on verses in John and Revelation.
Of the Father’s love begotten, ere the worlds began to be, He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He, Of the things that are, that have been, And that future years shall see, evermore and evermore! O that birth forever blessèd, when the virgin, full of grace, By the Holy Ghost conceiving, bore the Savior of our race; And the Babe, the world’s Redeemer, First revealed His sacred face, evermore and evermore! O ye heights of heaven adore Him; angel hosts, His praises sing; Powers, dominions, bow before Him, and extol our God and King! Let no tongue on earth be silent, Every voice in concert sing, evermore and evermore!Based on verses in John and Revelation.
NOBODY'S FAULT BUT MINE
"He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"
LUKE 16:31
Nobody's fault but mine (x), if I die and my soul be lost, nobody fault but mine! (X). I got a Bible in my home (x), if I don't read it and my soul be lost, nobody's fault but mine. Sister taught me how to read (x), if I don't read and my soul be lost, nobody's fault but mine. Nobody's fault but mine (x), if I die and my soul be lost, nobody fault but mine! (X).LUKE 16:31
ABIDE WITH ME
"They urged him strongly, 'Stay with us,
for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.'"
LUKE 24:29
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord with mefor it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.'"
LUKE 24:29
abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee,Help of the helpless, O abide with me. Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day; Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away; Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me. I need Thy presence every passing hour. What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power? Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
TAKE MY MOTHER HOME
When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing near by, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
JOHN 19:26-27
This action in John's Gospel seems to be symbolic. As in LUKE, where Mary is the first disciple, in JOHN, Mary is made the symbolic Mother of the disciples.
I think I heard him say when he was struggling up the hill. I think I heard him say, "Take my mother home. Then I'll die easy, take my mother home. I'll die so easy, take my mother home." I think I heard him say when they were raffling off his clothes. I think I heard him say, "Take my mother home." I think I heard him cry when they were nailing in the nails. I think I heard him cry, "Take my mother home. I'll die this death on Calvary, ain't gonna die no more, I'll die on Calvary, ain't gonna die no more." I think I heard him say when he was giving up the ghost, I think I heard him say, "Please take my mother home. Please take my mother home."JOHN 19:26-27
This action in John's Gospel seems to be symbolic. As in LUKE, where Mary is the first disciple, in JOHN, Mary is made the symbolic Mother of the disciples.
WITHOUT LOVE
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
If I speak in the tongues of angels and have not love I'm only a resounding noise. If I have the gift of knowledge and if my faith moves mountains high but have not love I am nothing. Though I know the one who holds the stars in the Heavens in the palm of his hand, and if I give all I possess to the poor and the homeless, I still gain nothing without love. Love is patient, true love is always kind, love does not envy, never brags, is never proud, slow to wrath, it keeps no records of wrongs against friends, love forgives, we all could use forgiveness. Though I know the one who holds the stars in the Heavens in the palm of his hand, and if I give all I possess to the poor and the homeless, I still gain nothing without love. Love never fails, love is true, love is the only thing that can always change you, love is patient, love is kind, love is the only reason the world survives. Though I know the one who holds the stars in the Heavens in the palm of his hand and if I give all I possess to the poor and the homeless, I still gain nothing without love. love is the only thing that can always change you, love is patient, love is kind, love is the only reason the world survives.THE MAN IN WHITE
The "man in white" is Jesus, but the song is about St. Paul. Much of this is a summary of the book of Acts, by the Country singer, Johnny Cash. "Gamaliel" was Paul's Hebrew teacher (Acts 22:3, 26:4).I studied at the feet of a Master, Gamaliel we called him, the beauty of the Lord. I was born of the tribe of Benjamin, I was a Pharisee and I could quote from memory th Holy Torah. That day that the Nazarene was brought to trial. It was on a Sabbath eve, there was an earthquake when he died. Just another peasant preacher who came up from Galilee, blaspheming troublemaker, we let him be crucified.
And I thought that I would hear no more about him. But his friends found his tomb empty and then claimed that he rose from the dead. Then they say that he walked among them with the nail wounds in his hands, that king upon a donkey with a thorn crown on his head.
His followers kept growing in great numbers and the one that they called mocked the sins of judgment hall. And with a Greek named Stephen we knew the Gentiles had come in. I cast my vote against him, he was stoned, I saw him fall.
Then the friends of the Nazarene became united. And I became enraged and led a slaughter of their leagues. I found their secret places, they were beaten, they were chained. But some of them were scattered, justified in fearing me.
Then the Man in White appeared to me in such a blinding light. It struck me down with his brilliance it took away my sight. Then the Man in White in gentle loving tones spoke to me. And I was blinded so that I might see the Man in White.
But like the winds that blows the scattered sea, from Alexandria to Antioch their congregation grew. I went to the High Priest for letters of permission to go to other cities to see my mission through.
Six days on the hot road to Damascus and just outside the city in the middle of the day, a great unearthly light struck and overpowered me, prostrate on the hot road I was blinded where I lay.
Then I thought I heard the rushing of great waters and a multitude of angels singing sweet and heavenly. And through the sound of wind came a voice so soft and kind, meant for only me to hear, "Saul why did you persecute me."
As I lay there on the ground in my blindness, he asked me once again, and suddenly the voice I knew. So finally I managed a trembling response, "Who are you Lord?" I asked him, but I already knew.
"I am Jesus of Nazareth," the voice answered. "Arise, go to Damascus on the street called Straight. A place where you will wait for my servant, Ananias. He will open your eyes, you'll be a witness unto me."
So now I live to serve my master. As zealous in his service as I once was as his foe. And keeping his commandments given on Damascus Road, I go to all the world and I let the whole world know that the Man in White appeared to me in such a blinding light. It struck me down and with its brilliance it took away my sight. And the Man in White in gentle, loving tones spoke to me and I was blinded so that I might see the Man in White. And I was blinded so that I might see the Man in White, the Man in White.
SERMON
"Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
JOHN 20:29
I don't believe you know what I'm talking about. But Thomas was like many of you that are listening here tonight. He wanted to based his faith totally upon fact, totally upon faith, or rather upon fact. But you see Faith moves out beyond what I can touch, beyond what I can see, beyond sometimes what I can hear and even beyond what I can investigate. I don't know where God is, but I believe he liveth. I don't know anything about how he raised his Son. I'm not concerned about whether it was bodily or spiritual, I believe that Jesus liveth tonight. I believe that he is a living reality, he is transforming you, a transforming influence.JOHN 20:29
WADE IN THE WATER
"Wade in the Water" is one of the most famous Spirituals and typical of the coded liberation language of most Spirituals. Here "wade in the water" invites the slave to cross both the symbolic and real river to freedom, an echo of the crossing of the Red Sea and the Jordan, but also a Baptism from slavery (in sin or real bondage) to freedom. To "wade in the water" also insured bloodhounds would lose the scent of the escaped slave.The words, "God will trouble the water" may refer to the disputed verse (usually footnoted) of Jesus' healing at the pool of Bethesda: "From time to time an angel of the Lord would come down and stir up the water. The first one into the pool after each such disturbance would be cured of whatever disease he had" (John 5:4). To hear this song, go here or here.
(Chorus)
Wade in the water. Wade in the water, children.
Wade in the water. God's gonna trouble the water.
Who's that young girl dressed in white Wade in the Water Must be the Children of Israelites
God's gonna trouble the Water.
Chorus
Well, who are these children all dressed in red? God's a-gonna trouble the water Must be the children that Moses led God's a-gonna trouble the water.
Chorus
IF YOU BELIEVE
THIS RARE GOSPEL song by Irving Berlin was sung by Johnny Ray in the film, There's No Business Like Show Business, co-starring Marilyn Monroe. The song's bridge refers to the story of "Doubting Thomas," which appears only in the Gospel of John. References are also made to Jonah, Daniel, Noah, and Moses. Johnny Ray was famous for his emotional singing style and probably helped pave the way for Elvis Presley. To hear the song, go here.{Verse} Brothers and sisters, listen, you non-believers listen. You better start to believe. All you doubters, you Hallelujah shouters, or else you're going to grieve. There's no time to wait, you may be too late. So listen, you don't know what you're missing until you start to believe:
{Chorus} If you believe that there's a Heaven, you'll get to Heaven if you believe. If you believe there are angels, you'll soon see angels if you believe.
{Bridge} I'm not making promises to the Doubting Thomases.
{Chorus} But if you believe the Lord can help you, the Lord will help you, if you believe. Do you believe (we do)! Do you believe (we do).
Well Jonah went out one night in a gale, do you believe that? soon he was swallowed up by a whale, do you believe that? Daniel lay down with lions that roared, Noah was on his ark when it poured. Moses looked up and spoke to the Lord. Do you believe that, do you believe that? (We do!)
{Bridge} Now I'm not making promises to the Doubting Thomases.
{Chorus} But if you believe the Lord can help you, the Lord will help you, if you believe!
THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
Songs Week of 20 May 2008
JESUS GAVE ME WATER
Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst." JOHN 4:13
Oh, Jesus gave me water Jesus gave me water, Jesus gave me water I want to let His praises swell Jesus gave me water (x) and it was not in the well. Well, there was a woman from Samara Came to the well to get some water There she met a stranger who did a story tell That woman dropped her pitcher she drank and was made richer From the water He gave her and it was not in the well Yes, He gave her water Jesus gave her water, Jesus gave her water I want to let His praises swell Jesus gave her water, He gave that woman water He gave her living, loving, lasting water and it was not in the well Well, on that woman He had pity she ran back to the city Crying glory, Hallelujah and did His wonders tell She left my Savior singing, she came back to him bringing The town to see that water Lord and it was not in the well Yes, He gave her water Jesus gave her water, Jesus gave her water I want to let His praises swell Jesus gave that woman water Gave her living, loving, lasting water and it was not in the well Well, Lord that woman left for shoutin' There was no room for doubtin' That she had met a Savior who did her wonders tell Every time she doubt Him, she start to think about Him The man that gave her that water Lord and he was not in the well Yes, He gave her water Jesus gave her water, Jesus gave her water I want to let His praises swell Tell you He gave that woman water Gave her that living, lasting water Water, water, water, water loving water and it was not in the well.Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst." JOHN 4:13
I BELIEVE I'LL GO BACK HOME
One of many songs on the theme of The Prodigal Son in LUKE.
I believe I'll go back home and acknowledge that I done wrong. When I was in my Father's house, I was well supplied. I made a mistake in a-doing well, now I'm dissatisfied. Lordy won't you help me in this field. I believe I'll go back home and acknowledge that I done wrong. When I was in my Father's house, I had bread enough to spare. But now I'm sick and a-hungry too, and ashamed to go back there. Lordy, won't you help me in this field. I believe I'll go back home.One of many songs on the theme of The Prodigal Son in LUKE.
OLD MAN LAZARUS
The story of Lazarus and the rich man (Dives) is well represented in Gospel music and Spirituals. Repetitions are indicated by the multiple sign (x).
Old man Lazarus, sick and disabled (won't you give me some water for my tongue cause I'm tormented in the flame) He had to eat crumbs from the rich man's table. I'm tormented in the flame, cause I'm tormented in the flame.Rich man Dives he lived so well (x) and when he died he went straight to Hell (x) I'm tormented in the flame (x).
I love to shout, I love to sing (x) I love to praise my Heavenly King (x). I'm tormented in the flame (x) (x).
GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN
This is one of the "newest" Spirituals (relatively speaking!), discovered early in the 20th century, with only the main chorus known (verses were added later). It's a Christmas Spiritual, but we'll see below how Spirituals are recycled to fit current events.
Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere, go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born. Hallelujah!This is one of the "newest" Spirituals (relatively speaking!), discovered early in the 20th century, with only the main chorus known (verses were added later). It's a Christmas Spiritual, but we'll see below how Spirituals are recycled to fit current events.
GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN
During the Civil Rights era, an old Christmas Spiritual (above) was reworked to fit the circumstances of the time. This is how all Spirituals were composed over time, though the record of such changes have been lost to time. Here we can see those changes because the original Spiritual has been preserved. But it's the same "liberation theology" that has been part of the Spirituals from the beginning: a use of the Bible to preach human dignity, equality, justice, and freedom, and as a protest against human suffering of any kind. "Paul and Silas" appear in Luke's Book of Acts. Note how this version of the Spiritual combines the Christmas Spiritual with the "Go Down, Moses" Spiritual, turning a Christmas proclamation about the birth of Jesus into a proclamation of social justice and freedom. This does not eliminate Jesus (or God), because the birth of Jesus is, theologically, the birth of a new social order of equality, justice, human dignity, and freedom ("the Truth has made you free," the Gospel of John says).
Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere, go tell it on the mountain, to let my people go.During the Civil Rights era, an old Christmas Spiritual (above) was reworked to fit the circumstances of the time. This is how all Spirituals were composed over time, though the record of such changes have been lost to time. Here we can see those changes because the original Spiritual has been preserved. But it's the same "liberation theology" that has been part of the Spirituals from the beginning: a use of the Bible to preach human dignity, equality, justice, and freedom, and as a protest against human suffering of any kind. "Paul and Silas" appear in Luke's Book of Acts. Note how this version of the Spiritual combines the Christmas Spiritual with the "Go Down, Moses" Spiritual, turning a Christmas proclamation about the birth of Jesus into a proclamation of social justice and freedom. This does not eliminate Jesus (or God), because the birth of Jesus is, theologically, the birth of a new social order of equality, justice, human dignity, and freedom ("the Truth has made you free," the Gospel of John says).
Paul and Silas bound in jail (let my people go) had nobody for to go their bail (let my people go). Go tell it, etc.
Paul and Silas began to shout (let my people go), jail broke open and they walked out (let my people go). Go tell it, etc.
Who's that yonder dressed in red (let my people go), must be the children that Moses led (let my people go). Go tell it, etc.
Who's that yonder, dressed in black (let my people go), must be the hypocrites turning back (let my people go). Go tell it, etc.
I had a little book he gave to me (let my people go), and every page spells Victory (let my people go). Go tell it, etc.
SERMONETTE
This sermonette preaches Jesus' Golden Rule:
I hear me a sermonette, have you heard it yet, with that soulful message that you won't soon forget. It tells you about real true love, the kind people lost sight of, through that sinful living they scorn in the Heaven above. It tells you to love one another because each man is your brother. You'd better live right because one day you're going to reap just what you sow. So to have no regrets but to find what you're missing, come along and listen to my sermonette. It tells you, etc.This sermonette preaches Jesus' Golden Rule:
THEY HUNG HIM ON THE CROSS
The Victory over the Cross cannot be separated from the Cross. That's Jesus' key message, the "scandal" that made Jesus conceal his identity (the "Messianic Secret" in Mark). Those who followed him because of his miracles wanted the Glory without the Cross (suffering). Whether interpreted psychologically or theologically, it rings true: there is no glory without suffering. To avoid the Cross is to embrace the World; and, as Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world." That's why Jesus tells Peter, "Get thee behind me, Satan." Because when Peter tempts Jesus to choose glory without the cross, Peter has embraced the Satanic world (in the Gospels, Satan owns the world, another way of saying that the social systems of the world are corrupt and therefore corrupting). Jesus' message was revolutionary, and, in effect (using a modern word) "deconstructed" "normalcy" (what seems normal to those attached to worldly success) and showed how the world was opposed to God's plan. As the Gospel song makes clear, the Cross is the necessary basis of Glory, not opposed to Glory:They hung him on the cross (x) they hung him on the cross for me. One day when I was lost, they hung him on the cross. They speared him on the side for me. And the blood comes streaming down (x) for me, one day when I was lost and the blood comes streaming down for me. He hung his head and died (x) he hung his head and died for me. One day when I was lost. He never said a mumbling word (x) he never said a mumbling word for me. One day when I was lost, He's coming back again (x) he's coming back again for me, one day when I was lost they hung him on the cross and he's coming back again for me.
CALVARY
Jesus' Crucifixion was a "scandal": because the Messiah should have been crowned as King instead of condemned as a common criminal. Crucifixion was the worst penalty. The theological question was (and is) how can the Son of God die and still be God? Christians therefore do not deny the Cross but glory in the Cross: it is because the Son of God died and God showed his concern for humans. So the "scandal" has been turned upside down and is now not proof that Jesus was not God, but proof that, as the Gospel of John puts it, God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son to save the world. Clearly Jesus' death and resurrection are key elements of what is called by modern scholars the "kerygma" (or basic preaching of the Early Church). Modern scholars believe that the Kerygma ("Jesus died and came back to life, thus conquering Death") was the core message around which the Gospels were built:
Calvary (x) surely he died on Calvary. Can't you hear him calling his Father? (x) Surely, oh surely, surely oh surely he died on Calvary.Jesus' Crucifixion was a "scandal": because the Messiah should have been crowned as King instead of condemned as a common criminal. Crucifixion was the worst penalty. The theological question was (and is) how can the Son of God die and still be God? Christians therefore do not deny the Cross but glory in the Cross: it is because the Son of God died and God showed his concern for humans. So the "scandal" has been turned upside down and is now not proof that Jesus was not God, but proof that, as the Gospel of John puts it, God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son to save the world. Clearly Jesus' death and resurrection are key elements of what is called by modern scholars the "kerygma" (or basic preaching of the Early Church). Modern scholars believe that the Kerygma ("Jesus died and came back to life, thus conquering Death") was the core message around which the Gospels were built:
CALVARY
Can't you hear the hammer ringing (x) surely he died on Calvary.HALLELUJAH, 'TIS DONE
"When he had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.'"
The Gospel of John, the most theological of the four Gospels, with a high Christology (Jesus is always in control and there's no doubt of his divinity, as God's Son). Jesus' final words on the cross makes clear that Jesus is in command, when he says, "It is finished." The words suggest that Jesus is simply following God's plan, which he already knew. This submission to God's will is enjoined in the famous phrase from The Lord's Prayer, "Thy will be done." Jesus becomes the new, and fully righteous Israel, perfectly obedient to God, even unto Death."When he had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.'"
Hallelujah, 'tis done, I believe on the Son, I've been saved on the blood of the Crucified One.
JUST GOT OVER AT LAST
Crossing ("over") the Red Sea became a type of crossing from this world of slavery in sin to a world of freedom in God:
Oh Satan's mad and I am glad (I just got over at last) because he missed the soul that he thought he had (I just got over at last). Now I'm so glad, I just got over (x), I just got over at last. You better mind, my brother, how you walk on the cross (just got over at last), because your foot might slip and your soul be lost. Now I'm skipping and I'm dancing, I just got over (x) I just got over at last. Now I'm so glad, etc.Crossing ("over") the Red Sea became a type of crossing from this world of slavery in sin to a world of freedom in God:
I KNOW THE LORD
This Gospel song is based on Isaiah's proof text of the Messiah, which Jesus fulfilled:
I know the Lord (x), I know the Lord has laid his hands on me. He did just what he said, he healed the sick and he raised the dead.This Gospel song is based on Isaiah's proof text of the Messiah, which Jesus fulfilled:
WE PRAISE YOUR HOLY NAME
This is a sample of Pentecostal worship, based on John 14:16 (also v. 26; 16:7): "And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever."
We love the Lord for all of his goodness and to serve him is our only aim. So if you want to shine to be a witness, come on, come on call his name, I can praise him. I've got a promise (x), He's been good! I can't help it, I've got to give him glory, I've got to say Thank you, Jesus. He woke me up! I've got to give him glory. I've got to praise him! (x), I've got to praise his name! Hallelujah, thank you Jesus!This is a sample of Pentecostal worship, based on John 14:16 (also v. 26; 16:7): "And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever."
GIVE ME YOUR HAND
"A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (JOHN 13:34).
Oh give me your hand (x) all I want is the love of God, (x) you must be loving at God's command. You say you're aiming for the skies (x), Why don't you quit your telling lies? Oh give me your hand (x) all I want is the love of God, (x) you must be loving at God's command. You say the Lord has set you free (x), why don't you let your neighbor be? (X)YOU CAN TELL THE WORLD
Another reference to the Holy Spirit, also called the Paraclete, Comforter, Counselor:
You can tell the world about this, you can tell the nation about that. Tell them what Jesus has done, tell them that the Comforter has come and he brought joy, great joy to my soul. Well he took my feet out the miry clay, yes he did, and He placed them on the rock to stay, yes he did. You can tell, etc. Well you know , my Lord done just what He said, yes He did. He healed the sick and He raised the dead, yes, He did. You can tell, etc.Another reference to the Holy Spirit, also called the Paraclete, Comforter, Counselor:
I'M GONNA SING TILL THE SPIRIT MOVES
I'm gonna sing till the Spirit moves in my heart, I'm gonna sing till my Jesus comes.IN BRIGHT MANSIONS
"In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you." (JOHN 14:2)
My mother's gone to glory, I want to go up yonder in bright mansions above. In bright mansions above (x), Lord I want to go up yonder, in bright mansions above."In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you." (JOHN 14:2)
LORD I'M OUT HERE ON YOUR WORD
"In the beginning was the Word" (JOHN 1:1).
Lord I'm out here on your word (x), if I die on the battlefield, Lord I'm out here on your word. Glad I got my religion in time (x), if I die on the battlefield, well I got my religion in time. "In the beginning was the Word" (JOHN 1:1).
The AVE MARIA
The "Ave Maria"
("Hail Mary"), one of the two most popular prayers among Christians, is partly taken from LUKE 1:28b, 1:42. The power of a prayer to the Virgin Mary has passed into sports language in the football phrase, "a Hail Mary pass," meaning a pass unlikely to be completed without Mary's help.The two most famous musical settings are those by the French composer Gounod (with Bach's C-major prelude as a counter-melody) and another adapted to a tune by the Austrian composer, Schubert. To hear the Schubert setting, sung by Luciano Pavarotti, go here. To hear the Gounod version, sung by Kathleen Battle, go here.
Another version of the Ave Maria, called "The Miracle of the Rosary," was recorded by Elvis Presley. To hear the studio release, go here. To hear an alternate take by Elvis, go here. The lyrics to the classical settings are usually in Latin (English version below); the lyrics to the Elvis version are below. Direct quotes from the Gospel of Luke are highlighted.
Oh blessed mother we pray to thee Thanks for the miracle of your rosary Only you can hold back Your holy son's hand Long enough for the whole world to understand Hail, Mary full of grace The Lord is with thee Blessed are thou among women And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus Oh holy Mary dear mother of God Please pray for us sinners Now and at the hour of our death And give thanks once again For the miracle of your rosary.
The AVE MARIA in English
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.Life
This song is based on John's Gospel. To hear the song, click on slide show below.
SOMEWHERE OUT IN empty space, long before the human race, Something stirred, A vast and timeless source began, Intelligence was born and then, there was the world, Powers filled the universe, matter formed and broke the curse, Of nothingness, Love became an ageless soul, Nature reached her highest goal, And breathed the breath of life, Everlasting Life. Well creatures come from out of sight, Daylight came from in the night, and all was good, Life became a Master Plan, Love produced the Perfect Man, that understood, The image of the Maker's Word, worshipped Him with all He had, But then one day, >From in the depths an evil Seed, grew and manufactured greed, That changed the way of Life, Everlasting Life, Oh the loving Power looked and saw, Inside the heart of man a flaw, began to grow, Well, the fires of Hell began to burn, and so He sent His Chosen Son, To let us know, That Love had surely made us all, and hate would surely make us fall, So from the Cross, Well He showed the world that dreadful day, That Love could be the only way, or all is lost of life, Everlasting Life, For life is Love, And Love is life. THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS & JOHN, 1
Songs Week of 13 May 2008
BLOW, GABRIEL, BLOW
Slavery formed the background of the Afro-American Spiritual, and the Bible was used as a "liberation" text. Noah's Ark, the Exodus, the Sabbath, Jerusalem (Zion), the Jordan River, and the Chariot were all coded references to escape from slavery, as in this song, which communicates on two levels: the need to be ready for God but also for the underground Freedom Train, which took the slaves North to freedom.Blow Gabriel, train's done gone (x). People keep on coming but the train's done gone! (x). I heard a lot of rumbling in the ground, it must be the devil turning around. I heard a lot of rumbling up in the sky it must be Jehovah passing by! Blow Gabriel, etc. Tell that man he can't hide, if he hasn't got the Holy Ghost he can't ride. For good old Elijah did declare that none but the righteous shall go there. Blow Gabriel, etc.
SIT DOWN
The Afro-American Spiritual sings of an inhuman world of slavery, where the slave hoped for freedom to a better life, and rest. Hence the appeal to biblical ideas such as the Sabbath, with its promise, first of weekly rest, then of Eternal Rest:I'm going up to Heaven and sit down (x) oh sit down (x) child, sit down, rest a little while. I'll see my Lord he'll say sit down (x) oh sit down, sister, sit down, child, sit down, rest a little while. Your back is bent from burdens borne, there are furrows under your brow, oh come my child you're welcome home, your troubles are over now. Oh sit down, sit down, oh sit down sister, sit down oh sit down sit down, child, sit down rest a little while.
IT'S ME LORD
Jesus, unlike the Pharisees, believed that all people were in need of prayer and forgiveness.It's me oh Lord standing in the need of prayer (x), not my mother not my father but it's me oh lord standing in the need of prayer. (X).
TONE DE BELL
Slavery, like Luke, gave social meaning to the "good news":
Tone de bell I just got over (x), just got over at last! I had a hard time, just got over (x), just got over at last. And now I'm so glad just got over (x), just got over at last.Slavery, like Luke, gave social meaning to the "good news":
GONNA LAY DOWN MY LIFE
Jesus' parable of the sheep and goats ( 25) warns that not everyone will be accepted into the kingdom:
Now come the children all dressed in white, must be the children of the Israelites, gonna lay down my life for my Lord. Yon come the children all dressed in black, must be the children that the Lord sent back. For my Lord, for my Lord, gonna lay down my life for my Lord.Jesus' parable of the sheep and goats ( 25) warns that not everyone will be accepted into the kingdom:
GOING DOWN TO THE RIVER
This Spiritual understands Paul's reading of Baptism as a dying and rebirth to Christ. Baptism, like prayer, is a symbolic death into the underworld (kneeling down=going down; going under (the water)=going down), followed by Resurrection, or rebirth. This surrender of the Ego is one (psychological) understanding of what Jesus meant when he said those who lose their life will gain it:I'm going down to the river, yes I'm going down to the river, I'm going to pray down by the river (x). Bury my body under the wave, just like they'll bury me in the grave. Then I'll rise up the water with the spirit in my soul.
I AIN'T GONNA GRIEVE
This Spiritual preaches the Torah (Law) and the Golden Rule; like Joshua, who "never stopped his work until his work was done."Oh see that sun, she how she runs, don't you ever let her catch you with your work undone (x) O see that sun, etc. Ain't gonna grieve my Lord no more. If you want to go to Heaven like anybody else, just treat your neighbor like yourself (x).
DE BLIND MAN STOOD ON THE ROAD AND CRIED
Then they came to Jericho. A blind man, Bartimaeus was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Many told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more. "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
MARK 10:46-52
The point of the Gospel text and song (Spiritual) is faith (the man "cried" for God).
Oh, the blind mind stood on the road and cried, crying oh oh my Lord, oh the blind man stood on the road and cried. Crying what kind of shoes am those you wear (x)? Crying oh, my Lord, save me, oh the blind man stood on the road and cried.Then they came to Jericho. A blind man, Bartimaeus was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Many told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more. "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
MARK 10:46-52
The point of the Gospel text and song (Spiritual) is faith (the man "cried" for God).
PLENTY GOOD ROOM
"In my Father's house are many rooms. . . . I am going there to prepare a place for you." JOHN 14:2
Plenty good room, good room in my Father's kingdom, choose your seat and sit down. (x) I would not be a sinner I'll tell you the reason why, 'cause if my Lord should call on me I wouldn't be ready to die. (X)"In my Father's house are many rooms. . . . I am going there to prepare a place for you." JOHN 14:2
THE PRODIGAL SON
I believe, yes I believe that I will go back home (x) and be a servant of the Lord. Oh a prodigal son was a forward child, his mind was not to obey but after he left his father's house he thought that he had gone astray. I believe that I will go back home (x) and be a servant of the Lord. Now when his father saw him coming, he met him with a smile, he threw his arms around him, Lord, Lord. I believe that I will go back home (x).PRODIGAL SON
The Rolling Stones based their version of this song, from Luke, on an older Blues version by Robert Wilkins:Well a poor boy took his father's bread and started down the road Started down the road Took all he had and started down the road Going out in this world, where God only knows And that'll be the way to get along Well poor boy spent all he had, famine come in the land Famine come in the land Spent all he had and famine come in the land Said, "I believe I'll go and hire me to some man" And that'll be the way I'll get along Well, man said, "I'll give you a job for to feed my swine For to feed my swine I'll give you a job for to feed my swine" Boy stood there and hung his head and cried `Cause that is no way to get along Said, "I believe I'll ride, believe I'll go back home Believe I'll go back home Believe I'll ride, believe I'll go back home Or down the road as far as I can go" And that'll be the way to get along Well, father said, "See my son coming home to me Coming home to me" Father ran and fell down on his knees Said, "Sing and praise, Lord have mercy on me" Mercy Oh poor boy stood there, hung his head and cried Hung his head and cried Poor boy stood and hung his head and cried Said, "Father will you look on me as a child?" Yeah Well father said, "Eldest son, kill the fatted calf, Call the family round Kill that calf and call the family round My son was lost but now he is found 'Cause that's the way for us to get along."
THE BLACK DIAMOND EXPRESS TO HELL
A "fire and brimstone" sermon, such as frightened the faithful for centuries. Such sermons were also a good source of revenue for the churches. Whether Jesus' comments on hell are authentic or intended literally, is disputed.
I TAKE MY TEXT this morning from Matthew 7, chapter and 13th verse. "Enter ye in at the straight gate for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction and many there be that go in thereat." (Amen.)A "fire and brimstone" sermon, such as frightened the faithful for centuries. Such sermons were also a good source of revenue for the churches. Whether Jesus' comments on hell are authentic or intended literally, is disputed.
This train is known as the Black Diamond Express train to Hell. Sin is the engineer, pleasure is the headlight, and the devil is the conductor.
I see the Black Diamond as she starts off for Hell. The bell is ringing, Hellbound, Hellbound. The Devil cries out, "All aboard for Hell!"
First station is Drunkardville. Stop there and all the drunkards get on board. I have a big crowd down there drinking some steady, some drinking shinney, some drinking moonshine. Some drinking white mule and Red Horse. All you drunkards, you got to go to Hell on the Black Diamond train. The Black Diamond starts off for Hell now.
Next station is Liar's Avenue. Wait there and let all the liars get on board. I have a big crowd of liars down there. I have some smooth liars, some unreasonable liars. some professional liars, some barefaced liars, some ungodly liars, some big liars, some little liars, some go to bed lying, get up lying. Lie all day, lie on you and lie on me. A big crowd of liars. You got to go to Hell on the Black Diamond train.
Next station is Deceiversville. Wait there and all deceivers get on board. Some of you have been deceiving one another ever since you been in the world. friends deceiving friends, husbands deceiving wives, wives deceiving husbands. But they got to go to Hell on the Black Diamond train.
Next station is Conjuration Station. Wait there and let all the conjurers get on board. I have a big crowd of conjurers down there. They got to go to Hell on the Black Diamond train. They're always taking, making little hand signals to one another, but to you got to Hell on the Black Diamond train.
Next station is Confusion Junction. Wait there and all the confusion makers get on, some of you raise confusion in your homes, confusion in the seats, confusion everywhere you go, but you got to Hell on the Black Diamond train.
Next station is Fight Town. Wait there and let all the church fighters get on board. I have a big crowd of church fighters down there. They never go to the prayer meetings, they never go to the Sunday School, they never go to the morning service. . . . But all you church fighters, you got to go to Hell on the Black Diamond train.
And now the Black Diamond will stop just a minute to pick up some brimstone for Hell. Black Diamond is taking on a fresh supply of brimstone and now she's ready to pull out for Hell. Sin is the engineer, pleasure is the headlight, and the Devil is the conductor.
Next station is Dancing Hall Depot. Wait there. I have a large crowd of church members that get on down there. Some of you think you can sing in the choir on Sunday and Charleston on the ballroom till Monday but you got to go to Hell on the Black Diamond train. The Black Diamond pulled off now for Hell.
Next station is Gambler's Tower. Wait there and let all the gamblers get on board. I have a big crowd of gamblers and crapshooters and card players and bootleggers got to ride the Black Diamond train to Hell. They all get on the Black Diamond train, she starts out for Hell now, she's almost in Hell.
Next station is Stealing Town. Wait there and let all the church thieves get on board. I have a big crowd of members in the church always been stealing ever since they've been in the church. Some always begging money for the church and never turn it in. Always giving church suppers and then steal half the money. All you church thieves you got to go to Hell on the Black Diamond train.
Next station is Plotters Vale. Stop there and all the church plotters get on. Always plotting against the church, always plotting against the preachers, always plotting against the deacon, plotting against the church program. Always hid against closed doors, plotting against me. All you church plotters you got to go to Hell on the Black Diamond train.
Next station is . . . I've got a big crowd all the way down at the park parking all the time. They never can come to church on Sunday, always parking all the time.
And now the Devil says to the engineer and make a fast run for Hell.
Oh, gambler, get on the Black Diamond train. Oh, midnight rambler, get on the Black Diamond train. Oh back slider get on the Black Diamond train.
Children aren't you glad you got off the Black Diamond train a long time ago. I'm so glad I got off a long time ago. All my sins been taken away. Well all my sins been taken away (x). well glory Hallelujah all my sins been taken away.
Children aren't you glad you got off a long time ago? (Amen). I'm glad I got off a long time ago. Amen.
LITTLE BOY
Luke has the only story of Jesus as a young adult in the canonic Gospels (2:46-47).
Little boy how old are you? (x) I'm only 12 years old. This little boy has but to remember that he was born the 25th of December. Lawyers and doctors were all amazed and had to give the little boy praise. Little boy, etc. Lawyers and doctors stood and wondered as though they had been struck by thunder and they decided while they wondered that all mankind must come under. Little boy, etc.Luke has the only story of Jesus as a young adult in the canonic Gospels (2:46-47).
AMEN
A famous Spiritual based on Luke's Temple story.
Amen (x). See the little baby wrapped in a manger on Christmas Morning. Singing in the Temple, talking with the elders, tomorrow there's wisdom. Down in the Jordan, John was baptizing and saving all sinners. See him at the seaside, talking with the fishermen and making disciples. Amen.A famous Spiritual based on Luke's Temple story.
TAKE YOUR BURDENS TO THE LORD
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. "
Matthew 11:28
Leave it there, oh leave it there, take your burdens to the Lord and leave it there, if you will trust him and never doubt, he will surely bring you out, take your burden to the Lord and leave it there. Now if the world from you withhold all its silver and its gold, and you hardly get along with mere despair, just remember in God's word, how he fed those little birds, take your burden to the Lord and leave it there. Now if you body suffers pain and your health you can't regain, and your soul is almost sinking in despair, Jesus knew the pain you feel, he can save and he can heal, take your burdens to the Lord and leave it there. Oh leave it there, etc."Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. "
Matthew 11:28
GOING TO HEAVEN IN A SANCTIFIED WAY
Get your ticket to the land of Beulah, baggage coach will be left behind. Now is the time to get rid of your luggage, they have no baggage on the Heavenly Line. Every way that do beset us, every trial on my way, don't have to let what the world say break me I'm going on to Heaven in a sanctified way.NEWBORN AGAIN
"I tell you the truth, no-one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." JOHN 3:3
Old Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob come jumping on the wings of time, they were bringing the Hebrew children and old Daniel from the den of lions. Well they marched on down to Gideon and every town to testify, well they were born by the Holy Ghost and the Spirit from on high, just singing, I'm newborn again (x), I'm so free and holy, I'm newborn again."I tell you the truth, no-one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." JOHN 3:3
PETER DON'T BE AFRAID
JOHN 18:15-26
Jesus said, Oh Peter, Peter don't be afraid (x). Walk on the water, Peter, walk on the water, Peter don't be afraid. One more thing Jesus: Jesus said, I am Mary's baby, don't be afraid. Jesus said, Peter you denied me, but don't be afraid. Walk on, yeah, walk by faith.JOHN 18:15-26
SOMETIMES ALLELUIA
Alleluia is Greek for Hallelujah, which is Hebrew for Praise the Lord.
Sometimes Alleluia, sometimes praise the Lord, sometimes gently singing, our hearts in one accord.Alleluia is Greek for Hallelujah, which is Hebrew for Praise the Lord.
I'VE JUST COME FROM THE FOUNTAIN
JOHN 4:1-15
I've just come from the fountain (x) his name so sweet. Been drinking from the fountain (x), his name so sweet.JOHN 4:1-15
CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN
Charles Wesley's Easter hymn.
Christ the Lord is risen today, Hallelujah, sons of men and angels say Hallelujah. Raise your joys and triumphs high. Hallelujah. Sing ye Heavens and earth reply, Hallelujah!Charles Wesley's Easter hymn.
FORTY DAYS AND FORTY NIGHTS
Forty days and forty nights Thou wast fasting in the wild; Forty days and forty nights Tempted, and yet undefiled. Shall not we Thy sorrow share And from earthly joys abstain, Fasting with unceasing prayer,Yet with Thee to suffer pain?O SACRED HEAD
Bach used this tune by Hans Hassler about a half dozen times in his St. Matthew Passion, and also in his St. John Passion. He must have liked it. Paul Simon must have liked it too, since he used it for his song, "American Tune" (below).
O sacred head now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down, now scornfully surrounded with thorns thy only crown.Bach used this tune by Hans Hassler about a half dozen times in his St. Matthew Passion, and also in his St. John Passion. He must have liked it. Paul Simon must have liked it too, since he used it for his song, "American Tune" (below).
AMERICAN TUNE
Many is the time I've been mistaken and many times confused. Yes and I've often felt forsaken and certainly misused, oh but I'm all right, I'm all right, just weary to my bones. Still you don't expect to be bright and bon vivant so far away from home, so far away from home.ROUND ABOUT DE MOUNTAIN
Jesus sat with sinners, since, like the sick, they needed a physician.
Round about the mountain (x) my God's a-ruling and she'll rise in his arms. Round about the mountain there I'll take my stand, I heard the voice of Jesus, thank God He's in this land! The Lord loves a sinner, the Lord loves a sinner man, and she'll rise.Jesus sat with sinners, since, like the sick, they needed a physician.
STAND BY ME
The stormy sea, which Jesus calmed, becomes a metaphor for our stormy lives.
When the storms of life are raging, stand by me (stand by me) (x). When the world is tossing me like a ship out on the sea, Thou who rulest wind and water, stand by me.The stormy sea, which Jesus calmed, becomes a metaphor for our stormy lives.
YOU BETTER RUN
Jesus is the fulfillment of the type of the Cities of Refuge in the Jewish Torah. Nicodemus is in the Gospel of John 3:1ff.
You better run (x) to the city of Refuge, you better run. There was a ma of the Pharisees, Old Nicodemus, the ruler of the Jews. Nicodemus, the came to Jesus and came by night. He said, he said, "I want to be born into Thy heavenly sight." Christ spoke to Nicodemus as a friend, He said, "You want to get to Heaven, you must be born again." Well, old Nicodemus didn't understand how a man could be born when he was so old.Jesus is the fulfillment of the type of the Cities of Refuge in the Jewish Torah. Nicodemus is in the Gospel of John 3:1ff.
I HEARD THE VOICE
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. "
Matthew 11:28
I heard the voice of Jesus say, Come unto Me and rest. Lay down, thou weary one, lay down thy head upon my breast." Lay down, thou weary one, lay down thy head upon my breast.""Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. "
Matthew 11:28
REVIVE US AGAIN
The promise of the Resurrection was the heart of the Gospel message (the "kerygma," or preaching): "And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty." 1 Corinthians 15:14.
We praise thee oh God for the son of Thy love, For the Jesus who died and who is now gone above. Hallelujah, thine the glory, Hallelujah Amen, Hallelujah thine the glory, revive us again. All glory and praise to the Lamb that was slain and every stain, Hallelujah thine the glory, Hallelujah Amen, Hallelujah thine the glory revive us again.The promise of the Resurrection was the heart of the Gospel message (the "kerygma," or preaching): "And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty." 1 Corinthians 15:14.
CERTAINLY LORD
"Certainly" is an English equivalent of "Amen."
When your burden begins to press you down, you can always lean back and say,You're my Lily of the valley, water when I was thirsty, and bread when I was hungry. And if anybody ask you all you got to say is I know my name is on high, children, I know my name is on high right now (x). Why don't you tell everybody (x) you can just tell them, ah, certainly certainly certainly Lord. When the world may seem to be against you and your friends may be talking about you on every side and try to scandalize your name, you can always say, Lord, make my enemies leave me alone. If you make my enemies leave me alone, I can always tell my enemies, Lord I've been baptized. Certainly! Let me tell them, certainly, certainly, Lord."Certainly" is an English equivalent of "Amen."
I FIND NO FAULT IN HIM
According to the contemporary French philosopher, Rene Girard, the Bible, for the first time in history, tells stories of people who are scapegoats (victims), though innocent. This can be traced in the Bible from the stories of Abel (slain by Cain), to Joseph (victimized by his brothers), to King David (whose psalms protest his innocence before his fellow man, though his guilt before God), to Jesus, innocent from birth to death, yet made a victim for the faults ("sins") of others. Girard carefully argues, across many books, how these biblical stories, especially that of Jesus (completely innocent and completely victimized) attempts to end this victim (scapegoat) cycle by exposing it for what it is: an attempt to establish harmony in society by destroying innocent people and projecting social problems on them, as in this song.
Then Pilate therefore took Jesus and scourged him. And the soldiers took a crown of thorns and put it on his head. And they put on him a purple robe. They came up to him saying, Hail King of the Jews. Then they smote him with their hands. Pilate therefore went forth again and said to them, "Behold I bring him forth to you that you may know that I find no fault in him." They led Christ to Calvary, and he spoke not one word. Just the cries of loud sinners were all my Savior heard. Then they pierced him so deeply in his side until the blood came streaming down. And that's how Jesus purchased my salvation and I find no fault in him. Then Jesus came forth wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said unto them, Behold the man. When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out saying, Crucify him! Crucify him! Pilate said unto him, "Take him and crucify him for I find no fault in him." Then they pierced him so deeply in his side until the blood came streaming down. And that's how Jesus purchased my salvation and I find no fault in him.According to the contemporary French philosopher, Rene Girard, the Bible, for the first time in history, tells stories of people who are scapegoats (victims), though innocent. This can be traced in the Bible from the stories of Abel (slain by Cain), to Joseph (victimized by his brothers), to King David (whose psalms protest his innocence before his fellow man, though his guilt before God), to Jesus, innocent from birth to death, yet made a victim for the faults ("sins") of others. Girard carefully argues, across many books, how these biblical stories, especially that of Jesus (completely innocent and completely victimized) attempts to end this victim (scapegoat) cycle by exposing it for what it is: an attempt to establish harmony in society by destroying innocent people and projecting social problems on them, as in this song.
THE JERICHO ROAD
(The Good Samaritan)
I REMEMBER WHEN Mrs King and I were first in Jerusalem. We rented a car and drove from Jerusalem down to Jericho. As soon as we got on that road, I said to my wife, 'I can see why Jesus used this as a setting for his parable.' It's a winding, meandering road. It's really conducive for ambushing. You start out in Jerusalem, which is about 1200 miles, or rather 1200 feet above sea level. And by the time you get down to Jericho, fifteen or twenty minutes later, you're about 2200 feet below sea level. That's a dangerous road. In the days of Jesus it came to be known as the 'Bloody Pass'. And you know, it's possible that the priest and the Levite looked over that man on the ground and wondered if the robbers were still around. Or it's possible that they felt that the man on the ground was merely faking. And he was acting like he had been robbed and hurt, in order to seize them over there, lure them there for quick and easy seizure. And so the first question that the Levite asked was, 'If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?' But then the Good Samaritan came by. And he reversed the question: 'If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?' That's the question before you tonight. Not, 'If I stop to help the sanitation workers, what will happen to all of the hours that I usually spend in my office every day and every week as a pastor?' The question is not, 'If I stop to help this man in need, what will happen to me?.' 'If I do not stop to help the sanitation workers, what will happen to them? That's the question.(The Good Samaritan)
LAZARUS
This is part of a jazz Mass by Mary Lou Williams.
There was a selfish rich man who clothed himself in purple and fine linen. There also was a beggar man named Lazarus who laid at the gate of the rich man's door, full of sores and hungry, begging crumbs from the rich man's table. Even his dogs came to lick his sores. The rich man showed no pity to Lazarus' plea and scorn was Lazarus' lot. So God took pity on poor Lazarus and gave him peace. He sent his angels to carry poor Lazarus into the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried; and as he burned in Hell, he saw the beggar man Lazarus safe in the bosom of Abraham and he cried, "Father, Father, send Lazarus to cool my parched tongue, cause I didn't mean all the misery I've caused and all the bad things I have done. Have mercy on me Father, send Lazarus to cool my tongue, cause I didn't mean all the misery I've caused and all the bad things I have done." But the Lord said, "Son in your time you received all the good things in life. but poor Lazarus, beggar, received nothing but pain and strife, poor Lazarus is comforted and you are burning in the halls of flame and there's no way for you to cleanse your deeds for God never knew your name."This is part of a jazz Mass by Mary Lou Williams.
"Lazarus, Lazarus, Lazarus, cool my parched tongue cause I didn't mean all the misery I've caused and all the bad things I have done. Father, Father, Father, send Lazarus to my house that he may warn them about the flame and what it's all about."
Then Abraham said, "They have Moses, let them hear his cry. For if they don't repent their evil ways they will surely die." "Lazarus, Lazarus, Lazarus, cool my parched tongue cause I didn't mean all the misery I've caused and all the bad things I have done."
THE BALLAD OF DIVES AND LAZARUS
A famous song from the Child collection of British folk songs (to hear, click here). English composer, Ralph Vaughan-Williams wrote lush variations on the ballad (click on image below, left; for another performance, go here). The story (parable) appears only in Luke (16:19ff.). The name Dives (meaning "rich" in Latin) was added to the story later (it does not appear in the Bible).Rich Dives sickened and died; Then came two serpents out of hell, His soul therein to guide. ‘Rise up, rise up, brother Dives, And come with us to see A dismal place, prepared in Hell, From which thou canst not flee.’ Then Dives lifted up his eyes, And he saw poor Lazarus blest: ‘Give me one drop of water, brother Lazarus, For to quench my flaming thirst.
‘If I had as many years to abide As there are blades of grass, Then there would be an end, but now Hell’s pains will ne’er be past. ‘Oh was I now but alive again, The space of one half hour! Oh that I had my peace secure! And the devil should have no power.’ Oh Hell is dark, oh Hell is deep, oh Hell is full of mice 'tis a pity that a sinful soul should be part from our Savior Christ and now my carol is ended, no longer can I stay here, God bless you all, both brave and small and God send you a happy year.
I'VE GOT A HOME IN THAT ROCK
An Afro-American Spiritual on the same parable in LUKE.
Rich man Dives lived so well, don't you see. (X) Rich man Dives lived so well, when he died he had a home in Hell. He had no home in that Rock, don't you see? An Afro-American Spiritual on the same parable in LUKE.
GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Songs Week of 6 May 2008
from JESUS CHRIST, SUPERSTAR
Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, Who are you? What have you sacrificed?Jesus Christ Superstar, Do you think you're what they say you are?
I don't know how to love him, what to do, how to move him. I can change.
I only want to say, If there is a way, Take this cup away from me
For I don't want to taste its poison. Feel it burn me, I have changed.
I'm not as sure, as when we started. Then, I was inspired. Now, I'm sad and tired.
When you there when they crucified my Lord (x), oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble? Were you there when they crucified my Lord.
IN THE UPPER ROOMFor I don't want to taste its poison. Feel it burn me, I have changed.
I'm not as sure, as when we started. Then, I was inspired. Now, I'm sad and tired.
WERE YOU THERE?
A spiritual about the Passion of Jesus:
Were you there when they pierced him in the side? (x) Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble. Were you there when they pierced him the side?A spiritual about the Passion of Jesus:
When you there when they crucified my Lord (x), oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble? Were you there when they crucified my Lord.
GETHSEMANE
A Country and Western song on the same theme:
In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus suffered there. The sweat became his blood they say, he spent the night in prayer. They whipped him up the mountain, made him carry his cross, he died to save the sinning man he died to save the lost. Who shall wear his garment divided in four parts, who shall wear the Savior's robe, we shall all cast lots. A Country and Western song on the same theme:
In the upper room with Jesus, sitting right near his blessed feet. Daily there my sins confessing Begging for his mercy sweet.
HE'LL UNDERSTAND AND SAY WELL DONE
From the Parable of the Talents ("Well done, good and faithful servant"; Matthew: 25:23), which, like many of Jesus' parables, have an eschatological point: the end is coming and each person will receive reward or punishment:
If, if when you give the best of your self, tell tender words that the Savior has come, be not dismayed, if men won't believe, he'll understand, I believe he'll say, "Well, well done."SLEEPERS AWAKE
This is one of Bach's most famous melodies. The chorale tune (hymn) is not by Bach but by Hans Sachs. But it's Bach's sprightly countermelody that everyone remembers. The text is based on the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1ff., only five of whom prepared. Here's Bach's setting:Awake Jerusalem awake! Midnight's passed, the hour is nearing, when in the East the dawn is nearing, a new and brigther dawn we'll face.
STANDING IN THE NEED OF PRAYER
Jesus prayed often, though his final prayer (in Gethsemane) was unanswered. As a model, Jesus makes it clear that all are in need of prayer. For other references, see Matthew 21:22 and 26:41: "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." But this song also refers to Jesus' warning against self-righteousness; in other words, "me," not "not my sister, not my brother,"is the person in need of prayer: "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" Matthew 7:3It's me, it's me oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer. (2) Not my father, not my mother, but it's me oh Lord standing in the need of prayer; not my sister not my brother but it's me oh Lord standing in the need of prayer. It's me, it's me oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer. (x)
SINNER, PLEASE DON'T LET THIS HARVEST PASS
"Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.'"
MATTHEW 9:37
Sinner don't let this harvest pass (x) and die and lose your soul at last. "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.'"
MATTHEW 9:37
HARD TRIALS
Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." Matthew 8:20
"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me" Matthew 24:9
Been listening all the night long, been listening all the day (x), for to hear some sinner pray. Now ain't them hard trials, great tribulation, ain't them hard trials, I'm bound to leave this land. Oh, the foxes they have holes in the ground and the birds have nests in the air and everything has a hiding place, but us poor sinners ain't got nowhere. Now ain't those hard trials, great tribulation, ain't them hard trials, I'm bound to leave this land.Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." Matthew 8:20
"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me" Matthew 24:9
KOINONIA
"Love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:39; Leviticus 19:18
How can I say that I love the Lord whom I never ever seen before, and forget to say that I love the one whom I walk beside each and every day? How can I look upon your face and ignore the one whom I must embrace? You're my brother, you're my sister and I love you with the love of the Lord, the love of the Lord."Love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:39; Leviticus 19:18
MORE LOVE
If ye love not each other in daily communion, how can ye love God, whom ye have not seen? More love, more love, the heavens are blessing, the angels are calling, O Zion, more love.DO UNTO OTHERS
Matthew 7:12
Well you must do unto others as you would have them do to you. You just got to do unto others, we're all sisters and brothers, you must do unto others as you'd have them to do to you. (x). a MAN CAN GO to knowledge and still be a worthless fool what good is a head full of knowledge if you don't know the Golden Rule? Hallelujah! Somebody's wagon got stuck in the mud, don't push it in the pond, for some day your wagon will get stuck you'll be on the Judgment Morn. You've just got to do unto others, we're all sisters and brothers, you must do unto others as you'd have them to do to you. (x). Well climbing the ladder to success don't stomp people on the ground for some day your luck may turn, you'll meet the same folks coming down. Hallelujah! If someone tells you gossip keep it locked up on the shelf cause you can't sling mud at people and expect to keep clean yourself! You've just got to do unto others, we're all sisters and brothers, you must do unto others as you'd have them to do to you (x).Matthew 7:12
LOVE THY NEIGHBOR
In the 1930s, Bing Crosby recorded a popular song version of these ideas, with a comic twist at the end.{verse} Never treat others with scorn, we're only here cause we're born, although you're way up you may not stay up, stop tooting your horn. Why boast of the wealth you possess, high on the hill of success, on friendship you never should frown, you'll need the same friends on the weary way down. {chorus} So love thy neighbor, walk up and say, "How be you? Gee but I'm glad to see you, pal. How's life? What's new?" Love thy neighbor, offer to share his burden, ask him to say the word and you will see him through. Especially if there should be a beautiful girl next door, say to that girl next door, "Now don't think I'm bold, but my mother told me to love thy neighbor and you will find your labor a great deal easier, life would be breezier if you love thy neighbor."
GO PREACH MY GOSPEL
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit. . . ." MATTHEW 28:19
(known as "The Great Commision")
Go preach my Gospel said the Lord, bid the whole earth my grace receive, he shall be saved that trusts my word, and be condemned who will not believe. I'll make your Great Commission known, and ye shall prove my God spoke true, by all the works that I have done by all the wonders ye shall do."Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit. . . ." MATTHEW 28:19
(known as "The Great Commision")
GIVE ME JESUS
"For what shall it profit a man to gain the world but lose his soul?" MATTHEW 16:26
Oh, I heard my mother say (x) give me Jesus. Give me Jesus (x) You may have all this world, give me Jesus."For what shall it profit a man to gain the world but lose his soul?" MATTHEW 16:26
AIN'T THAT GOOD NEWS
Gospel means "good news." Mark may have coined the word, since there is no record of this word before Mark's Gospel: "The beginning of the Gospel about Jesus" (MARK 1:1).
"[A]nyone who does not pick up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." MATTHEW 10:38
I got news (x), I got a crown up in that kingdom ain't that good news (x), I'm gonna lay down this world, going to shoulder up my cross, going to take it home to Jesus, ain't tht good news?Gospel means "good news." Mark may have coined the word, since there is no record of this word before Mark's Gospel: "The beginning of the Gospel about Jesus" (MARK 1:1).
"[A]nyone who does not pick up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." MATTHEW 10:38
RIDE THE CHARIOT
Images of Elijah fused with those of Jesus, typical of African American spirituals. But this is also common in the Gospels, which borrowed ideas in the Hebrew Scriptures and used them for Jesus, especially prominent in the Gospel of Matthew.
I'm going to ride the chariot in the morning Lord (x), I'm getting ready for the Judgment Day, my Lord, my Lord. (x) Are you ready my brother? Are you ready for the journey, do you want to Jesus (oh yes), I'm waiting for the chariot cause I'd ready to go. Images of Elijah fused with those of Jesus, typical of African American spirituals. But this is also common in the Gospels, which borrowed ideas in the Hebrew Scriptures and used them for Jesus, especially prominent in the Gospel of Matthew.
LET US BREAK BREAD TOGETHER
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. Matthew 26:26-27
Let us break bread together on our knees (x), when I fall on my knee with my face to the rising sun, oh, Lord have mercy on me. Let us drink wine together on our knees (x), when I fall on my knees with my face to the rising, Oh, Lord, have mercy on me.While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. Matthew 26:26-27
HE NEVER SAID A MUMBLING WORD
The Afro-American spirituals often had their own point of view about Jesus. Jesus' Seven Last Words on the Cross are well known, but in this spiritual Jesus is silent.
They nailed him to a tree and he never said a mumbling word (x), oh, not a word, not a word, not a word.The Afro-American spirituals often had their own point of view about Jesus. Jesus' Seven Last Words on the Cross are well known, but in this spiritual Jesus is silent.
HALLELUJAH, WE SING YOUR PRAISES
Matthew 26:26-27
Hallelujah, we sing your praises all our hearts are filled with gladness (x). As the Lord to us said, I am wine I am bread (x), give to all who thirst and hunger. Now he says, strong in faith, free art thou (x) to proclaim the joyful Gospel. Hallelujah, we sing your praises all our hearts are filled with gladness (x).Matthew 26:26-27
AIN'T NO GRAVE CAN HOLD MY BODY DOWN
The preaching about the Resurrection was probably the core of the Gospel message and other stories were added to this first preaching ("kerygma") as the tradition continued. Note that women saw Jesus first. This is one of the arguments for granting "historicity" (historical truth) to the Gospel story. Because if the story were false, the Gospel writers would not have credited women with being the first witnesses of Jesus! In fact, the role of women as witnesses is later marginalized by St. Paul, who gives priority to Peter and the other apostles! Scholars argue, if this part of the story was fiction, why make up a story that would discredit the male leaders of the group (the apostles), especially in such a patriarchal society in which Jesus lived?
It was early one morning just about the break of day, angels came from glory, rolled the stone away. When the women came along, child, and found that their savior was gLone, can't no grave hold my body down. Can't no grave hold my body down (x), when that first trumpet, yes I'm going to get up out of the ground, can't no grave hold my body down.The preaching about the Resurrection was probably the core of the Gospel message and other stories were added to this first preaching ("kerygma") as the tradition continued. Note that women saw Jesus first. This is one of the arguments for granting "historicity" (historical truth) to the Gospel story. Because if the story were false, the Gospel writers would not have credited women with being the first witnesses of Jesus! In fact, the role of women as witnesses is later marginalized by St. Paul, who gives priority to Peter and the other apostles! Scholars argue, if this part of the story was fiction, why make up a story that would discredit the male leaders of the group (the apostles), especially in such a patriarchal society in which Jesus lived?
COME HERE JESUS IF YOU PLEASE
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20
These two songs, like the verse from Matthew (18:20) suggests that a church is a community or person in prayer.
No harm have I done here on my knees (x), when you see me on my knees, please Lord, come here, Jesus, if you please.For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20
These two songs, like the verse from Matthew (18:20) suggests that a church is a community or person in prayer.
Also known as Kumbyah, apparently Creole dialect for "come by here," this is one of the most famous sing-along Gospel songs.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
Andrew Lloyd-Webber's first full-length musical was Jesus Christ, Superstar, released at first only on records. Later staged, it became an international hit, followed by a movie version. The "Superstar" motif is heard at the very beginning and later sung to lyrics. The lyrics concern Christological issues discussed in class (the nature of Jesus, whether God or man, or both). To hear the song as sung in the film, go here.
VOICE OF JUDAS
Every time I look at you I don't understand
Why you let the things you did get so out of hand.
You'd have managed better if you'd had it planned.
Why'd you choose such a backward time in such a strange land?
If you'd come today you could have reached a whole nation.
Israel in 4 BC had no mass communication.
Don't you get me wrong.
I only want to know.
CHOIR
Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ,
Who are you? What have you sacrificed?
Jesus Christ Superstar,
Do you think you're what they say you are?
VOICE OF JUDAS
Tell me what you think about your friends at the top.
Who'd you think besides yourself's the pick of the crop?
Buddha, was he where it's at? Is he where you are?
Could Mohammed move a mountain, or was that just PR?
Did you mean to die like that? Was that a mistake, or
Did you know your messy death would be a record breaker?
Don't you get me wrong.
I only want to know.
CHOIR
Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ,
Who are you? What have you sacrificed?
Jesus Christ Superstar,
Do you think you're what they say you are?
(Repeat many times)
I DON'T KNOW HOW TO LOVE HIM
Christological issues are addressed again, this time by Mary Magdelene, in the biggest hit from the musical. To hear the song as sung in the film, go here. To hear the song sung by Sarah Brightman, go here. MARY MAGDALENE
I don't know how to love him.
What to do, how to move him.
I've been changed, yes really changed.
In these past few days, when I've seen myself,
I seem like someone else.
I don't know how to take this.
I don't see why he moves me.
He's a man. He's just a man.
And I've had so many men before,
In very many ways,
He's just one more.
Should I bring him down?
Should I scream and shout?
Should I speak of love,
Let my feelings out?
I never thought I'd come to this.
What's it all about?
Don't you think it's rather funny,
I should be in this position.
I'm the one who's always been
So calm, so cool, no lover's fool,
Running every show.
He scares me so.
I never thought I'd come to this.
What's it all about?
Yet, if he said he loved me,
I'd be lost. I'd be frightened.
I couldn't cope, just couldn't cope.
I'd turn my head. I'd back away.
I wouldn't want to know.
He scares me so.
I want him so.
I love him so.
HOSANNA
This song praises Jesus as he enters Jerusalem, a day now called Palm Sunday (the week before Easter). To hear this song as sung in the movie, go here.CROWD
Hosanna
Hey Sanna Sanna Sanna Hosanna
Hey Sanna Hosanna
Hey JC, JC won't you smile at me?
Sanna Hosanna
Hey Superstar
CAIAPHAS
Tell the rabble to be quiet, we anticipate a riot.
This common crowd, is much too loud.
Tell the mob who sing your song that they are fools and they are wrong.
They are a curse. They should disperse.
CROWD
Hosanna
Hey Sanna Sanna Sanna Hosanna
Hey Sanna Hosanna
Hey JC, JC you're alright by me
Sanna Hosanna
Hey Superstar
JESUS
Why waste your breath moaning at the crowd?
Nothing can be done to stop the shouting.
If every tongue were stilled
The noise would still continue.
The rocks and stone themselves would start to sing:
CROWD AND JESUS
Hosanna
Hey Sanna Sanna Sanna Hosanna
Hey Sanna Hosanna
CROWD (alone)
Hey JC, JC won't you fight for me?
Sanna Hosanna Hey Superstar
JESUS
Sing me your songs,
But not for me alone.
Sing out for yourselves,
For you are bless-ed.
There is not one of you
Who can not win the kingdom.
The slow, the suffering,
The quick, the dead.
CROWD and JESUS
Hosanna
Hey Sanna Sanna Sanna Hosanna
Hey Sanna Hosanna
CROWD (alone)
Hey JC, JC won't you die for me?
Sanna Hosanna Hey Superstar
I ONLY WANT TO SAY
This is the Gethsemene scene, when Jesus prays for God to take the cup of human suffering from him. The prayer goes unanswered. The point is, only by his unanswered prayer can Jesus fulfill the greater destiny God has in store for him. Moreover, Jesus sets a model, not only for suffering, but for obedience to the will of God, since he repeats the words he tells his disciples in "The Lord's Prayer": "Thy will be done." To hear this song as sung in the film, go here. JESUS
I only want to say,
If there is a way,
Take this cup away from me
For I don't want to taste its poison.
Feel it burn me,
I have changed.
I'm not as sure, as when we started.
Then, I was inspired.
Now, I'm sad and tired.
Listen, surely I've exceeded expectations,
Tried for three years, seems like thirty.
Could you ask as much from any other man?
But if I die,
See the saga through and do the things you ask of me,
Let them hate me, hit me, hurt me, nail me to their tree.
I'd want to know, I'd want to know, My God,
I'd want to know, I'd want to know, My God,
Want to see, I'd want to see, My God,
Want to see, I'd want to see, My God,
Why I should die.
Would I be more noticed than I ever was before?
Would the things I've said and done matter any more?
I'd have to know, I'd have to know, my Lord,
Have to know, I'd have to know, my Lord,
Have to see, I'd have to see, my Lord,
Have to see, I'd have to see, my Lord,
If I die what will be my reward?
If I die what will be my reward?
Have to know, I'd have to know, my Lord,
I'd have to know, I'd have to know, my Lord,
Why should I die? Oh why should I die?
Can you show me now that I would not be killed in vain?
Show me just a little of your omnipresent brain.
Show me there's a reason for your wanting me to die.
You're far to keen and where and how, but not so hot on why.
Alright, I'll die!
Just watch me die!
See how I die!
Then I was inspired.
Now, I'm sad and tired.
After all, I've tried for three years, seems like ninety.
Why then am I scared to finish what I started,
What you started - I didn't start it.
God, thy will is hard,
But you hold every card.
I will drink your cup of poison.
Nail me to your cross and break me,
Bleed me, beat me,
Kill me.
Take me, now!
Before I change my mind.
Home Listening: Psalm 27
HERE ARE TWO musical settings of Psalm 27, titled after its first line, "The Lord is my light."Notice the motif of light and the literal translation of the name Joshua in the first verse: "The Lord is my light and my salvation." Joshua means "the Lord saves"; in Greek, Joshua is Jesus.
In view of the Gospel use of the light motif, Psalm 27 can be read as a Messianic psalm, not only in its first verse but also v. 13: "I am confident I will see the Lord in the land of the living."
The first setting of this psalm is by popular Gospel artist, Andrae Couch. A second setting can be found here. Lyrics are below.
THE LORD IS MY LIGHT (Psalm 27)
THE LORD IS my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? He's the strength of my life, day and night, no need to be afraid. I have a secret place where I seek God's face. He gives me peace for my troubled mind. He carries me over mountains high. He comforts me through the valleys low when I'm going through the storm (going through a storm). He protects me in his arms, oh, my Father loves me! That's why I say, the Lord is my life and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? And he's the strength of my life day and night, no need to be afraid. When evil tries to destroy me, tries to make me fall, he puts me on a rock out of the reach of them all. When my enemies try to hurt me, I don't have to worry. I'm in his care, not just here but everywhere. I go to that hiding place where I seek my God's face. I find the strength to go on. Don't you know, don't you know he carries me over mountains, he comforts me through the valleys, when I'm going through a storm I'm protected in his arms. Don't you know the Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? He is my strength, my strong tower, he is my from day to day. He is my strength, the Lord is my strong tower, and you know what? I know the Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? He is my strength (he's the strength of my life day and night), I don't need to fear nobody. The Lord is my light and my salvation, thank you Jesus, thank you, day and night. I want you to know he's my strength, he's my light, he's my salvation, whom shall I fear? He's the strength of my life, he's the strenth, nobody else but you Jesus.THE LORD IS MY LIGHT (Psalm 27)
THE LORD IS my light and my salvation (x) whom shall I fear? Whom shall I fear (x), the Lord is the strength of my life, whom shall I fear? In the time of trouble he shall hide me (x), whom shall I fear? Wait on the Lord and be of good courage (x), he shall strengthen thine heart. Whom shall I fear (x), the Lord is the strength of my life, whom shall I fear?GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN
One of the most famous Afro-American spirituals on the birth of Jesus. To listen, click here.GO TELL IT on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere, go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born. behold in the heavens there shone a holy light. While shepherds kept their watching for silent flocks by night behold throughout the heavens there shone a holy light. Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere, go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born. The shepherds feared and trembled when love above the earth rang out the ancient chorus that hailed our Saviour's birth. Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere, go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.
GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Songs Week of 29 April 2008
Songs Week of 29 April 2008
ONE SOLITARY LIFE
Herewas a man: a man who was born in a small village: the son of a peasant woman. He grew up in another small village. Until he reached the age of 30, he worked as a carpenter. Then for 3 years, he was a traveling minister. But he never traveled more than 200 miles from where he was born and where he did go, he usually walked. He never held political office, he never wrote a book, never bought a home, never had a family, he never went to college and he never set foot inside a big city. Yes, here was a man though he never did one of the things usually associated with greatness. He had no credentials but himself. He had nothing to do with this world except through the divine purpose that brought him to this world. While he was still a young man the tide of popular opinion turned against him. Most of his friends ran away; one of them denied him, one of them betrayed him and turned him over to his enemies. Then he went through the mockery of a trial and was nailed to a cross between two thieves. And even while he was dying his executioners gambled for the only piece of property that he had in this world and that was his robe, his purple robe. When he was dead, he was taken down from the cross and laid in a borrowed grave provided by compassionate friends. More than 19 centuries have come and gone and today he’s the centerpiece of the human race, our leader in the column to human destiny. I think I am well within the mark when I say that all of the armies that ever marched, all of the navies that ever sailed the seas, all of the legislative bodies that ever sat, and all of the kings that ever reigned, all of them put together have not affected the life of man on this earth so powerfully as that one solitary life. Here was a man!
PUER NATUS
A famous Gregorian chant on the birth of Jesus, performed here in authentic and New Age styles.
GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN
This famous Afro-American Christmas spiritual allows the student to compare two musical styles of equal beauty:
Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere, go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born!
WOULD THEY LOVE HIM DOWN IN SHREVEPORT?
A famous Gregorian chant on the birth of Jesus, performed here in authentic and New Age styles.
GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN
This famous Afro-American Christmas spiritual allows the student to compare two musical styles of equal beauty:
Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere, go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born!
WOULD THEY LOVE HIM DOWN IN SHREVEPORT?
Each Jesus speaks for an age, as each age speaks for Jesus. The problem is we mdoerns have moved from a low christology (Jesus as Isaiah's Suffering Servant) to a high christology (Jesus as Divine companion granting our wishes). In this sense Jesus is, as he's called in Andrew Lloyd-Webber's first musical, a "superstar." Yet tt's a commonplace that if Jesus did come back, he'd be hated and killed all over again, especially by those who have safe images of him pasted on their walls. This point is made by country singer, George Jones, who reminds us that Jesus had long hair, was a Jew and a Palestinian, hung around with misfits, and had values few share today, any more than they did when Jesus lived.
If they saw him riding in, long hair flying in the wind, would they love him down in Shreveport today? If they heard he was a Jew and a Palestinian too, would they love him down in Nashville today? If they saw him talk with ease up to the junkies, drunks, and thieves, would they love him out in Wichita today? Would the rich men think it funny, if he said give up your money? Would they love him p on Wall Stree today? If he made the wine to water, gave it to their sons and daughters, what would the folks in Salt Lake City say? If he talked of brotherhood as he walked their neighborhood, would they love him up in Boston today? Oh, if he said love those who use you and forigve those who abuse you. If he turned the other cheek , what would they say? Would you laugh and call him crazy and then send him on his way, if he walked right into your town today? Oh, would you laugh and call him crazy and then send him on his way, if he walked right in to your town today?JESUS CHRIST
The same message as the above, by the legendary folksinger and songwriter, Woody Guthrie ("This Land Is Your Land"), making Jesus into a communist at a time (1930s) when people feared communists!
Jesus Christ was a man that traveled through the land, hardworking man and brave, he said to the rich give your goods to the poor, so they laid Jesus Christ in his grave. Yes Jesus was a man, a carpenter by hand, his followers true and brave, one dirty coward called Judas Iscariot has laid Jesus Christ in his grave. He went to the preacher, he went to the sheriff, told them all the same, sell all of your jewelry and give it to the poor so they laid Jesus Christ in his grave. When Jesus come to town the working folks around believed what he did say, the bankers and the preachers they nailed him on the cross and they laid Jesus Christ in his grave. Now the working people followed him around singing shouting gay. But the cops and soldiers nailed him in the air, and they laid Jesus Christ in his grave. Well the people held their breath when they heard about his death, everybody wondered why, it was the landlord and the soldiers that he hired that nailed Jesus Christ in the sky. This song was made in New York City of rich men and preachers and slaves, if Jesus were to preach like he preached in Galilee they would lay Jesus Christ in his grave. Yes Jesus was a man and a carpenter by hand, his followers true and brave, one dirty coward named Judas Iscariot has laid poor Jesus in his grave.The same message as the above, by the legendary folksinger and songwriter, Woody Guthrie ("This Land Is Your Land"), making Jesus into a communist at a time (1930s) when people feared communists!
GO IN THE WILDERNESS
"Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil." Matthew 4:1
If you want to find Jesus go in the wilderness (x) leaning on the Lord. If you want to be a Christian, go in the wildernes (x) leaning on the Lord."Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil." Matthew 4:1
THE ANGELS KEEP A-WATCHING OVER ME
"Jesus said to him, 'Away from me, Satan! For it is written, "Worship the Lord your God and serve him only."' Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him." Matthew 4:10-11
The careful reader of the Bible will realize that faith must come before God's help, not after God's help, as in the verses above. In fact, Jesus never heals anyone unless they have faith first: "Go, your faith has made you whole." The angels protect Jesus only after Jesus shows faith in the commandment of Deuteronomy 6:13. This is understood in the Oscar-wining song from Prince of Egypt too:
"There can be miracles when you believe."
All night, all day, the angels keep a-watching over me."Jesus said to him, 'Away from me, Satan! For it is written, "Worship the Lord your God and serve him only."' Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him." Matthew 4:10-11
The careful reader of the Bible will realize that faith must come before God's help, not after God's help, as in the verses above. In fact, Jesus never heals anyone unless they have faith first: "Go, your faith has made you whole." The angels protect Jesus only after Jesus shows faith in the commandment of Deuteronomy 6:13. This is understood in the Oscar-wining song from Prince of Egypt too:
"There can be miracles when you believe."
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.
Isaian influence here. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
The light, like the Word (God's commandments) must be made flesh to be seen and heard. The light motif begins in Genesis where God separates the light from the darkness and continues to the end of the Bible in the book of Revelation, where there is no night. Isaiah's command to "arise and shine" is echoed in the Gospels, where Jesus is now the light of the world. (See Isaiah 60:1: "Arise, shine, for your light has come. . . ."; and Malachi 4:2: "sun of righteousness.") The light motif shines especially clear in the opening verses of the Gospel of John and in one of the seven I AM sayings in that Gospel: "I am the light of the world." There are many Gospel songs and spirituals based on this motif. The following is a Gregorian hymn. Aine Minogue recorded a New Age version of this chant. Beginning with R&B singer Ray Charles, some Gospel songs became secular (non-religious) songs, as can be heard in Chuck Berry's Rock 'n' Roll version of "This Little Light of Mine" as "My Little Love Light."
Isaian influence here. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
The light, like the Word (God's commandments) must be made flesh to be seen and heard. The light motif begins in Genesis where God separates the light from the darkness and continues to the end of the Bible in the book of Revelation, where there is no night. Isaiah's command to "arise and shine" is echoed in the Gospels, where Jesus is now the light of the world. (See Isaiah 60:1: "Arise, shine, for your light has come. . . ."; and Malachi 4:2: "sun of righteousness.") The light motif shines especially clear in the opening verses of the Gospel of John and in one of the seven I AM sayings in that Gospel: "I am the light of the world." There are many Gospel songs and spirituals based on this motif. The following is a Gregorian hymn. Aine Minogue recorded a New Age version of this chant. Beginning with R&B singer Ray Charles, some Gospel songs became secular (non-religious) songs, as can be heard in Chuck Berry's Rock 'n' Roll version of "This Little Light of Mine" as "My Little Love Light."
CHRIST THE REDEEMER
Jesus, thou Joy of loving hearts Thou Fount of Truth, Thou light of menSurpassing all joys and all desires.
SHINE ON ME
Shine on, oh shine on me, let the light from the lighthouse let it shine on me (x). Lord have mercy, let it shine on me, let the light from the lighthouse let is shine on me.SHINE FOR JESUS
When the clouds hanging low (shine shine shine) and you know not where to go (shine for Jesus), take your burdens to the Lord, you can take him at his word, say a prayer everyday, Shine when troubles shake you, shine when friends forsake all the way everyday there's a crown awaiting, shine when foes assail you shine when others fail you keep your eyes on Jesus and shine shine shine.I SAW THE LIGHT
I'm going back to my praying ground, I'm going to give the Devil one more round, you know that I, hallelujah I, you know that I, yes I, I said I, it was so beautiful, yes I saw the light! There ain't one thing I done wrong I was thinking about it once too long, speaking about it one day too long. I said I, won't be still, and let me do my Master's will, you know I, thank God I, Amen I! the worst I felt, my heart would melt. I said I, every day of my life I'm going back to my old praying ground. I love Jesus he's my all. I said I, you know I, Hallelujah I! I said hallelujah! It was so grand, you know I, in the morning I!THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE
This little light of mine are you going to let it shine are you going to let it shine (x) let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.MY LITTLE LOVE-LIGHT
This little love light of mine are you going to let it shine (x) let it shine (x). With your arms wrapped around me are you going to let it shine?HE'S MY LIGHT
He's my light The man of Galilee And I know He's got his arm around me I'm glad to say That his love is ever true How I and mine Are his possesions And he'll forgive All my transgressions He died for me Like no other could do He's my light My guiding light I don't have to worry Day or night By his light He makes my pathway bright All the way Each step of the way Oh he paid that awful price That I might have A right to the Tree of Life And I shall dwell with him Forever He is my light Oh, my guiding light.TE LUCIS ANTE TERMINUM
A Catholic chant sung at compline (evening prayer).
To thee before the close of day, Creator of the world, we pray that with your favor, you be our guard and keeper now.A Catholic chant sung at compline (evening prayer).
DONE FOUND MY LOST SHEEP
"These twelve Jesus sent out, charging them, 'Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.'"
Matthew 10:5-6
Done found my lost sheep (x) hallelujah!"These twelve Jesus sent out, charging them, 'Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.'"
Matthew 10:5-6
LILY OF THE VALLEY
Images of Jesus based on the traditional religious reading of the Song of Songs:
I never shall forget that day when Jesus washed my sins away. He's a lily of the valley, he's the white rose of Sharon. He said I am the great I AM, I am the root of Abraham! I am the bright and morning star!Images of Jesus based on the traditional religious reading of the Song of Songs:
TWO LITTLE FISHES AND FIVE LOAVES OF BREAD
They said to him, "We have only five loaves here and two fish." And he said, "Bring them here to me." Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass; and taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.
Matthew 14:17-19
The famous story of the feeding of the multitudes, which occurs in all the gospels and twice in Matthew. Again Jesus surpasses Moses:
A crowd of people went out into the desert to listen to what the good Lord said, all day long they heard the good Lord's word then they got hungry and had to be fed on only two little fishes and five loaves of bread. The good Lord stood up, told his disciples to bring him the loaves of bread instead, bring the fishes by and let him try a little idea that he had his head about those two little fishes and five loaves of bread. Hear what I say if we could all love one another then the world would be fed on only two little fishes and five loaves of bread.They said to him, "We have only five loaves here and two fish." And he said, "Bring them here to me." Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass; and taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.
Matthew 14:17-19
The famous story of the feeding of the multitudes, which occurs in all the gospels and twice in Matthew. Again Jesus surpasses Moses:
HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW
A classic gospel song based on Matthew 10:29: "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father."
Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come? Why should my heart feel lonely and long for a heavenly home? When Jesus is my portion, my constant friend is he. His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me. His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me.THE LORD'S PRAYER
"Pray then like this: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name" (Matthew 6:9).
Also known, by its opening words, as the "Our Father" (or, in Latin, the Pater Noster) this is the most famous prayer among Christians and appears in Matthew and Luke, though it is misnamed because it's really the prayer Jesus gives for his disciples to say. There are numerous song settings of this prayer, including Gospel versions, a West Indian version that became popular during the 1960s, a Rock 'n' Roll version that became a big hit fo an Australian num in the 1970s, and many jazz settings, including those by Duke Ellington, Mary Lou Williams, and Vince Guaraldi, famous for his jazz scores for the Peanuts television specials and for his Christmas standard, "Christmastime Is Here." The most standard setting is by Malotte, recorded by hundreds of artists, from Mahalia Jackson to Pat Boone and Mario Lanza.
Our father which [who] art in Heaven hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, Lord, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever Amen."Pray then like this: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name" (Matthew 6:9).
Also known, by its opening words, as the "Our Father" (or, in Latin, the Pater Noster) this is the most famous prayer among Christians and appears in Matthew and Luke, though it is misnamed because it's really the prayer Jesus gives for his disciples to say. There are numerous song settings of this prayer, including Gospel versions, a West Indian version that became popular during the 1960s, a Rock 'n' Roll version that became a big hit fo an Australian num in the 1970s, and many jazz settings, including those by Duke Ellington, Mary Lou Williams, and Vince Guaraldi, famous for his jazz scores for the Peanuts television specials and for his Christmas standard, "Christmastime Is Here." The most standard setting is by Malotte, recorded by hundreds of artists, from Mahalia Jackson to Pat Boone and Mario Lanza.
PEACE, BE STILL
"And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God.'"
"And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God.'"
This gospel song, like the text (Matthew 8:23-27), goes back to Genesis, where God makes the sea and calls it "good," as in Psalm 89: "You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them" (v. 9). In the same Psalm, God promises David, "I will set his right hand over the sea" (v. 25). The main point is that God commands the sea; by commanding the sea, Jesus shows he is God:
"Master, the tempest is raging! Oh, the billows are tossing high! The sky is o'ershadowed with blackness. No shelter or hope is nigh [near]. "SAID HE WOULD
The verses above are used as a foundation for perfect faith.
He calmed the ocean, my Lord, oh he said he would, he said he would calm the raging sea, said he would, said he would.
TOUCH THE HEM OF HIS GARMENT
And a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment; for she said to herself, "If I only touch his garment, I shall be made well." Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well."
Matthew 9:20-22
(These verses refer to the fringes or tassels commanded by NUMBERS 15:38f. Jesus, as a Jew, observed that commandment.)
Oh, there was a woman in the Bible days. She had been sick, sick so very long. But she heard that Jesus was passing by, so she joined the gathering throng. and while she was pushing her way through, someone asked her, "What are you trying to do?" She said, "If I could just touch the hem of his garment I know I'll be made whole." She cried, "Oh, Lord, oh, Lord," [and] said, "If I could just touch the hem of his garment, I know I'll be made whole."The verses above are used as a foundation for perfect faith.
He calmed the ocean, my Lord, oh he said he would, he said he would calm the raging sea, said he would, said he would.
TOUCH THE HEM OF HIS GARMENT
And a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment; for she said to herself, "If I only touch his garment, I shall be made well." Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well."
Matthew 9:20-22
(These verses refer to the fringes or tassels commanded by NUMBERS 15:38f. Jesus, as a Jew, observed that commandment.)
Sam Cooke's self-penned, "Touch the Hem of His Garment" is an example of how gospel songs come straight from the Bible, in this case the story of the woman who can't stop her bleeding (Matthew 9:20-22). Like later Gospel singers, Cooke crossed over into pop music and is credited with inventing Soul music:
Oh, she spent her money here and there, until she had no, had no more to spare. The doctors they done all they could, but their medicine would do no good. When she touched him, the Savior didn't see, but still he turned around and cried, "Somebody touched me." She said, "It was I who just want to touch the hem of your garment. I know I'll be made whole right now." She stood there, cryng "Oh, oh, I know, Lord, oh Lord, oh Lord." [She] said, "If I could just touch the hem of your garment, I know I'll be made whole right now."
The Bible and Billboard
In 1974 a Catholic nun, Sister Janet Mead, scored a #4 hit with her musical setting of "The Lord's Prayer." She claimed the success of the song, which sold more than a million copies and brought huge publicity, almost caused her to lose her faith. To hear the song, click here.Songs Week of 8 April 2008
Minor Prophets, 1
BRINGING IN THE SHEAVES
Minor Prophets, 1
BRINGING IN THE SHEAVES
"They know not the thoughts of the Lord: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor" (Micah 4:12).
Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness, Sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve; Waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping, We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.{Refrain} Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves,We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves, Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves, We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
JONAH
Inthe Bible we're told of a prophet who was called to a city that was steeped in an awful sin. All the people in that place were devoid of saving grace and the prophet was afraid to enter in. Oh some people don't believe that a whale could him receive but that does not make my song at all untrue. Why there are whales on every side with their big mouths open wide, just take care my friend or one will swallow you. Then this prophet full with sin that old Ninevah might begin, but instead of that to Tarshish he set sail. All the winds began to blow on the did Jonah and he found a mercy seat inside the whale. In the cold and deep, tears of grief did Jonah weep and the big fish threw him out upon the shore. preached to Ninevah, Ninevah night and day and he did not anymore and he did not care to backslide anymore. Oh some people don't believe that a whale could him receive but that does not make my song that all untrue. There are whales on every side with their big mouths open wide, just take care my friends or one will swallow you.
JONAH
You know God sent Jonah to the Ninevah land, "Preach my gospel to the wicked man." Jonah got angry, and didn't want to go, he bought him a ticket to a distant shore. Got his ticket, got on board, ship went a-rocking from shore to shore. They tell me the ship was toppled from side to side and everybody on board had trouble in mind. God found Jonah, found him fast asleep, "Oh, my body, don't go into the deep." God he rode in a windstorm (3) and he troubled everybody's mind. Throw me overboard! I got a hiding place. Yeah!JONAH AND THE WHALE
A white gospel version of the previous song:
Well God sent Jonah down to Ninevah land to preach the Gospel to the wicked man and to repent his wicked ways, I'm going to overthrow the city in forty days. God moves in the windstorm, he rose in the windstorm, and troubled everybody in mind. Well Jonah went down to the seashore and he made up his mind which way to go. Well he got himself a ship and he paid his fare, oh God called up with Jonah down there. God moves in the windstorm, yeah, yeah, you know he rose in the windstorm and troubled everybody in mind. Well God saw the ship and he came in time, the captain of the ship had trouble in mind. And then he went into the deep, well he saw old Jonah there fast asleep. He said, hey stranger tell me your name, my Name is Jonah and I came from the king. All this trouble is on a kind of me, why don't you throw me overboard and let the ship sail free. Well God moves in the windstorm, you know he rose in the windstorm and troubled everybody in mind. Well I threw old Jonah overboard, along comes a whale and swallowed him whole and took him on over to Ninevah land yeah well I threw old Jonah on a bar of sand. God moves in the windstorm, oh yeah, you know he moves in the windstorm and troubled everybody in mind. Well God sent Jonah down to Ninevah land to preach the Gospel to the wicked man and to repent his wicked ways (everybody), I'm going to overthrow the city in forty days.JONAH
Go Jonah! Go Jonah! Go to Ninevah. Go Jonah! A message came from Heaven. Ninevah was undermined. God said to Jonah go and let my light shine. Go and tell my people, you'd better mend your ways. Cause if you don't, this might be your last day. And God said, "Go Jonah! Go Jonah! Go to Ninevah. Go Jonah. Well get on up and get on up and go down Jonah. Well get on up and get on up and go down Jonah. God will tell you what to say. Well instead of going down to Ninevah, Jonah looked the other way. But things didn't go the way old Jonah had planned. For soon Jonah jump and hollered, by the big old fish he was swalloed. God made that fish jump up that preacher man. God said, "Go Jonah! go Jonah! Well, Go to Ninevah. Go Jonah! Get on up and get on up and go down Jonah, get on up and get on up and go down Jonah! God will tell you what to say. Go Jonah! Go Jonah! Go to Ninevah, go Jonah! Well get on up and go down, Jonah! God will tell you what to say! Heigh-ho Silver, away! Heigh-ho, Silver, away!MALACHI (3:2-3)
The Day of the Lord motif again. Handel set 3 verses from Malachi in his Messiah, because Christians interpret these Messianic words as a prophecy of Jesus. We hear Handel's and a soul versions of both settings:
But who may abide the day of His coming, and who shall stand when He appeareth? For He is like a refiner's fire (3:2).And He shall purify the sons of Levi, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness (3:3).
MARTIN LUTHER KING & AMOS
Amos is a key text for social activists. Martin Luther King used one verse ("Let justice roll down like waters, righteousness like a mighty stream" [5:27]) at least twice in his recorded speeches, as here. King also quotes Isaiah 61:1, which Jesus later used for his first sermon:Who is it that is supposed to articulate the longings and aspirations of the people more than the preacher? Somehow the preacher must have a kind of fire shut up in his bones. And whenever injustice is around, he must tell it. Somehow the preacher must be an Amos, who said, "When God speaks, who can but prophesy?" Again, with Amos, "Let Justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream." Somehow the preacher must say with Jesus, "The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me. And he's anointed to deal with the problems of the poor."
"No, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream."
King's speeches are filled with biblical quotes and references, as in his final "Mountaintop" speech, where he compares himself to Moses, who has led the people to the Promised Land but will not see it himself; he also refers to the Battle Hymn, based on Isaiah's Battle God. King also refers to Psalm 27:1f.: "The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?"
MARTIN LUTHER KING
But it really doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. I don't mind. Let anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And he's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over and I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the Promised Land. So I'm happy tonight. I'm not worried about anything, I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.HOSEA
The image of the wind as a means of God's punishment is found throughout the Bible, but most clearly in Hosea "They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind" (8:7). The "wind" refers to the uprooting of an unjust society. Bob Dylan borrowed this image for the lyric of "Blowing in the Wind."How many roads must a man walk down before you call him a man? How many seas must the white dove sail, before she sleeps in the sand? Yes and how many times must the cannonballs fly before they're forever banned? The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind. The answer is blowing in the wind!
Minor Prophets, 2
Songs Week of 22 April 2008
THE DAY OF THE LORD
The Day of the Lord is one of the key motifs in the Bible, which later blends into the Last Judgment. At first the "Day of the Lord" encouraged Jews to think about judgment on their enemies; but reformist prophets such as Amos turned that idea around and used it to warn Israel that they themselves would be punished for their social injustices. Several prophets (Amos, Joel) use the Day of the Lord, but the text used by the Church Mass is based on Zephaniah 1:15 ("That
day will be a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish"), the basis of the Gregorian chant, "Dies Irae" ("Day of Anger"), commonly used in musical quotation since it immediately invokes the idea of death. The Gregorian version can be heard here; for an example of its common use in movies, listen to the credit sequence from The Shining (click here).
Our text today is from Malachi, chapter 4: "For behold the day cometh that shall burn as an oven when all the proud, yeah, and all the wicked. . . . "
BLOW YOUR TRUMPET OF ZION
Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, sound the alarm, the holy command! Let the earth and inhabitants tremble, for the Day of the Lord is at hand.Songs Week of 22 April 2008
THE DAY OF THE LORD
The Day of the Lord is one of the key motifs in the Bible, which later blends into the Last Judgment. At first the "Day of the Lord" encouraged Jews to think about judgment on their enemies; but reformist prophets such as Amos turned that idea around and used it to warn Israel that they themselves would be punished for their social injustices. Several prophets (Amos, Joel) use the Day of the Lord, but the text used by the Church Mass is based on Zephaniah 1:15 ("That
Our text today is from Malachi, chapter 4: "For behold the day cometh that shall burn as an oven when all the proud, yeah, and all the wicked. . . . "
BLOW YOUR TRUMPET OF ZION
Oh what a weeping, never failing from on high the central throne. Men are dying, nations crying, for the Day of the Lord is at hand.
It's a day of distress and trouble (I know it is), such as never was known in the land. You know men shall be crying for mercy, oh, who shall be able to stand?
Then the judgment of the Lord is against the wicked. Everywhere, every, everywhere, I can plainly see (you know this) that God's strong arm of deliverance is going peace to the blood washed redeemed.
It's a weeping and a weeping and a wailing, that comes from above the central throne, oh yeah. Men are crying for mercy (oh yes they are), crying who shall be able to stand?
Oh, repent! I know it's an Amen, from up above the central throne! Men are dying, nations falling, for the Day, Day of the Lord is at hand!
GOD IS A BATTLE AXE
As Jonah preached to the Assyrians to save them, another minor prophet, Nahum, warns of God's coming judgment against them. Note the mocking reference to Isaiah 5:27 regarding the Assyrians: "Not one of them grows tired or stumbles, not one slumbers or sleeps." Nahum instead writes, "O king of Assyria, your shepherds slumber, your nobles lie down to rest" (3:18). Compare this with Psalm 121:4 where God "who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep." This Gospel song reminds the faithful that God is also a battle God:
Is a battle axe (x) in a time of war. Well, my God is a battle axe (x) well in the time of war. Well Nebechudnezzar was a wicked man, he wanted everybody under his command. He put up his image out of gold one day, he said everybody got to kneel down and pray. Well everybody kneeled, so I am told, except Shadrach, Mesach, and Abednego, the king got angry and in a rage he said, "Everybody got to kneel down and pray." He called to the Devil, all his wicked men, he said, "Keep this fire hotter than it's ever been cause I want to know what God is that can deliver these boys from their Fate." Well my God is a battle axe (x) well in the time of war.As Jonah preached to the Assyrians to save them, another minor prophet, Nahum, warns of God's coming judgment against them. Note the mocking reference to Isaiah 5:27 regarding the Assyrians: "Not one of them grows tired or stumbles, not one slumbers or sleeps." Nahum instead writes, "O king of Assyria, your shepherds slumber, your nobles lie down to rest" (3:18). Compare this with Psalm 121:4 where God "who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep." This Gospel song reminds the faithful that God is also a battle God:
Oh Nebuchadnezzar, so I am told, he bound Shadrach, Mesach, and Abednego. Well he bound those boys and he put them in but Jesus Christ was the Savior of them. When God reached down in an angry frown, the king decide he done wrong. The king peeped over and he looked in the door, he said, "I tossed in three, but now I see four." He peeped on down, He looked very hard, he said, "The fourth man looked like the son of God," and old Nebuchadnezzar, so I am told, he called Shadrach, Mesach, and Abednego. The ?? crying "God is a battle axe sure as you're born." My God is a battle axe (x) well in the time of war.
BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC
Based on Third Isaiah's war God. The verses sound violent, but the idea is that it is violence against the oppressor, of those who inflict social injustice against those unable to defend themselves: "I have trodden the winepress alone; from the nations no-one was with me. I trampled them in my anger and trod them down in my wrath; their blood spattered my garments and I stained all my clothing. For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redemption has come. I looked but there was no-one to help, I was appalled that no-one gave support; so my own arm worked salvation for me, and my own wrath sustained me. I trampled the nations in my anger; in my wrath I made them drunk and poured their blood on the ground." (Isaiah 63:3-6).
Mine eyes have the seen the glory of the coming of the Lord, he is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored, he has loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword, his truth is marching on. Glory, glory hallelujah (x) his truth is marching on.Based on Third Isaiah's war God. The verses sound violent, but the idea is that it is violence against the oppressor, of those who inflict social injustice against those unable to defend themselves: "I have trodden the winepress alone; from the nations no-one was with me. I trampled them in my anger and trod them down in my wrath; their blood spattered my garments and I stained all my clothing. For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redemption has come. I looked but there was no-one to help, I was appalled that no-one gave support; so my own arm worked salvation for me, and my own wrath sustained me. I trampled the nations in my anger; in my wrath I made them drunk and poured their blood on the ground." (Isaiah 63:3-6).
RISE AND SHINE
"Arise, shine, for your light has come and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn" (Isaiah 60:1-3). The "light" against "dark" motif begins in Genesis, then appears in the ninth plague of darkness in Egypt and in many prophecies of the Day of Judgment (when the sun will give no light). Isaiah's text was likely the source of the Star of Bethlehem at Jesus' birth and also behind many images in the New Testament. Jesus refers to the City on a Hill and related parables of the lamp under a bushel and the five wise virgins who trim their lamps. The light motif is announced by the minor prophet, Malachi, in the last book of the Old Testament before the New Testament's "good news." The "sun of righteousness" as a pun ("Son of Righteousness") may be the source of fixing Christmas Day on December 25, when the annual sun begins to rise again: "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings" (Malachi 4:2). O 'rise! shine! for thy light is a-coming. (3) my Lord says he's coming bye and bye. This is the year of Jubilee. My Lord says he's coming bye and bye. My Lord has set his people free, my Lord says he's coming bye and bye. I intend to shout and never stop, my Lord says he's coming bye and bye. Until I reach the mountain top, my Lord says he coming bye and bye.
WATCHMAN, TELL US OF THE NIGHT
Watchman, tell us of the night. What its signs of promise are. Traveler, o'er yon mountain's height see that glory beaming star. Watchman, doth its beauteous ray aught of hope or joy foretell? Traveler, yes, it brings the day, Promised day of Israel. Watchman, tell us of the night, higher yet that star ascends. Traveler, blessedness and light, peace and truth its course portends. Watchman, will its beams alone gild the spot that gave them birth? Traveler, ages are its own, see! it bursts o'er all the earth. Watchman, tell us of the night, for the morning seems to dawn. Traveler, darkness takes its flight, doubt and terror are withdrawn. Watchman, let thy wanderings cease, hie thee to thy quiet home. Traveler, lo! the Prince of Peace, lo! the Son of God is come!Home Listening
Week of 8 April 2008
The Minor Prophets-1
AMOS
This song, which in the 1950s became a Top Ten hit for Al Hibbler (click here), seems to have been influenced by praise verses in AMOS: "He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals his thoughts to man, he who turns dawn to darkness and treads the high places of the earth, the Lord God Almighty is his name (4:13); "He . . . who turns blackness into dawn and day into night, who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out over the face of the land. . . " (5:8-9). And: "He who touches the earth and it melts . . . " (9:5-6).Week of 8 April 2008
The Minor Prophets-1
AMOS
He can turn the tides and calm the angry sea. He alone decides who writes a symphony. He lights every star that makes our darkness bright, He keeps watch all through each long and lonely night. He still finds the time to hear a child's first prayer, saint or sinner calls and always find him there. Though it makes him sad to see the way we live, He'll always say, "I forgive."
He can grant a wish or make a dream come true, He can paint the clouds and turn the grey to blue. He alone knows where to find the rainbow's end, He alone can see what lies beyond the bend. He can touch a tree and turn the leaves to gold, He knows every lie that you and I have told. Though it makes him sad to see the way we live, He'll always say, "I forgive." (I forgive, I forgive) He'll always say, "I forgive!"
JONAH
TheSING YOU CHILDREN
To hear this song click on Elvis.
This pop song based on Bible stories is from Elvis' movie, Easy Come, Easy Go. To see Elvis sing the song in the movie, click here.
Oh To hear this song click on Elvis.
This pop song based on Bible stories is from Elvis' movie, Easy Come, Easy Go. To see Elvis sing the song in the movie, click here.
HOSEA
BRINGING IN THE SHEAVES
"They know not the thoughts of the Lord: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor" (Micah 4:12).
To hear just the tune of this song, click on the slide show above. To hear an organ version, click here. To hear a piano version, click here. To hear a harp version, click here. To hear a choral and brass version click here.Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness, Sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve; Waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping, We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
{Refrain} Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves,We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves, Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves, We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
This is Verdi's musical setting of Psalm 137, from his opera, Nabucco (Nebuchadnezzar). It's a gorgeous tune but doesn't seem to fit the depths of misery of the psalm. Enjoy.
Well when the saints go marchin in
Oh Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marchin' in
Well I had a loving mother
To walk and talk with me
Now I have no mother
What pleasure do I see?
Well when the saints go marchin' in
Well when the saints go marchin in
Oh Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marchin' in
When the sun refuse to shine
Well when the sun refuse to shine
Oh Lord I want to be in that number
When the sun refuse to shine
Well when the saints go marchin' in
Well when the saints go marchin in
Oh Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marchin' in.
Well there were three children from the land of Israel. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. They took a little trip to the land of Babylon. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. Well old Nebuchadnezzar was the king of Babylon. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. Well he took a lot of gold and he made him an idol. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego.
Well he told everybody when they hear the music of the cornet. Well they told everybody when they hear the music of the flute. And they told everybody when they hear the music of the horn. Great God says, You must bow down and worship the idol. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego.
But the children of Israel would not bow down. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. You couldn't fool them with a golden idol. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. I said, you couldn't fool them with a golden idol. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego.
So the king put the children in a fiery furnace. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. He heaped on coals and red-hot brimstone. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. Made it seven times hotter: hotter than it ought to be. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. It even burned up the soldiers that the king had put there. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. Then the Lord God sent them an angel. And he gave them a couple of wings. So they moved them on down to the fiery furnace and began to cool the flames. Those children they got so happy, they were strutting right through the fire, just laughing and singing about the power of the gospel. Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego. Well, Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego. Little old Nebuchadezzer said, "Hey, now!" when he saw the power of the Lord. "Have a good time in the land of Babylon." Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego. Oh, Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego.
can fulfill thy law's commands; could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow, all for sin could not atone; thou must save, and thou alone. Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling; naked, come to thee for dress; helpless, look to thee for grace; foul, I to the fountain fly; wash me, Savior, or I die. While I draw this fleeting breath, when mine eyes shall close in death, when I soar to worlds unknown, see thee on thy judgment throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee.
Now the world's getting closer to destruction, as we walk the streets we hear the word Doomsday. Now we all know that something's soon to happen if we refuse to stop and pray. Soon the laughter will one day turn to mourning and the crowds will be far away and like the king we'll finally got the message who didn't realize he had feet of clay.
The handwriting's on the wall, can't you see it? Don't be weighed in the balance and found wanting don't turn down the truth for today. I send you warning now I send you judgemnt on a nation that's forgotten how to pray and there's no way to erase it, the handwriting's on the wall here today. And there's no way to erase it, the handwriting's on the wall here today.
THEY CAME OUT SHOUTING
The story of the three Hebrews in the fiery furnace is blended with the idea of Jesus, though Jesus came hundreds of years later. The faith in final victory has sustained Jews and Christians through ages of persecution:
Oh, they came, they came out shouting (they came), the fire don't bother me. (2) Let me tell you, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, into the fire burning they did surely go! They went in hand in hand came out in Jesus' hands. They came out shouting. I say, they came out shouting, the fire don't bother me. Let me tell you Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, into the fire burning they did surely go, they went hand in hand, came out in Jesus' name, they came out shouting, the fire don't bother me. They came out shouting! (3).
DANIEL SAW THE STONE
This gospel song refers to Daniel's explaining the rock cut from the mountain in Nebuchadnezzar's first dream: "This is the meaning of the vision of the rock cut out of a mountain, but not by human hands." This is the "kingdom that will never be destroyed" (DANIEL 2:44f.). The image of God as the "Rock" occurs in Psalms and Isaiah, where God is called "the Rock eternal" (26:4); hence in the hymn, "Rock of Ages." Christians view the Rock as Jesus, as in the following gospel song:
Well old Daniel saw the stone that was hewed out the mountain. Daniel saw the stone stone that was rolling down to Babylon, Daniel saw the stone that was hewed out the mountain coming down to redeem a mighty world. (2) Won't you meet me, Jesus, meet me, won't you meet me in the middle of the air? Cause now if these wings should fail me, Lord I want to hitch on another pair. King Jesus was the stone that was hewed out the mountain. King Jesus was the stone that come a-rolling in Babylon. King Jesus was the stone that was hewed out the mountain, coming down to redeem a mighty world. (2) Well the tree ends were bending, way up in the heavenly land. Well my God spoke to the Holy Ghost, he said, "Come on, and let's make plans." I'm looking for the stone that was hewed out the mountain, I'm looking for the stone that came a-rolling in Babylon, I'm looking for the stone that was hewed out the mountain coming down to redeem a mighty world. (2) Well now early in the morning the trumpet's going to sound, the dead in Christ is going to rise. Well if you ain't got good religion, Lord in hell you'll open up your eyes. I found that stone that was hewed out of the mountain, I found that stone that was rolling in Babylon, I found that stone that was hewed out of the mountain, coming down to redeem a mighty world. (2)
*Dreadlock=A Rastafarian (Rasta) wearing dreadlocks. Rastafarianism is a Jamaican version of Bible themes, a main focus of Reggae music, most famously, that of Bob Marley. "Jah" is the Rasta word for "Lord." "Jah" by itself is used once in the KJV (King James Version) of the Bible but is commonly used as part of the word, "HalleluJAH," meaning "Praise the Lord" and in contemporary worship songs.
Well he told everybody when they heard the music of the cornet. Well they told everybody when they heard the music of the flute. And they told everybody when they heard the music of the horn. Great God says, You must bow down and worship the idol. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego.
But the children of Israel would not bow down. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. You couldn't fool them with a golden idol. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. I said, you couldn't fool them with a golden idol. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego.
So the king put the children in a fiery furnace. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. He heaped on coals and red-hot brimstone. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. Made it seven times hotter: hotter than it ought to be. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. It even burned up the soldiers that the king had put there. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. Then the Lord God sent them an angel. And he gave them a couple of wings. So they moved them on down to the fiery furnace and began to cool the flames. Those children they got so happy, they were strutting right through the fire, just laughing and singing about the power of the gospel. Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego. Well, Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego. Little old Nebuchadezzer said, "Hey, now!" when he saw the power of the Lord. "Have a good time in the land of Babylon." Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego. Oh, Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego.
(1a) De lamentatione Jeremiae prophetae.
The Lamentations of the prophet Jeremiah.
(1b) Jerusalem convertere ad Dominum Deum tuum.
Jerusalem, turn to the Lord your God.
(1c) Same as (1b)
Behold and see if there be any sorrow like unto His sorrow.
Great is Thy faithfulness O Thou my Father. There is no shadow of turning with Thee. Thou changest not Thy compassions, they fail not. As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be. Great is They faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness, morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided, great is Thy faithfulness Lord unto me.
"And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd. . . ."
Listen to the lambs, all a-crying (3) all a-crying. (3) He shall feed his flock like a shepherd and carry the young lambs in his bosom and carry the young lambs in his bosom.
Well I tell you! Ezekiel saw the wheel way up in the middle of the air. (4) And the big wheel runs by faith and the little wheel runs by the grace of God: a wheel in a wheel way up in the middle of the air.
Why don't you swing down sweet chariot, stop and let me ride. Swing down chariot, stop and let me ride. Rock me Lord, rock me Lord, calm and easy. Well I've got a home on the other side. (2) Well, well, well, well, well, well. . . . Ezekiel went down in the middle of a field. He saw an angel working on a chariot wheel. Wasn't so particular 'bout the chariot wheel. Just wanted to see how a chariot feel. Why don't you swing down sweet chariot, stop and let me ride. Swing down chariot, stop and let me ride. Rock me Lord, rock me Lord, calm and easy. Well I've got a home on the other side. Well, well, well. . . . Ezekiel went down and he got on board. Chariot went a-bumping on down the road. Zeke [Ezekiel] wasn't so particular 'bout the bumping of the road. Just wanted to lay down his heavy load. Why don't you swing down sweet chariot, stop and let me ride. Swing down chariot, stop and let me ride. Rock me Lord, rock me Lord, calm and easy. Well I've got a home on the other side. Well I got a father in the Promised Land. Ain't no more stopping till I shake his hand. Rock me Lord, rock me Lord, calm and easy. I've got a home on the other side. Why don't you swing down sweet chariot, stop and let me ride. Swing down chariot, stop and let me ride. Rock me Lord, rock me Lord, calm and easy. Well I've got a home on the other side.
There shall be showers of blessing: This is the promise of love; There shall be seasons refreshing, Sent from the Savior above. Showers of blessing, Showers of blessing we need: Mercy drops round us are falling, But for the showers we plead. There shall be showers of blessing, Precious reviving again; Over the hills and the valleys, Sound of abundance of rain.
Lord, I hear of showers of blessing, Thou art scattering (you're scattering them) full and free. Showers the thirsty land/soul refreshing; Lord let some drops now fall (oh Lord let them fall) on me; Even me, even me, Let some drops now fall on me.
Why
don't you swing down sweet chariot, stop and let me ride. Swing down chariot, stop and let me ride. Rock me Lord, rock me Lord, calm and easy. Well I've got a home on the other side. (2) Well, well, well, well, well, well. . . . Ezekiel went down in the middle of a field. He saw an angel working on a chariot wheel. Wasn't so particular 'bout the chariot wheel. Just wanted to see how a chariot feel. Why don't you swing down sweet chariot, stop and let me ride. Swing down chariot, stop and let me ride. Rock me Lord, rock me Lord, calm and easy. Well I've got a home on the other side. Well, well, well. . . . Ezekiel went down and he got on board. Chariot went a-bumping on down the road. Zeke [Ezekiel] wasn't so particular 'bout the bumping of the road. Just wanted to lay down his heavy load. Why don't you swing down sweet chariot, stop and let me ride. Swing down chariot, stop and let me ride. Rock me Lord, rock me Lord, calm and easy. Well I've got a home on the other side. Well I got a father in the Promised Land. Ain't no more stopping till I shake his hand. Rock me Lord, rock me Lord, calm and easy. I've got a home on the other side. Why don't you swing down sweet chariot, stop and let me ride. Swing down chariot, stop and let me ride. Rock me Lord, rock me Lord, calm and easy. Well I've got a home on the other side.
I know one who cares, found with him peace of mind. I know a man who's there, found a Prince so loving and kind. (2) There is a balm in Gilead (4). There is a youth in the Bible days to heal the sick and take the pain away. (2) There is a balm in Gilead (4). Well, well. There is a balm in Gilead (4). He healed the sick and he raised the dead, a thousand hungered soon he fed (2). Jesus is the balm in Gilead, he found victory in the grave. There is a balm in Gilead, yet there is, it will cure the sin-sick soul and make the wounded whole.
When the Saints Go Marchin' In
"The saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever. Yes! Forever and ever!"
DANIEL 7:18
"I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red. . . ."
Revelation 6:12
This is one of the most famous of all Gospel songs. But oddly it's rarely sung as a Gospel song since jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong recorded it as a jazz number in the 1930s. Few listeners think of it as an apocalyptic ("end of the world") song, which it is. In fact, the song stays fairly closely to the apocalyptic images of Daniel (the "saints") and Revelation, though these images also appear elsewhere in the Bible. The "number" refers to the "great multitude" who have endured suffering ("the great tribulation") for God's sake and so stand before the throne of God (REVELATION 7). There have been numerous recordings of the song. Elvis sang it in his movie, Frankie and Johnny, and there's also a home recording here.
Well when the saints go marchin' in"The saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever. Yes! Forever and ever!"
DANIEL 7:18
"I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red. . . ."
Revelation 6:12
This is one of the most famous of all Gospel songs. But oddly it's rarely sung as a Gospel song since jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong recorded it as a jazz number in the 1930s. Few listeners think of it as an apocalyptic ("end of the world") song, which it is. In fact, the song stays fairly closely to the apocalyptic images of Daniel (the "saints") and Revelation, though these images also appear elsewhere in the Bible. The "number" refers to the "great multitude" who have endured suffering ("the great tribulation") for God's sake and so stand before the throne of God (REVELATION 7). There have been numerous recordings of the song. Elvis sang it in his movie, Frankie and Johnny, and there's also a home recording here.
Well when the saints go marchin in
Oh Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marchin' in
Well I had a loving mother
To walk and talk with me
Now I have no mother
What pleasure do I see?
Well when the saints go marchin' in
Well when the saints go marchin in
Oh Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marchin' in
When the sun refuse to shine
Well when the sun refuse to shine
Oh Lord I want to be in that number
When the sun refuse to shine
Well when the saints go marchin' in
Well when the saints go marchin in
Oh Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marchin' in.
DANIEL
Songs Week of 24 March 2008
SHADRACK
This famous Gospel song is based on the Fiery Furnace text from DANIEL (chapter 3). There are countless versions of this song. To hear The Larks sing it, go here . For a version by Soul singer, Brook Benton, go here. Note how concisely the entire Bible story is retold as song.
Songs Week of 24 March 2008
SHADRACK
This famous Gospel song is based on the Fiery Furnace text from DANIEL (chapter 3). There are countless versions of this song. To hear The Larks sing it, go here . For a version by Soul singer, Brook Benton, go here. Note how concisely the entire Bible story is retold as song.
Well he told everybody when they hear the music of the cornet. Well they told everybody when they hear the music of the flute. And they told everybody when they hear the music of the horn. Great God says, You must bow down and worship the idol. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego.
But the children of Israel would not bow down. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. You couldn't fool them with a golden idol. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. I said, you couldn't fool them with a golden idol. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego.
So the king put the children in a fiery furnace. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. He heaped on coals and red-hot brimstone. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. Made it seven times hotter: hotter than it ought to be. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. It even burned up the soldiers that the king had put there. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. Then the Lord God sent them an angel. And he gave them a couple of wings. So they moved them on down to the fiery furnace and began to cool the flames. Those children they got so happy, they were strutting right through the fire, just laughing and singing about the power of the gospel. Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego. Well, Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego. Little old Nebuchadezzer said, "Hey, now!" when he saw the power of the Lord. "Have a good time in the land of Babylon." Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego. Oh, Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego.
ROCK OF AGES
This famous hymn is based on Daniel 2:44-45. For Christians, the "Rock" is Jesus.To hear the hymn, go here.
Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee; let the water and the blood, from thy wounded side which flowed, be of sin the double cure; save from wrath and make me pure. Not the labors of my handsThis famous hymn is based on Daniel 2:44-45. For Christians, the "Rock" is Jesus.To hear the hymn, go here.
can fulfill thy law's commands; could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow, all for sin could not atone; thou must save, and thou alone. Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling; naked, come to thee for dress; helpless, look to thee for grace; foul, I to the fountain fly; wash me, Savior, or I die. While I draw this fleeting breath, when mine eyes shall close in death, when I soar to worlds unknown, see thee on thy judgment throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee.
ROCK OF AGES
(Hide Thou Me)
To hear this song sung by Elvis in a non-studio recording, click Elvis.
O Rock of Ages I bow to thee. There is no other refuge can save one but thee. Through this old world I wander so far far from thee and I cry to Rock of Ages, I cry to hide thou, hide thou me.(Hide Thou Me)
To hear this song sung by Elvis in a non-studio recording, click Elvis.
HANDWRITING ON THE WALL
The story of Belshazzar and his banquet (the book of Daniel, chapter 5) gives English the phrase, "handwriting on the wall." To hear the song, click here.
A king made a feast for a banquet. He invited all his men to come and play. They didn't know the king's time was over. That the kingdom that he held would pass away. Soon the crowd began to roar in drunken slumber. A worried look soon took his smile away. As he looked to say, "Behold I see a finger and it's writing something on the wall today." The handwriting's on the wall, can't you see it? The message tells the story begins today. Don't be weighed in the balance and found wanting, don't turn down the truth for today. I sent you warning and now I send yo judgment on a nation that's forgotten how to pray and there's no way to erase it, the handwriting's on the wall here today.The story of Belshazzar and his banquet (the book of Daniel, chapter 5) gives English the phrase, "handwriting on the wall." To hear the song, click here.
Now the world's getting closer to destruction, as we walk the streets we hear the word Doomsday. Now we all know that something's soon to happen if we refuse to stop and pray. Soon the laughter will one day turn to mourning and the crowds will be far away and like the king we'll finally got the message who didn't realize he had feet of clay.
The handwriting's on the wall, can't you see it? Don't be weighed in the balance and found wanting don't turn down the truth for today. I send you warning now I send you judgemnt on a nation that's forgotten how to pray and there's no way to erase it, the handwriting's on the wall here today. And there's no way to erase it, the handwriting's on the wall here today.
BELSHAZZAR
With a narrative economy typical of the finest Gospel songs, Country singer, Johnny Cash, wrote this song about the "handwriting on the wall" scene in DANIEL. To hear an amateur version of this song, go here. A bluegrass version is here.
Well the Bible tells us about a man who ruled Babylon and all its land. Around the city he built a wall and declared that Babylon would never fall. He had concubines and wives. he called his Babylon, Paradise. On his throne he drank and ate but for Belshazzar it was getting late. For he was weighed in the balance and found wanting. His kingdom was divided, it couldn't stand. He was weighed in the balance and found wanting. His houses were built upon the sand. Well the people feasted and drank their wine and praised the false gods of his time. All holy things they scorned and mocked but suddenly all their mocking stopped. For on the wall there appeared a hand: nothing else, there was no man. In blood the hand began to write and Belshazzar couldn't hide his fright. For he was weighed in the balance and found wanting. His kingdom was divided and couldn't stand. He was weighed in the balance and found wanting. His houses Well no one around but couldn't understand what was written by the mystic hand. Belshazzar tried but couldn't find a man who could give him peace of mind. But Daniel, the prophet, a man of God, he saw the writing on the wall in blood. Belshazzar asked him what it said and Daniel turned to the wall and read: , "My friend you're weighed in the balanced and found wanting. Your kingdom is divided, it can't stand, You're weighed in the balance and found wanting. Your houses are built upon the sand. With a narrative economy typical of the finest Gospel songs, Country singer, Johnny Cash, wrote this song about the "handwriting on the wall" scene in DANIEL. To hear an amateur version of this song, go here. A bluegrass version is here.
DANIEL
Songs Week of 25 March 2008
OH WHAT A TIME
In Afro-American Gospel, Bible characters are commonplaces to advance theological ideas, as here.
Oh what a time when we are gathered round! Oh, what a time, shouting and praising the Lord. We'll shout and sing and praise his Holy Name, Oh, my Lord, what a time! Oh my Lord what a time. Oh my Lord what a time! This world shall cease to be, this gonna live eternally, oh, my Lord what a time! Gonna meet my God who is gone to the glory, a little Hebrew boy hiding in the fiery furnace. Gonna meet old Daniel in the lion's den, gonna meet King David with his shield and buckle. Gonna meet King Solomon by the Rose of Sharon. I'm singing low, oh, oh, my Lord, I'm singing low, oh, oh, my Lord, I'm singing low, oh, oh, my Lord, Yes, I'm singing oh my Lord what a time! Oh my Lord what a time, oh my Lord what a time. This world shall cease to be, this gonna live eternally, oh my Lord what a time! Songs Week of 25 March 2008
DANIEL IN THE LION'S DEN
A Christian reading of Daniel in the Lion's Den,
with Jesus appearing to save Daniel:
Daniel in the lion's den. O Daniel in the lion's den. O Daniel in the lion's den. Lion's den, my Lord, now. Daniel in the lion's den, Daniel in the lion's den, Daniel in the lion's den. He said, Lord have mercy on me." Well he said, "Now is the needed time." And then Jesus locked the lion's jaw. Then God, he sent an angel down.A Christian reading of Daniel in the Lion's Den,
with Jesus appearing to save Daniel:
OH WHAT A TIME
In Afro-American Gospel, Bible characters are commonplaces to advance theological ideas, as here.
DANIEL
This field shout touches on the abstract. As usual in Afro-Amercian traditions, Bible characters are treated as commonplaces for themes such as faith, hope, endurance:
Walk, I tell you walk, O Daniel! Shout, believer, shout, O Daniel! Shout the other way, O Daniel. Gimme the knee bone bend, O Daniel! On the eagle wing, O Daniel! Fly, I tell you, fly, O Daniel! Fly the other way, O Daniel! Fly, believer, fly O Daniel! Rock, believer, rock, O Daniel. Shout, believer, shout, O Daniel! Shout, I tell you shout O Daniel! Shout the other way, Daniel! Gimme the knee bone bend, O Daniel!This field shout touches on the abstract. As usual in Afro-Amercian traditions, Bible characters are treated as commonplaces for themes such as faith, hope, endurance:
THE VERY SAME GOD
"Reel and rock" later became a Rock 'n' Roll phrase for dancing but here it means the Last Judgment. The song tells of the sameness of God through the ages:
"Reel and rock" later became a Rock 'n' Roll phrase for dancing but here it means the Last Judgment. The song tells of the sameness of God through the ages:
Very same, very same, very same Lord went in the lion's den. Stop, O Andy, don't you run, very same Lord went in the lion's den. My God made this world himself, very same Lord went in the lion's den. One of these days 'bout twelve o'clock, very same Lord went in the lion's den, this old world's gonna reel and rock, very same Lord went in the lion's den. When I get to heaven going sing and shout very same Lord went in the Lion's den, there's nobody to turn me out, very same Lord went in the lion's den. Hush, hush, what noise I hear? Very same Lord went in the lion's den, hear John preaching in the wilderness, very same Lord went in the lion's den.
DANIEL WAS A PRAYING MAN
One of the reasons the book of Daniel is so popular is its confidence in God and prayer. Jewish and Christian ideas are blended here (the reference to "the Father and the Son [Jesus]"):
Daniel was a praying man (2) three times a day he would always pray. Daniel was a praying man. Daniel was a praying man (2) three times a day he would always pray. Daniel was a praying man. Always face the east, he always faced the east, he always faced the sun when he prayed to the Holy One. Yeah. Daniel was a praying man. He prayed that "Thy will be done (3), I believe in the Father and the Son, yeah! Daniel was a praying man. Daniel was a praying man (2) three times a day he would always pray. Daniel was a praying man.One of the reasons the book of Daniel is so popular is its confidence in God and prayer. Jewish and Christian ideas are blended here (the reference to "the Father and the Son [Jesus]"):
THEY CAME OUT SHOUTING
The story of the three Hebrews in the fiery furnace is blended with the idea of Jesus, though Jesus came hundreds of years later. The faith in final victory has sustained Jews and Christians through ages of persecution:
Oh, they came, they came out shouting (they came), the fire don't bother me. (2) Let me tell you, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, into the fire burning they did surely go! They went in hand in hand came out in Jesus' hands. They came out shouting. I say, they came out shouting, the fire don't bother me. Let me tell you Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, into the fire burning they did surely go, they went hand in hand, came out in Jesus' name, they came out shouting, the fire don't bother me. They came out shouting! (3).
DANIEL SAW THE STONE
Well old Daniel saw the stone that was hewed out the mountain. Daniel saw the stone stone that was rolling down to Babylon, Daniel saw the stone that was hewed out the mountain coming down to redeem a mighty world. (2) Won't you meet me, Jesus, meet me, won't you meet me in the middle of the air? Cause now if these wings should fail me, Lord I want to hitch on another pair. King Jesus was the stone that was hewed out the mountain. King Jesus was the stone that come a-rolling in Babylon. King Jesus was the stone that was hewed out the mountain, coming down to redeem a mighty world. (2) Well the tree ends were bending, way up in the heavenly land. Well my God spoke to the Holy Ghost, he said, "Come on, and let's make plans." I'm looking for the stone that was hewed out the mountain, I'm looking for the stone that came a-rolling in Babylon, I'm looking for the stone that was hewed out the mountain coming down to redeem a mighty world. (2) Well now early in the morning the trumpet's going to sound, the dead in Christ is going to rise. Well if you ain't got good religion, Lord in hell you'll open up your eyes. I found that stone that was hewed out of the mountain, I found that stone that was rolling in Babylon, I found that stone that was hewed out of the mountain, coming down to redeem a mighty world. (2)
ROCK OF AGES
One of the most famous hymns, based on Isaiah 26:4 and Daniel 2:44:
Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee; Let the water and the blood, >From Thy wounded side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure; Save from wrath and make me pure.
HIDE ME ROCK OF AGES
A country and western arrangement of this theme:
Oh Thou blessed Rock of ages. I am trusting on Thee. Keep me till my journey's ended, till Thy blessed face I see. Hide me always Rock of Ages, till Thy blessed face I see, while the storm cloud rages, Rock of Ages hide Thou me.DANIEL, SERVANT OF THE LORD
Gospel song based on the lion's den text from DANIEL:
Oh, the King cried, Oh, Daniel, go find the Hebrew Daniel, servant of the Lord. O Daniel, Daniel, Daniel. Among the Hebrew nation, one Hebrew Daniel was found. They put him in the lion's den, he stayed there all night long. Oh, the King cried, Oh, Daniel, go find the Hebrew Daniel, servant of the Lord. O Daniel, Daniel, Daniel. O Daniel, Daniel, Daniel, the Hebrew Daniel, servant of the Lord. Now the king in his sleep was troubled. And then early in the morning he rose to find that God had sent off his angels for to close the lion's jaws. Oh the king cried, O Daniel, Daniel, the Hebrew, Daniel, servant of the Lord. (repeat)Gospel song based on the lion's den text from DANIEL:
In His Care-O
Daniel became a symbol for those who wished to keep God's laws regardless where they lived, as this gospel song shows:
Well Daniel he was a good man, Lord, he prayed three times a day. Well, the angels raised their windows just to hear what Daniel had to say, say, say. Well Daniel he was a good man, Lord he prayed three times a day. I pray the Lord, I'm in his care-o!Daniel became a symbol for those who wished to keep God's laws regardless where they lived, as this gospel song shows:
SHADRACK, MESHACH, ABEDNEGO
A Reggae version of the same theme.
Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego, were thrown in the fire and they never get burned. Shadrack was a Dreadlock, Meshach was a Dreadlock*. Also Abednego. Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, he was surprised to see what's going on. He called up his guards, "Run come see! There were children in the fire and now there is coal. There were children in the fire and now there is coal." They got to believe the words of Jah, they got to know the words of Jah. Now that they see the words of Jah, there were children in the fire and now there is coal.*Dreadlock=A Rastafarian (Rasta) wearing dreadlocks. Rastafarianism is a Jamaican version of Bible themes, a main focus of Reggae music, most famously, that of Bob Marley. "Jah" is the Rasta word for "Lord." "Jah" by itself is used once in the KJV (King James Version) of the Bible but is commonly used as part of the word, "HalleluJAH," meaning "Praise the Lord" and in contemporary worship songs.
HANDWRITING ON THE WALL
The story of Belshazzar and his banquet (the book of Daniel) gives English the phrase, "handwriting on the wall":
Well there's a handwriting (on the wall). It's a handwriting (on the wall). I see a handwriting (on the wall). Whoa, whoa! Lord, he writes on the wall. Well you read your Bible, you read it well. You know about the story that I'm about to tell. Belshazzar was sitting at the banquet ball, drinking out of vessels of Israel's God. They tell me that his eyes got red with wine when God come jumping on the wheels of time. He rode on down to the banquet hall, set his handwriting on the wall. Belshazzar looked up on the banquet wall, saw the handwriting of Israel's God. "Go get Daniel!" I heard him yell, "tell him to read that writing, read it well. But I'll make him the ruler of all the land if he could just read the writing that's written by the hand." Then Daniel comes jumping to the power of God, began to read what was written on the wall. Mene, Tekele, Uparson. Great God Almighty, your days are done. But God done got tired of your wicked ways, the angels in the heavens done numbered your days. He said, your evil deeds have done got tried, you got to go to judgment to stand your trial. You got to go to judgment and stand at the bar for drinking out the vessels of Israel's God.The story of Belshazzar and his banquet (the book of Daniel) gives English the phrase, "handwriting on the wall":
BELSHAZZAR
Country singer, Johnny Cash, wrote this song about the "handwriting on the wall" scene in DANIEL:
Well the Bible tells us about a man who ruled Babylon and all its land. Around the city he built a wall and declared that Babylon would never fall. He had concubines and wives. he called his Babylon, Paradise. On his throne he drank and ate but for Belshazzar it was getting late. For he was weighed in the balance and found wanting. His kingdom was divided, it couldn't stand. He was weighed in the balance and found wanting. His houses were built upon the sand. Well the people feasted and drank their wine and praised the false gods of his time. All holy things they scorned and mocked but suddenly all their mocking stopped. For on the wall there appeared a hand: nothing else, there was no man. In blood the hand began to write and Belshazzar couldn't hide his fright. For he was weighed in the balance and found wanting. His kingdom was divided and couldn't stand. He was weighed in the balance and found wanting. His houses Well no one around but couldn't understand what was written by the mystic hand. Belshazzar tried but couldn't find a man who could give him peace of mind. But Daniel, the prophet, a man of God, he saw the writing on the wall in blood. Belshazzar asked him what it said and Daniel turned to the wall and read: , "My friend you're weighed in the balanced and found wanting. Your kingdom is divided, it can't stand, You're weighed in the balance and found wanting. Your houses are built upon the sand.Country singer, Johnny Cash, wrote this song about the "handwriting on the wall" scene in DANIEL:
SHADRACK
The most famous Gospel song based on the Fiery Furnace text from DANIEL:
Well there were 3 children from the land of Israel. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. They took a little trip to the land of Babylon. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. Well old Nebuchadnezzar was the king of Babylon. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. Well he took a lot of gold and he made him an idol. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. The most famous Gospel song based on the Fiery Furnace text from DANIEL:
Well he told everybody when they heard the music of the cornet. Well they told everybody when they heard the music of the flute. And they told everybody when they heard the music of the horn. Great God says, You must bow down and worship the idol. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego.
But the children of Israel would not bow down. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. You couldn't fool them with a golden idol. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. I said, you couldn't fool them with a golden idol. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego.
So the king put the children in a fiery furnace. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. He heaped on coals and red-hot brimstone. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. Made it seven times hotter: hotter than it ought to be. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. It even burned up the soldiers that the king had put there. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. Then the Lord God sent them an angel. And he gave them a couple of wings. So they moved them on down to the fiery furnace and began to cool the flames. Those children they got so happy, they were strutting right through the fire, just laughing and singing about the power of the gospel. Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego. Well, Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego. Little old Nebuchadezzer said, "Hey, now!" when he saw the power of the Lord. "Have a good time in the land of Babylon." Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego. Oh, Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego.
Songs Week of 17 April 2007
LAMENTATIONS
The book of Lamentations is a main part of Passion week (the week before Easter). (For this reason, though ranked with the Writings in Jewish Bibles, the book is grouped as one of Five Major Prophets in Christian Bibles.)(1a) De lamentatione Jeremiae prophetae.
The Lamentations of the prophet Jeremiah.
(1b) Jerusalem convertere ad Dominum Deum tuum.
Jerusalem, turn to the Lord your God.
(1c) Same as (1b)
BEHOLD AND SEE
Handel set one verse from the Lamentations (1:12) in his oratorio, The Messiah, since Lamentations is traditionally read by Christians as an allegory of Jesus' suffering:Behold and see if there be any sorrow like unto His sorrow.
GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." LAMENTATIONS 3:22Great is Thy faithfulness O Thou my Father. There is no shadow of turning with Thee. Thou changest not Thy compassions, they fail not. As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be. Great is They faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness, morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided, great is Thy faithfulness Lord unto me.
THE BOOK OF EZEKIEL
Afro-American Sermon
I say good news, the chariot's coming, so glad the chariot's coming, getting ready cause the chariot's coming. There's a better day a-coming fare thee well, fare thee well (2).
The Valley of Dry Bones
Based on Ezekiel 37: "And he said unto me, 'Son of man, can these bones live?' And I answered, 'O Lord God, thou knowest.' Again he said unto me, 'Prophesy upon these bones. . . .' So I prophesied, as I was commanded. And as I prophesied, there was a noise. And, behold, a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone." (Ezekiel 37:3-7).Afro-American Sermon
I want you to consider the book of Ezekiel, the tenth chapter and um the ninth and the ten verses of that chapter. And when I looked behold four wheels,
ah, by the cherubims, one wheel by one cherub and another wheel by another cherub and the appearance of the wheels was as the color of a beryl stone and as for their appearances the four had one likeness as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel. I'm going to talk about wheels in the middle of wheels. I want you to hurry up and get with me because I remember when I was growing up as a young preacher, people used to say to the Preacher come up now, I'm up here waiting on you. Now I want to say to you don't you come up the road to wait for me
because I may turn off before I get to where you are. Wheels in the middle of wheels. Let me by way of introduction say to you that contemporary with this writing Babylonia was in world ascendancy. She had become the leading existing power in that part of the world. Egypt had failed, and Assyria had gone down. Babylonia was on the ascendancy. Nebuchadnezzar, ah, threw fear in the hearts of world leaders contemporary with himself. Now there was fear in the hearts, in the hearts of the Israelites that Babylon eventually would besiege the nation and they felt that the threat of doom hung over the holy city Jerusalem. God had always had in a crisis some prophet or some preacher to engender hope in the hearts of hopeless people. He always has [always] some preacher or some prophet [yes] who walks along the lofty walls of vision while the people grope down in the darkness calling out to him, "Watchman, what of the night?" And the prophet or the preacher doesn't answer. The morning comes and so does the night. At this time there was a threat of military overthrow for the people of Israel. At this time the people were fearful and they were even more fearful because they thought that not only would Jerusalem be destroyed but the temple would be destroyed and the vision points out that Yahweh or God would withdraw not only from, ah, Jerusalem but also from the temple and the people have had great traditions, great backgrounds. It is difficult for them to turn those fractious days loose without wrecking themselves, emotionally, spiritually and otherwise. So Ezekiel appeared on the scene to speak to Israel from Yahweh. And he tells them the story of a prophet's vision. He said he looked into the firmament, which was another way of saying I looked into the future, I looked into the firmament, I looked into history that had not taken place. I looked into the firmament. ah, as those of you reckon who read the Bible with some diligence, realize how graphic and how symbolic the book of Ezekiel is. Many are the imagery or images ah are are graphic but to the people of Israel at least they were constructive. [Yes.] And because when he said he looked into the firmament (are you praying with me?), ah, I said, and I repeat that he was talking about looking into history. And he was looking upon the temple [yes], he was looking in a way that was transcendent to the temple [yeah] and he sat as he looked he saw the outlines of a throne that was made like a chariot. And then the vague outline [yeah] of somebody sitting on that chariot throne. That was in the future, that was above Israel. It was above Babylon as well as the rest of history. For I don't care anything about the Hitlers, and the Mussolinis, it doesn't mean anything to me about the despots and about the men of power. Well Hitler is not here and Mussolini is dead. I will say the great rulers that we've been talking about are all gone. But God is still in the middle of the sky, sitting above history, above power, still on his chariot throne. But the symbolism of the throne looking like a chariot with the vague outlines of Yahweh sitting on it, suggests that Yahweh was ready to fight. You're not going to ah get on a chariot for any reason other than fighting. This is the thing that astonished the prophet as well as the nation. That the prophet was in the temple at the time that is as far as the vision was concerned, at the time of the vision and because he saw not only God above him but God was on the move and the glory of God was blinding as he moved out of the temple toward the east gate. I wish I had somebody to pray with tonight. And ah he tells the story not only of the chariot throne but he saw around the throne cherubs and cherubims, ah, words that are used interchangeably ah with angels. Cherub is singular and cherubim is plural so there was movement between one aggregation of cherubs on the other hand and another aggregation of cherubims on the other hand. Then he heard a voice there in the temple calling out to a man in white. What is meant by this? A scribe or a priest. And the voice said, "Come in. Reach your hand in the midst of the church. Get some live coals from around the altar. Then I want you to go on a mission for me out into the city throwing and scattering these live coals. I don't believe you hear what I'm saying. And has been preached for the scribes to scatter these coals, these parcels of fire symbolizing God's words. For usually fire as you read it in the Bible is associated with God. It was in connection with God that Moses saw God in the burning bush. It was fire that ah was used with the sacrifices. It was fire that God answered Elijah on Mount Carmel. Now God is a fire flame. You don't believe what I'm saying, yes he is, let me tell you, Jesus Christ. It is said that when the priest or the scribe went out to scatter the fiery words of God into a hopeless city, well that priest or scribe did his job. Now what was Ezekiel talking about? What he was saying was, well, God, you know showed me angels and beside the angels were wheels, oh Lord, and those wheels were full of fire, yeah, they had eyes on their hands, they had eyes in their heads, they had eyes on their wings, and then the wheels had eyes around them, Oh Lord, would you tell them what you're talking about Ezekiel. I'm telling you that you are part of God's plan. You know God is the first wheel, oh Lord! Babylon is a wheel that was bigger than Israel. Yes. But in his vision, the prophet was saying don't lose hope. You may be a small wheel, but you are a wheel. Although you may feel that you are doomed. Oh, Lord, They just mean that you are in God's plans and in God's purposes, oh Lord. And God's plans, they're not blind, they're full of eyes. God is on a mission anyways. He has angels standing by, his plan. Oh, Lord. And then those angels are full of eyes. They're looking to the north. Those eyes are looking to the east, into the south, and then to the west. Pray God. And then remember the wheels were rolling, sit down here, I've never seen a vision like this, I've been sick all day. God's plan are ever on the move. I don't believe you hear me. Oh, don't worry tonight, don't get afraid, don't lose your faith, don't lose your hope, don't lose that burning fire down in your heart. God's plan are on the move. And no power, well you may be frustrated . . . but you cannot stop God's plan, always, always God is gonna make a way.
GOOD NEWSah, by the cherubims, one wheel by one cherub and another wheel by another cherub and the appearance of the wheels was as the color of a beryl stone and as for their appearances the four had one likeness as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel. I'm going to talk about wheels in the middle of wheels. I want you to hurry up and get with me because I remember when I was growing up as a young preacher, people used to say to the Preacher come up now, I'm up here waiting on you. Now I want to say to you don't you come up the road to wait for me
because I may turn off before I get to where you are. Wheels in the middle of wheels. Let me by way of introduction say to you that contemporary with this writing Babylonia was in world ascendancy. She had become the leading existing power in that part of the world. Egypt had failed, and Assyria had gone down. Babylonia was on the ascendancy. Nebuchadnezzar, ah, threw fear in the hearts of world leaders contemporary with himself. Now there was fear in the hearts, in the hearts of the Israelites that Babylon eventually would besiege the nation and they felt that the threat of doom hung over the holy city Jerusalem. God had always had in a crisis some prophet or some preacher to engender hope in the hearts of hopeless people. He always has [always] some preacher or some prophet [yes] who walks along the lofty walls of vision while the people grope down in the darkness calling out to him, "Watchman, what of the night?" And the prophet or the preacher doesn't answer. The morning comes and so does the night. At this time there was a threat of military overthrow for the people of Israel. At this time the people were fearful and they were even more fearful because they thought that not only would Jerusalem be destroyed but the temple would be destroyed and the vision points out that Yahweh or God would withdraw not only from, ah, Jerusalem but also from the temple and the people have had great traditions, great backgrounds. It is difficult for them to turn those fractious days loose without wrecking themselves, emotionally, spiritually and otherwise. So Ezekiel appeared on the scene to speak to Israel from Yahweh. And he tells them the story of a prophet's vision. He said he looked into the firmament, which was another way of saying I looked into the future, I looked into the firmament, I looked into history that had not taken place. I looked into the firmament. ah, as those of you reckon who read the Bible with some diligence, realize how graphic and how symbolic the book of Ezekiel is. Many are the imagery or images ah are are graphic but to the people of Israel at least they were constructive. [Yes.] And because when he said he looked into the firmament (are you praying with me?), ah, I said, and I repeat that he was talking about looking into history. And he was looking upon the temple [yes], he was looking in a way that was transcendent to the temple [yeah] and he sat as he looked he saw the outlines of a throne that was made like a chariot. And then the vague outline [yeah] of somebody sitting on that chariot throne. That was in the future, that was above Israel. It was above Babylon as well as the rest of history. For I don't care anything about the Hitlers, and the Mussolinis, it doesn't mean anything to me about the despots and about the men of power. Well Hitler is not here and Mussolini is dead. I will say the great rulers that we've been talking about are all gone. But God is still in the middle of the sky, sitting above history, above power, still on his chariot throne. But the symbolism of the throne looking like a chariot with the vague outlines of Yahweh sitting on it, suggests that Yahweh was ready to fight. You're not going to ah get on a chariot for any reason other than fighting. This is the thing that astonished the prophet as well as the nation. That the prophet was in the temple at the time that is as far as the vision was concerned, at the time of the vision and because he saw not only God above him but God was on the move and the glory of God was blinding as he moved out of the temple toward the east gate. I wish I had somebody to pray with tonight. And ah he tells the story not only of the chariot throne but he saw around the throne cherubs and cherubims, ah, words that are used interchangeably ah with angels. Cherub is singular and cherubim is plural so there was movement between one aggregation of cherubs on the other hand and another aggregation of cherubims on the other hand. Then he heard a voice there in the temple calling out to a man in white. What is meant by this? A scribe or a priest. And the voice said, "Come in. Reach your hand in the midst of the church. Get some live coals from around the altar. Then I want you to go on a mission for me out into the city throwing and scattering these live coals. I don't believe you hear what I'm saying. And has been preached for the scribes to scatter these coals, these parcels of fire symbolizing God's words. For usually fire as you read it in the Bible is associated with God. It was in connection with God that Moses saw God in the burning bush. It was fire that ah was used with the sacrifices. It was fire that God answered Elijah on Mount Carmel. Now God is a fire flame. You don't believe what I'm saying, yes he is, let me tell you, Jesus Christ. It is said that when the priest or the scribe went out to scatter the fiery words of God into a hopeless city, well that priest or scribe did his job. Now what was Ezekiel talking about? What he was saying was, well, God, you know showed me angels and beside the angels were wheels, oh Lord, and those wheels were full of fire, yeah, they had eyes on their hands, they had eyes in their heads, they had eyes on their wings, and then the wheels had eyes around them, Oh Lord, would you tell them what you're talking about Ezekiel. I'm telling you that you are part of God's plan. You know God is the first wheel, oh Lord! Babylon is a wheel that was bigger than Israel. Yes. But in his vision, the prophet was saying don't lose hope. You may be a small wheel, but you are a wheel. Although you may feel that you are doomed. Oh, Lord, They just mean that you are in God's plans and in God's purposes, oh Lord. And God's plans, they're not blind, they're full of eyes. God is on a mission anyways. He has angels standing by, his plan. Oh, Lord. And then those angels are full of eyes. They're looking to the north. Those eyes are looking to the east, into the south, and then to the west. Pray God. And then remember the wheels were rolling, sit down here, I've never seen a vision like this, I've been sick all day. God's plan are ever on the move. I don't believe you hear me. Oh, don't worry tonight, don't get afraid, don't lose your faith, don't lose your hope, don't lose that burning fire down in your heart. God's plan are on the move. And no power, well you may be frustrated . . . but you cannot stop God's plan, always, always God is gonna make a way.
I say good news, the chariot's coming, so glad the chariot's coming, getting ready cause the chariot's coming. There's a better day a-coming fare thee well, fare thee well (2).
The Valley of Dry Bones
DRY BONES
Ezekiel cried them dry bones (3), "Now hear the word of the Lord." Ezekiel connected them dry bones (3), now hear the word of the lord. Well the toe bones connected to your foot bone, your foot bone's connected to your heel bone connected to the ankle (knee, thigh, hip, back, shoulder, neck, head) now hear the word of the Lord. Them bones gonna walk around (3) now hear the word of the Lord. Just connect them bones, them dry bones, now hear the word of the Lord (3). Well your head bone's connected from your neck bone (neck, shoulder, back, hip, thigh, knee, leg, ankle, heel, foot, toe bone), now hear the word of the Lord. Them bones, them dry bones (3), now hear the word of the Lord. (Repeat). Now hear the word of the Lord.Breathe On Us Again
This hymn was sung at the Christian Revival in Washington, D.C. in October, 1997. The Revival was named, "Stand in the Gap," after Ezekiel 22:30: "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap [hole] for the land's sake, so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none." The title refers to another Ezekiel text, the "Valley of Dry Bones": "I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live" (37:5). This refers to Genesis: "and the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul" (2:7). Ezekiel's revival of the dry bones is open to two readings: a "Zionist" reading (the return of the Jews to Jerusalem) or a Christian reading of Resurrection:
O Lord, hear. O Lord forgive us. We have lost the hour of you. Have mercy, have mercy. O Lord, cleanse our hearts, which are divided. Stir the faith that we once knew. We're thirsty, we're thirsty. O Lord, restore the Church that bears your name. O Spirit, send a revival to this nation. Breathe on us again. Breathe on us again. O Lord, restore the Church that bears your name. O Spirit, send a revival to this nation. Breathe on us again. Breathe on us again.Ezekiel 34
(Listening Text)
This chapter influenced ideas in the New Testament, and Jesus refers to it (John 10). He also refers to it in his famous remark about sheep disguised as wolves: "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves" (Matthew 7:15). The Ezekiel text has echoes of the famous Psalm 23 ("The Lord Is My Shepherd")."And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd. . . ."
Listen to the Lambs
Based on Ezekiel 34 (itself based on Jeremiah 23:1), with its messianic image of a Good Shepherd, later used by Jesus: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. . . . I am the good shepherd: I know my sheep and my sheep know me" (John: 10:11-14).Listen to the lambs, all a-crying (3) all a-crying. (3) He shall feed his flock like a shepherd and carry the young lambs in his bosom and carry the young lambs in his bosom.
HEAR DE LAM'S A CRYIN'
Afro-American dialect for "Hear the lambs a-crying." From Ezekiel 34 and the last chapter of the Gospel of John (21). Jesus wisely asks Peter three times if Peter loves him, because Peter denied Jesus three times. And Jesus links Peter's love of him to actual works ("feed my lambs"), as if Jesus knew that love and works would soon be split. Soon many loved Jesus but had no sense of social justice; they forgot to feed the lambs: "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?" (JAMES 3:15-16)
Hear the lambs a-crying (3), Oh shepherd feed my sheep. My Savior spoke these words so sweet, Oh shepherd feed my sheep, saying Peter if you love me feed my sheep, oh shepherd feed my sheep. My Lord I love you thou must know (oh shepherd feed my sheep) oh give me grace to love Thee more (oh shepherd feed my sheep). Hear the lambs a-crying (3), Oh shepherd feed my sheep.Afro-American dialect for "Hear the lambs a-crying." From Ezekiel 34 and the last chapter of the Gospel of John (21). Jesus wisely asks Peter three times if Peter loves him, because Peter denied Jesus three times. And Jesus links Peter's love of him to actual works ("feed my lambs"), as if Jesus knew that love and works would soon be split. Soon many loved Jesus but had no sense of social justice; they forgot to feed the lambs: "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?" (JAMES 3:15-16)
GOING TO RIDE UP IN DE CHARIOT
Gonna ride up in the chariot sooner in the morning and I hope I join the band. Oh Lord have mercy on me and I hope I join the band. Going to chatter with the angels sooner in the morning and I hope I join the band. Oh Lord have mercy on me (3) and I'll join the band.EZEKIEL SAW THE WHEEL
Though the book of Ezekiel is considered odd by some readers, its images are some of the most famous from the Bible, especially in Gospel songs. It has also had influence on the book of Revelation. In popular culture, Ezekiel's Heavenly Chariot has been the source of UFO (Flying Saucer) speculation. Gospel songs interpret the wheel in the middle of the wheel as God's grace and man's faith, as this song shows:Well I tell you! Ezekiel saw the wheel way up in the middle of the air. (4) And the big wheel runs by faith and the little wheel runs by the grace of God: a wheel in a wheel way up in the middle of the air.
Swing Down, Sweet Chariot
Elvis' music and style were influenced by Gospel quartets, which he loved, as this song shows:Why don't you swing down sweet chariot, stop and let me ride. Swing down chariot, stop and let me ride. Rock me Lord, rock me Lord, calm and easy. Well I've got a home on the other side. (2) Well, well, well, well, well, well. . . . Ezekiel went down in the middle of a field. He saw an angel working on a chariot wheel. Wasn't so particular 'bout the chariot wheel. Just wanted to see how a chariot feel. Why don't you swing down sweet chariot, stop and let me ride. Swing down chariot, stop and let me ride. Rock me Lord, rock me Lord, calm and easy. Well I've got a home on the other side. Well, well, well. . . . Ezekiel went down and he got on board. Chariot went a-bumping on down the road. Zeke [Ezekiel] wasn't so particular 'bout the bumping of the road. Just wanted to lay down his heavy load. Why don't you swing down sweet chariot, stop and let me ride. Swing down chariot, stop and let me ride. Rock me Lord, rock me Lord, calm and easy. Well I've got a home on the other side. Well I got a father in the Promised Land. Ain't no more stopping till I shake his hand. Rock me Lord, rock me Lord, calm and easy. I've got a home on the other side. Why don't you swing down sweet chariot, stop and let me ride. Swing down chariot, stop and let me ride. Rock me Lord, rock me Lord, calm and easy. Well I've got a home on the other side.
SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS
"I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send down showers in season: there will be showers of blessing." Ezekiel 34:26.There shall be showers of blessing: This is the promise of love; There shall be seasons refreshing, Sent from the Savior above. Showers of blessing, Showers of blessing we need: Mercy drops round us are falling, But for the showers we plead. There shall be showers of blessing, Precious reviving again; Over the hills and the valleys, Sound of abundance of rain.
EVEN ME
Based on Ezekiel 34:26.Lord, I hear of showers of blessing, Thou art scattering (you're scattering them) full and free. Showers the thirsty land/soul refreshing; Lord let some drops now fall (oh Lord let them fall) on me; Even me, even me, Let some drops now fall on me.
EZEKIEL: Home Listening
Ezekiel, Chapter 1
A famous gospel song based on Ezekiel 37: "And he said unto me, 'Son of man, can these bones live?' And I answered, 'O Lord God, thou knowest.' Again he said unto me, 'Prophesy upon these bones. . . .' So I prophesied, as I was commanded. And as I prophesied, there was a noise. And, behold, a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone." (Ezekiel 37:3-7).Ezekiel, Chapter 1
DRY BONES
To hear this song, click here.
To hear this song, click here.
Ezekiel cried them dry bones (3), "Now hear the word of the Lord." Ezekiel connected them dry bones (3), now hear the word of the lord. Well the toe bone's connected to your foot bone, your foot bone's connected to your heel bone connected to the ankle (knee, thigh, hip, back, shoulder, neck, head) now hear the word of the Lord. Them bones gonna walk around (3) now hear the word of the Lord. Just connect them bones, them dry bones, now hear the word of the Lord (3). Well your head bone's connected from your neck bone (neck, shoulder, back, hip, thigh, knee, leg, ankle, heel, foot, toe bone), now hear the word of the Lord. Them bones, them dry bones (3), now hear the word of the Lord. (Repeat). Now hear the word of the Lord.
Breathe On Us Again
The title refers to Ezekiel's text, the "Valley of Dry Bones": "I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live" (37:5). This refers to Genesis: "and the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul" (2:7). The revival of the dead bones in the Ezekiel text is the source of the religious terms, "revivalism" and "revival movements," common in Christian history, a reaction against routine worship. Ezekiel's revival of the dry bones is open to two readings: a "Zionist" reading (the return of the Jews to Jerusalem) or a Christian reading of Resurrection, as promised by Jesus. In the Gospel of John, Jesus breathes on his disciples in a symbolic action: "Again Jesus said, 'Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.' And with that he breathed on them and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit'" (20:21-22). By this symbolic action, Jesus proves he is God, who breathes life into his creatures (Genesis, chapter 2).
Click here to listen.
Breathe on us, Breath of Life, Spirit of God in all your glory. We who are thirsty, desperately waiting, Spirit of God breathe on us We magnify your name. Your presence is consuming me, so worthy, so worthy, so worthy to be praised. Breathe on us, Breath of Life, Spirit of God in all your glory. We who are thirsty, desperately waiting, Spirit of God breathe on us.
EZEKIEL SAW THE WHEEL
Though the book is considered odd by many readers, the book's images are commonly quoted in Gospel songs. It has also had obvious influence on the book of Revelation. In popular culture, Ezekiel's Heavenly Chariot has been the source of UFO (Flying Saucer) speculation; while there is a cult in Jewish mysticism that focuses on Chariot symbolism. Gospel songs interpret the wheel in the middle of the wheel as God's grace and man's faith, as this song shows:
To hear this song, click here. A slower version is here. Another version is here.
Well I tell you! Ezekiel saw the wheel way up in the middle of the air. (4) And the big wheel runs by faith and the little wheel runs by the grace of God: a wheel in a wheel way up in the middle of the air. Though the book is considered odd by many readers, the book's images are commonly quoted in Gospel songs. It has also had obvious influence on the book of Revelation. In popular culture, Ezekiel's Heavenly Chariot has been the source of UFO (Flying Saucer) speculation; while there is a cult in Jewish mysticism that focuses on Chariot symbolism. Gospel songs interpret the wheel in the middle of the wheel as God's grace and man's faith, as this song shows:
To hear this song, click here. A slower version is here. Another version is here.
Swing Down, Sweet Chariot
To hear this song, click here.
don't you swing down sweet chariot, stop and let me ride. Swing down chariot, stop and let me ride. Rock me Lord, rock me Lord, calm and easy. Well I've got a home on the other side. (2) Well, well, well, well, well, well. . . . Ezekiel went down in the middle of a field. He saw an angel working on a chariot wheel. Wasn't so particular 'bout the chariot wheel. Just wanted to see how a chariot feel. Why don't you swing down sweet chariot, stop and let me ride. Swing down chariot, stop and let me ride. Rock me Lord, rock me Lord, calm and easy. Well I've got a home on the other side. Well, well, well. . . . Ezekiel went down and he got on board. Chariot went a-bumping on down the road. Zeke [Ezekiel] wasn't so particular 'bout the bumping of the road. Just wanted to lay down his heavy load. Why don't you swing down sweet chariot, stop and let me ride. Swing down chariot, stop and let me ride. Rock me Lord, rock me Lord, calm and easy. Well I've got a home on the other side. Well I got a father in the Promised Land. Ain't no more stopping till I shake his hand. Rock me Lord, rock me Lord, calm and easy. I've got a home on the other side. Why don't you swing down sweet chariot, stop and let me ride. Swing down chariot, stop and let me ride. Rock me Lord, rock me Lord, calm and easy. Well I've got a home on the other side.
SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS
"I will bless them and the places surroundig my hill. I will send down showers in season: there will be showers of blessing." Ezekiel 34:26. The theme of Revival again.There shall be showers of blessing: This is the promise of love; There shall be seasons refreshing, Sent from the Savior above. Showers of blessing, Showers of blessing we need: Mercy drops round us are falling, But for the showers we plead. There shall be showers of blessing, Precious reviving again; Over the hills and the valleys, Sound of abundance of rain.
EVEN ME
Also based on Ezekiel 34:26. Listen here.
Lord, I hear of showers of blessing, Thou art scattering full and free; Showers the thirsty land refreshing; Let some drops now fall on me; Even me, even me, Let some drops now fall on me.
In-Class Listening
Week of 11 March 2008
JEREMIAH
The book of Jeremiah contains some of the greatest poetry in the Bible. Hebrew poetry is built mainly on parallel structure (repeating ideas in different words) and concrete images, making us see things vividly. Poetry must be heard to be appreciated.
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Week of 11 March 2008
JEREMIAH
The book of Jeremiah contains some of the greatest poetry in the Bible. Hebrew poetry is built mainly on parallel structure (repeating ideas in different words) and concrete images, making us see things vividly. Poetry must be heard to be appreciated.
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The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah in the land of Benjamin: 4: Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 5: Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. 6: Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. 7: But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. 8: Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD. 9: Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put words in thy mouth. 10: See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant. 17: Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them. 18: For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land. 19: And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.
7The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah in the land of Benjamin: 4: Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 5: Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. 6: Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. 7: But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. 8: Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD. 9: Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put words in thy mouth. 10: See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant. 17: Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them. 18: For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land. 19: And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.2: Stand in the gate of the LORD's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the LORD. 3: Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. 4: Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these. 5: For if ye throughly amend your ways and your doings; if ye throughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbour; 6: If ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt: 7: Then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever.
91: Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!
2: Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men. 3: And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD. 4: Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders. 5: And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.
6: Thine habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD. 7: Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will melt them, and try them; for how shall I do for the daughter of my people? 8: Their tongue is as an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: one speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait. 9: Shall I not visit them for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? 10: For the mountains will I take up a weeping and wailing, and for the habitations of the wilderness a lamentation, because they are burned up, so that none can pass through them; neither can men hear the voice of the cattle; both the fowl of the heavens and the beasts are fled; they are gone. 11: And I will make Jerusalem heaps, and a den of dragons; and I will make the cities of Judah desolate, without an inhabitant.
132: Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men. 3: And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD. 4: Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders. 5: And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.
6: Thine habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD. 7: Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will melt them, and try them; for how shall I do for the daughter of my people? 8: Their tongue is as an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: one speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait. 9: Shall I not visit them for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? 10: For the mountains will I take up a weeping and wailing, and for the habitations of the wilderness a lamentation, because they are burned up, so that none can pass through them; neither can men hear the voice of the cattle; both the fowl of the heavens and the beasts are fled; they are gone. 11: And I will make Jerusalem heaps, and a den of dragons; and I will make the cities of Judah desolate, without an inhabitant.
1: Thus saith the LORD unto me, Go and get thee a linen girdle, and put it on thy loins, and put it not in water. 2: So I got a girdle according to the word of the LORD, and put it on my loins. 3: And the word of the LORD came unto me the second time, saying, 4: Take the girdle that thou hast got, which is upon thy loins, and arise, go to Euphrates, and hide it there in a hole of the rock. 5: So I went, and hid it by Euphrates, as the LORD commanded me. 6: And it came to pass after many days, that the LORD said to me, Arise, go to Euphrates, and take the girdle from thence, which I commanded thee to hide there. 7: Then I went to Euphrates, and digged, and took the girdle from the place where I had hid it: and, behold, the girdle was marred, it was profitable for nothing. 8: Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 9: Thus saith the LORD, After this manner will I mar the pride of Judah, and the great pride of Jerusalem. 10: This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing. 11: For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, saith the LORD; that they might be unto me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear.
141: The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the dearth. 2: Judah mourneth, and the gates thereof languish; they are black unto the ground; and the cry of Jerusalem is gone up. 3: And their nobles have sent their little ones to the waters: they came to the pits, and found no water; they returned with their vessels empty; they were ashamed and confounded, and covered their heads.
4: Because the ground is chapped, for there was no rain in the earth, the plowmen were ashamed, they covered their heads.
5: Yea, the hind also calved in the field, and forsook it, because there was no grass. 6: And the wild asses did stand in the high places, they snuffed up the wind like dragons; their eyes did fail, because there was no grass. 7: O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee. 8: O the hope of Israel, the saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man that turneth aside to tarry for a night? 9: Why shouldest thou be as a man astonied [astonished], as a mighty man that cannot save? yet thou, O LORD, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not.
184: Because the ground is chapped, for there was no rain in the earth, the plowmen were ashamed, they covered their heads.
5: Yea, the hind also calved in the field, and forsook it, because there was no grass. 6: And the wild asses did stand in the high places, they snuffed up the wind like dragons; their eyes did fail, because there was no grass. 7: O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee. 8: O the hope of Israel, the saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man that turneth aside to tarry for a night? 9: Why shouldest thou be as a man astonied [astonished], as a mighty man that cannot save? yet thou, O LORD, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not.
1: The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2: Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. 3: Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. 4: And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so that he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. 5: Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 6: O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.
3131: Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: 33: But this shall be a covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34: And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" Isaiah 6:8
"'Ah, Sovereign Lord,' I said. "I do not know how to speak. I am only a child.' But the Lord said to me, 'Do not say, I am only a child. You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,' declares the Lord." JEREMIAH 1:6-8
Here I am, oh, Lord, send me. Yes, Master, if you need me. I'll stop what I'm doing, go out for your cause. I knew you would call me if you did need me. Yes Lord If you want somebody you can count on them, rest my bones, I'll go. Won't somebody, O Lord, won't somebody, O Lord, send me. If I've polio I'll go, I'm cripple I'll go, I want you to know if I'm blind I'll go,if I'm paralyzed I'll go. Though paralyzed, I'll go just the same. I'll go, won't somebody here go. Send me!
The Blackwood Brothers, who recorded this song, was one of the most popular white Gospel groups of the 20th century and the favorite of Elvis Presley's mother, at whose funeral they performed at Elvis' request. Elvis shared his mother's love for the Blackwood Brothers and also had a deep love of bass voices. J. D. Sumner, who sang bass for the Blackwood Brothers, later sang on several of Elvis pop hits, including his last, "Way Down" (1977).
Peace like a river so gently is flowing, how sweet to my soul is this marvelous peace, sweeter and sweeter each day it is growing like billows of glory it never shall cease. Spirit, the Spirit, I am so glad (I am so happy), happy and glad, Jesus has given, Jesus has given wonderful peace, wonderful peace.
"Go up to Gilead and get balm, O Virgin Daughter ofEgypt, but you multiply remedies in vain; there is no healing for you." Jeremiah 46:11
Is there -- is there balm in Gilead? -- tell me -- tell me, I implore!"
Quoth the raven, "Nevermore."
Although an embarrassment to some biblical scholars, hence read allegorically, God pictured with human emotions has been justified by scholars such as Abraham Heschel, who argues that God's "divine pathos" (including anger and love) is a model for how humans must behave to insure justice on earth. In other words, by showing concern, God becomes a model of concern. This song is typical of the "divine pathos" (that is, feeling), common throughout the Hebrew Bible (the Christian Old Testament). In many ways, Jesus is a development of this theme, since God not only behaves like man, but actually becomes man, thus realizing to the full the "divine pathos." Jesus then becomes an even more visible model to follow in one's daily conduct. This would include (righteous) anger as well as love:
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword; His truth is marching on. Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.
Come, we that love the Lord, And let our joys be known; Join in a song with sweet accord, Join in a song with sweet accord And thus surround the throne, And thus surround the throne.
Refrain: We’re marching to Zion, Beautiful, beautiful Zion; We’re marching upward to Zion, The beautiful city of God. The hill of Zion yields A thousand sacred sweets Before we reach the heav’nly fields, Before we reach the heav’nly fields, Or walk the golden streets, Or walk the golden streets. Then let our songs abound, And every tear be dry; We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground, We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground, To fairer worlds on high, To fairer worlds on high. (Refrain)
What a beautiful thought I am thinking, Concerning a great speckled bird. And to know that my name is recorded on the pages of God's Holy Word. Desiring to lower her standard, They watch every move that she makes They long to find fault with her teachings, But really she makes no mistakes. I am glad I have learned of her meekness.I am proud that my name is on her book, For I want to be one never fearing the face of my Savior to look. When He cometh descending from heaven, On a cloud like He writes in His Word, I'll be joyfully carried to meet Him On the wings of that great speckled bird.
Gonna Movie" (click here to hear) is from Elvis Presley's first film, Love Me Tender (1956). It's adapted from an older Gospel song called "There's a Leak in This Old Building," which uses the metaphor (image) of a dying body/house in the final chapter of Ecclesisates ("Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come"), with the reminder that "man goes to his eternal home" (12:5) "and the spirit returns to God who gave it" (12:7). However, in Ecclesiastes there's no hint of an afterlife, as in the song's Christian hope that "we're gonna move to a better home," a hope that developed later in Jewish thought (the book of Daniel, etc.). Though Elvis was a great Gospel singer (inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame) note his playful phrasing at the end of each verse (as in "where it drops right out again").
there's a leak in this old building Yes, there's a leak in this old building Well there's a leak in this old building We're gonna move to a better home. We got no pane in this old window We got no pane in this old window We got no pane in this old window We're gonna move to a better home. Well there's a hole in the roof where the rain pours in A hole in the floor where it drops right out again Well there's a leak in this old building Well there's a leak in this old building Well there's a leak in this old building We're gonna move to a better home Well there's a crack across the ceiling Yes there's a crack across the ceiling Well there's a crack across the ceiling We're gonna find us a better home We've gotta stove without a chimney We've gotta stove without a chimney What good's a stove without a chimney We're gonna move to a better home
Pulling down window shades is no use at all The kids and the neighbor can peep right through the wall Well there's a leak in this old building
Well there's a leak in this old building Well there's a leak in this old building We're gonna move to a better, move to a better Move to a better home.
old house once knew his children This old house once knew his wife
This old house was home and comfort As they fought the storms of life This old house once rang with laughter This old house heard many shouts Now he trembles in the darkness When the lightnin' walks about
CHORUS: Ain't a-gonna need this house no longer Ain't a-gonna need this house no more Ain't got time to fix the shingles Ain't got time to fix the floor Ain't got time to oil the hinges Nor to mend the windowpane
Ain't a-gonna need this house no longer He's a-gettin' ready to meet the saints
This old house is a-gettin' shaky This ole house is a-gettin' old This old house lets in the rain This old house lets in the cold Oh his knees are gettin' chilly But he feels no fear nor pain 'Cause he sees an angel peekin' Through a broken windowpane CHORUS
This old house is afraid of thunder This ole house is afraid of storms This old house just groans and trembles When the night wind flings its arms This old house is gettin' feeble This old house is needin' paint Just like him it's tuckered out But he's a-gettin' ready to meet the saints CHORUS
Refrain: We’re marching to Zion, Beautiful, beautiful Zion; We’re marching upward to Zion, The beautiful city of God. The hill of Zion yields A thousand sacred sweets Before we reach the heav’nly fields, Before we reach the heav’nly fields, Or walk the golden streets, Or walk the golden streets. Then let our songs abound, And every tear be dry; We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground, We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground, To fairer worlds on high, To fairer worlds on high. (Refrain)
is Thy faithfulness O Thou my Father. There is no shadow of turning with Thee. Thou changest not Thy compassions, they fail not. As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be. Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness, morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided, great is Thy faithfulness Lord unto me.
As can be seen in the verses below, the book of Lamentations is read by Christians as an allegory of Jesus' suffering. That is, the personification of Israel as a woman is read literally, now to refer to the man Jesus. Hence the importance of the book of Lamentations during Christian Holy Week (the week before Easter).
The Suffering Servant texts from Isaiah are also used for this purpose. Jews read the Suffering Servant texts in Isaiah to refer either to Isaiah himself (Isaiah 20:3) or to Israel (Isaiah 41:8-9: "But thou, Israel, art my servant"; compare 42:1).
A verse from Psalm 16, one of the greatest Trust Psalms, is read to refer to Jesus' Resurrection.
NOTE: Rene Girard, a major figure in 20th century critical theory, has observed that Jewish biblical texts introduced, for the first time in history, the idea of the "scapegoat," or sacrificed victim, not as guilty, but as innocent (see especially the Psalms, Job, the Suffering Servant verses in Isaiah, and the Passion of Jesus). Hence the importance of these texts from an anthropological perspective (that is, from the point of view of understanding cultural history). Girard converted to Christiantiy.
(Recitative) Thy rebuke hath broken his heart. He is full of heaviness, he is full of heaviness. Thy rebuke hath broken his heart. He looked for a man to have pity on him but there was no man to comfort. He looketh for some to have pity on him but there was no man, neither found He any to comfort him. (Psalm 69:20)
(Air) Behold and see, behold and see if there be any sorrow like unto his sorrow. (Lamentations 1:12)
(Recitative) He was cut off out of the land of the living; for the transgression of Thy people was He sticken. (Isaiah 53:8)
(Air) But Thou didst not leave His soul in hell; nor didst thou suffer Thy Holy One to see corruption. (Psalm 16:10)
HERE AM I
From Moses on, the commisioning (calling) of the reluctant or fearful prophet is a key moment in the life of prophecy. Here too Jesus fulfills the "old" Testament; he is ready and eager when his time comes. In the words of the Gospel song, he "has confidence."
"But Moses said to God, 'Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?'" EXODUS 3:12From Moses on, the commisioning (calling) of the reluctant or fearful prophet is a key moment in the life of prophecy. Here too Jesus fulfills the "old" Testament; he is ready and eager when his time comes. In the words of the Gospel song, he "has confidence."
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" Isaiah 6:8
"'Ah, Sovereign Lord,' I said. "I do not know how to speak. I am only a child.' But the Lord said to me, 'Do not say, I am only a child. You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,' declares the Lord." JEREMIAH 1:6-8
Here I am, oh, Lord, send me. Yes, Master, if you need me. I'll stop what I'm doing, go out for your cause. I knew you would call me if you did need me. Yes Lord If you want somebody you can count on them, rest my bones, I'll go. Won't somebody, O Lord, won't somebody, O Lord, send me. If I've polio I'll go, I'm cripple I'll go, I want you to know if I'm blind I'll go,if I'm paralyzed I'll go. Though paralyzed, I'll go just the same. I'll go, won't somebody here go. Send me!
Jeremiah's take on GENESIS
The Bible, among its many other distinctions, is the first truly intertextual book; verses constantly refer to other verses. This becomes increasingly so by the time of the early Jewish-Christians who seem to have written every verse with an eye to another verse in their Scriptures (at that time, only the Jewish Bible). For example, John, in the famous incipit (beginning) of his Gospel obviously has his own take on the incipit of Genesis; almost every verse in the Gospels seems to refer to a verse in the Hebrew scriptures (the Sermon on the Mount refers to Moses' law-giving on the mountain; Luke's Sermon the Plain refers to Matthew's Sermon on the Mount, etc.). In these verses of Jeremiah, he parodies the creation of the world with its destruction, using similar language as in the opening verses of Genesis to make his point stronger:
I beheld the earth and lo it was without form and void. And the heavens, and they had no light. I beheld the mountains and lo they trembled. And all the hills moved lightly. I beheld and lo there was no man and all the birds of the heavens were fled. I beheld And lo the fruitful place was a wilderness and all the cities thereof were broken down at the presence of the Lord and by his fierce anger.The Bible, among its many other distinctions, is the first truly intertextual book; verses constantly refer to other verses. This becomes increasingly so by the time of the early Jewish-Christians who seem to have written every verse with an eye to another verse in their Scriptures (at that time, only the Jewish Bible). For example, John, in the famous incipit (beginning) of his Gospel obviously has his own take on the incipit of Genesis; almost every verse in the Gospels seems to refer to a verse in the Hebrew scriptures (the Sermon on the Mount refers to Moses' law-giving on the mountain; Luke's Sermon the Plain refers to Matthew's Sermon on the Mount, etc.). In these verses of Jeremiah, he parodies the creation of the world with its destruction, using similar language as in the opening verses of Genesis to make his point stronger:
PEACE LIKE A RIVER
Gospel songs too keep both Testaments in mind. Christianity depends on showing that all verses in the Old Testament refer to the life of Jesus. This, as we know, is called a typological reading (Jesus is the fulfillment of the old law). Here a verse from Isaiah is made to refer to Jesus:
"For this is what the Lord says: 'I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream.'" Isaiah 66:12Gospel songs too keep both Testaments in mind. Christianity depends on showing that all verses in the Old Testament refer to the life of Jesus. This, as we know, is called a typological reading (Jesus is the fulfillment of the old law). Here a verse from Isaiah is made to refer to Jesus:
The Blackwood Brothers, who recorded this song, was one of the most popular white Gospel groups of the 20th century and the favorite of Elvis Presley's mother, at whose funeral they performed at Elvis' request. Elvis shared his mother's love for the Blackwood Brothers and also had a deep love of bass voices. J. D. Sumner, who sang bass for the Blackwood Brothers, later sang on several of Elvis pop hits, including his last, "Way Down" (1977).Peace like a river so gently is flowing, how sweet to my soul is this marvelous peace, sweeter and sweeter each day it is growing like billows of glory it never shall cease. Spirit, the Spirit, I am so glad (I am so happy), happy and glad, Jesus has given, Jesus has given wonderful peace, wonderful peace.
THE RAVEN
(Edgar Allan Poe)
"Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?" Jeremiah 8:22(Edgar Allan Poe)
"Go up to Gilead and get balm, O Virgin Daughter ofEgypt, but you multiply remedies in vain; there is no healing for you." Jeremiah 46:11
Is there -- is there balm in Gilead? -- tell me -- tell me, I implore!"
Quoth the raven, "Nevermore."
THERE IS A BALM IN GILEAD
Two diffiferent vocal styles in Afro-American performance of spirituals: one from the concert tradition, the other from Gospel:
There is a balm to make the wounded whole, there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.Two diffiferent vocal styles in Afro-American performance of spirituals: one from the concert tradition, the other from Gospel:
CHRISTIAN TESTIMONIALS
This song, from a Christian perspective, has the same message as Jeremiah's verse:
Nothing, nothing, nothing like serving the Lord. I've tried everything but I couldn't find nothing, nothing like serving the Lord. I've tried everything but I couldn't find nothing like serving the Lord. I tried gambling (gambling), lying (lying), midnight riding, and back-sliding but I couldn't find nothing, no, no, no, nothing, nothing like serving the Lord. I prayed one and the Lord from the crown of my head to the sole of my feet. Ever since that day I've been working mighty hard for I know I'll never find nothing, nothing like, nothing like serving the Lord. O, like serving the Lord (serving the Lord).This song, from a Christian perspective, has the same message as Jeremiah's verse:
BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC
"He will shout like those who tread the grapes, shout against all who live on the earth." Jeremiah 25:30Although an embarrassment to some biblical scholars, hence read allegorically, God pictured with human emotions has been justified by scholars such as Abraham Heschel, who argues that God's "divine pathos" (including anger and love) is a model for how humans must behave to insure justice on earth. In other words, by showing concern, God becomes a model of concern. This song is typical of the "divine pathos" (that is, feeling), common throughout the Hebrew Bible (the Christian Old Testament). In many ways, Jesus is a development of this theme, since God not only behaves like man, but actually becomes man, thus realizing to the full the "divine pathos." Jesus then becomes an even more visible model to follow in one's daily conduct. This would include (righteous) anger as well as love:
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword; His truth is marching on. Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.
MARCHING TO ZION
"There will be a day when watchmen cry out on the hills of Ephraim, 'Come, let us go up to Zion, to the Lord our God.'" Jeremiah 31.6Come, we that love the Lord, And let our joys be known; Join in a song with sweet accord, Join in a song with sweet accord And thus surround the throne, And thus surround the throne.
Refrain: We’re marching to Zion, Beautiful, beautiful Zion; We’re marching upward to Zion, The beautiful city of God. The hill of Zion yields A thousand sacred sweets Before we reach the heav’nly fields, Before we reach the heav’nly fields, Or walk the golden streets, Or walk the golden streets. Then let our songs abound, And every tear be dry; We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground, We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground, To fairer worlds on high, To fairer worlds on high. (Refrain)
MARCHING TO ZION
We’re marching, marching on to Zion, That beautiful, beautiful city of Zion; We’re marching upward to Zion, That beautiful (wonderful, glorious, victorious) city of God. (2)THE GREAT SPECKLED BIRD
"Has not my inheritance [Israel; the Church] become to me like a speckled bird of prey that other bids of prey surround and attack? Jeremiah 12:9The "Great Speckled Bird" refers, in Jeremiah, to Israel; but to Christians it refers to the "new" Israel, or the Christian community (the church).
What a beautiful thought I am thinking, Concerning a great speckled bird. And to know that my name is recorded on the pages of God's Holy Word. Desiring to lower her standard, They watch every move that she makes They long to find fault with her teachings, But really she makes no mistakes. I am glad I have learned of her meekness.I am proud that my name is on her book, For I want to be one never fearing the face of my Savior to look. When He cometh descending from heaven, On a cloud like He writes in His Word, I'll be joyfully carried to meet Him On the wings of that great speckled bird.
Songs Week of 11 March 2008
(Home Listening)
"We're (Home Listening)
Gonna Movie" (click here to hear) is from Elvis Presley's first film, Love Me Tender (1956). It's adapted from an older Gospel song called "There's a Leak in This Old Building," which uses the metaphor (image) of a dying body/house in the final chapter of Ecclesisates ("Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come"), with the reminder that "man goes to his eternal home" (12:5) "and the spirit returns to God who gave it" (12:7). However, in Ecclesiastes there's no hint of an afterlife, as in the song's Christian hope that "we're gonna move to a better home," a hope that developed later in Jewish thought (the book of Daniel, etc.). Though Elvis was a great Gospel singer (inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame) note his playful phrasing at the end of each verse (as in "where it drops right out again").WE'RE GONNA MOVE
Well there's a leak in this old building Yes, there's a leak in this old building Well there's a leak in this old building We're gonna move to a better home. We got no pane in this old window We got no pane in this old window We got no pane in this old window We're gonna move to a better home. Well there's a hole in the roof where the rain pours in A hole in the floor where it drops right out again Well there's a leak in this old building Well there's a leak in this old building Well there's a leak in this old building We're gonna move to a better home Well there's a crack across the ceiling Yes there's a crack across the ceiling Well there's a crack across the ceiling We're gonna find us a better home We've gotta stove without a chimney We've gotta stove without a chimney What good's a stove without a chimney We're gonna move to a better homePulling down window shades is no use at all The kids and the neighbor can peep right through the wall Well there's a leak in this old building
Well there's a leak in this old building Well there's a leak in this old building We're gonna move to a better, move to a better Move to a better home.
THIS OLE HOUSE
By Stuart Hamblin, this song, a 1954 #1 hit for pop singer Rosemary Clooney (George Clooney's aunt) echoes Ecclesiastes ("he trembles in the darkness"). (Click here to hear). As in "We're Gonna Move," the song is based on the Christian hope of an etenal home. (The "saints" refer to observant Christians.)
This By Stuart Hamblin, this song, a 1954 #1 hit for pop singer Rosemary Clooney (George Clooney's aunt) echoes Ecclesiastes ("he trembles in the darkness"). (Click here to hear). As in "We're Gonna Move," the song is based on the Christian hope of an etenal home. (The "saints" refer to observant Christians.)
This old house was home and comfort As they fought the storms of life This old house once rang with laughter This old house heard many shouts Now he trembles in the darkness When the lightnin' walks about
CHORUS: Ain't a-gonna need this house no longer Ain't a-gonna need this house no more Ain't got time to fix the shingles Ain't got time to fix the floor Ain't got time to oil the hinges Nor to mend the windowpane
Ain't a-gonna need this house no longer He's a-gettin' ready to meet the saints
This old house is a-gettin' shaky This ole house is a-gettin' old This old house lets in the rain This old house lets in the cold Oh his knees are gettin' chilly But he feels no fear nor pain 'Cause he sees an angel peekin' Through a broken windowpane CHORUS
This old house is afraid of thunder This ole house is afraid of storms This old house just groans and trembles When the night wind flings its arms This old house is gettin' feeble This old house is needin' paint Just like him it's tuckered out But he's a-gettin' ready to meet the saints CHORUS
THE GREAT SPECKLED BIRD
"Has not my inheritance become to me like a speckled bird of prey that other bids of prey surround and attack? Jeremiah 12:9
Jeremiah compares God's Chosen People to a speckled bird, a metaphor now used for the Christian church (the "new Israel"), persecuted by enemies (that is, secularists and non-believers). As a country Gospel song, it reached #1 on the Country charts. To hear the song, click here.
What a beautiful thought I am thinking, Concerning a great speckled bird. And to know that my name is recorded on the pages of God's Holy Word. Desiring to lower her standard, They watch every move that she makes They long to find fault with her teachings, But really she makes no mistakes. I am glad I have learned of her meekness.I am proud that my name is on her book, For I want to be one never fearing the face of my Savior to look. When He cometh descending from heaven, On a cloud like He writes in His Word, I'll be joyfully carried to meet Him On the wings of that great speckled bird.Jeremiah compares God's Chosen People to a speckled bird, a metaphor now used for the Christian church (the "new Israel"), persecuted by enemies (that is, secularists and non-believers). As a country Gospel song, it reached #1 on the Country charts. To hear the song, click here.
MARCHING TO ZION
"There will be a day when watchmen cry out on the hills of Ephraim [Israel], 'Come, let us go up to Zion, to the Lord our God.'" Jeremiah 31.6
A Black choir sings this song here. Part of this song can be heard in Cantonese here.
Come, we that love the Lord, And let our joys be known; Join in a song with sweet accord, Join in a song with sweet accord And thus surround the throne, And thus surround the throne.A Black choir sings this song here. Part of this song can be heard in Cantonese here.
Refrain: We’re marching to Zion, Beautiful, beautiful Zion; We’re marching upward to Zion, The beautiful city of God. The hill of Zion yields A thousand sacred sweets Before we reach the heav’nly fields, Before we reach the heav’nly fields, Or walk the golden streets, Or walk the golden streets. Then let our songs abound, And every tear be dry; We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground, We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground, To fairer worlds on high, To fairer worlds on high. (Refrain)
GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." LAMENTATIONS 3:22
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow." (JAMES 1:17)
Aaliyah sings the first verse of this famous hymn (click here). A Black choir sings the hymn here.
Great"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow." (JAMES 1:17)
Aaliyah sings the first verse of this famous hymn (click here). A Black choir sings the hymn here.
The Suffering Servant
from Handel's MESSIAH
The following verses from the Old Testament, set to music by Handel (click here to hear), are all read "Christologically," that is, as Messianic verses predicting the life, Passion, and divinity of Jesus (see Psalm 16:10 in Christian translations).from Handel's MESSIAH
As can be seen in the verses below, the book of Lamentations is read by Christians as an allegory of Jesus' suffering. That is, the personification of Israel as a woman is read literally, now to refer to the man Jesus. Hence the importance of the book of Lamentations during Christian Holy Week (the week before Easter).
The Suffering Servant texts from Isaiah are also used for this purpose. Jews read the Suffering Servant texts in Isaiah to refer either to Isaiah himself (Isaiah 20:3) or to Israel (Isaiah 41:8-9: "But thou, Israel, art my servant"; compare 42:1).
A verse from Psalm 16, one of the greatest Trust Psalms, is read to refer to Jesus' Resurrection.
NOTE: Rene Girard, a major figure in 20th century critical theory, has observed that Jewish biblical texts introduced, for the first time in history, the idea of the "scapegoat," or sacrificed victim, not as guilty, but as innocent (see especially the Psalms, Job, the Suffering Servant verses in Isaiah, and the Passion of Jesus). Hence the importance of these texts from an anthropological perspective (that is, from the point of view of understanding cultural history). Girard converted to Christiantiy.
(Recitative) Thy rebuke hath broken his heart. He is full of heaviness, he is full of heaviness. Thy rebuke hath broken his heart. He looked for a man to have pity on him but there was no man to comfort. He looketh for some to have pity on him but there was no man, neither found He any to comfort him. (Psalm 69:20)
(Air) Behold and see, behold and see if there be any sorrow like unto his sorrow. (Lamentations 1:12)
(Recitative) He was cut off out of the land of the living; for the transgression of Thy people was He sticken. (Isaiah 53:8)
(Air) But Thou didst not leave His soul in hell; nor didst thou suffer Thy Holy One to see corruption. (Psalm 16:10)
Home Listening 11 March 2008, Part 2
THERE IS A BALM IN GILEAD
"Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?" Jeremiah 8:22
"Go up to Gilead and get balm, O Virgin Daughter of Egypt, but you multiply remedies in vain; there is no healing for you." Jeremiah 46:11
There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole. There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul. Sometimes I feel discouraged and feel my work's in vain. But then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again. There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole. There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul. Don't ever feel discourageed for Jesus is your friend and if you lack for knowledge he'll ne'er refuse to lend. There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole. There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.THERE IS A BALM IN GILEAD
"Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?" Jeremiah 8:22
"Go up to Gilead and get balm, O Virgin Daughter of Egypt, but you multiply remedies in vain; there is no healing for you." Jeremiah 46:11
Jeremiah
mocks social cures to heal spiritual ills. This famous Gospel song agrees, saying the only balm in Gilead is spiritual, not secular. American writer, Edgar Allan Poe refers to these verses in his famous poem, The Raven: "'Is there -- is there balm in Gilead? -- tell me -- tell me I implore!' Quoth the raven, 'Nevermore.'" (listen to attached file). A version sung to an acoustic guitar can be heard here. A concert performance is here. Paul Robeson's concert performance at Carnegie Hall (1958) can be heard here.
mocks social cures to heal spiritual ills. This famous Gospel song agrees, saying the only balm in Gilead is spiritual, not secular. American writer, Edgar Allan Poe refers to these verses in his famous poem, The Raven: "'Is there -- is there balm in Gilead? -- tell me -- tell me I implore!' Quoth the raven, 'Nevermore.'" (listen to attached file). A version sung to an acoustic guitar can be heard here. A concert performance is here. Paul Robeson's concert performance at Carnegie Hall (1958) can be heard here.THERE IS A BALM IN GILEAD
Another Gospel song on Jeremiah's verses is performed by the famous Black Gospel group, The Clark Sisters, and can be heard here. Common in Gospel music (like the blues), verses from other songs are recycled (in this case, the end quote from the song heard above). A live version by the Clark Sisters is here. A solo performance, by a Clark sister, Karen, can be heard here.I know one who cares, found with him peace of mind. I know a man who's there, found a Prince so loving and kind. (2) There is a balm in Gilead (4). There is a youth in the Bible days to heal the sick and take the pain away. (2) There is a balm in Gilead (4). Well, well. There is a balm in Gilead (4). He healed the sick and he raised the dead, a thousand hungered soon he fed (2). Jesus is the balm in Gilead, he found victory in the grave. There is a balm in Gilead, yet there is, it will cure the sin-sick soul and make the wounded whole.
PEACE LIKE A RIVER
The phrase "peace like a river" occurs twice in the book of Isaiah:"If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the seea" (48:18).
Later we read,
"I will extend peace like a river and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream" (66:12b).
What's interesting is that these are, if we believe scholars, from two different Isaiahs: Second Isaiah (40-55) and Third Isaiah (56-66).
Of course scholars have recognized this problem: despite strong evidence that Isaiah is by three different authors, there is a unity of style and images. But this is true throughout the Bible: Matthew insures Jesus gives his sermon (the "New Law") on the mount, to echo Moses giving the old law on the mount(ain). And when Luke has his Jesus give his sermon on the plain, that too is a deliberate reference to Matthew (probably Luke wanted to make Jesus more human than Moses by having Jesus on the same level as his disciples).
One of the joys of the Bible is in the vast quantities of music it has inspired, from spirituals to hymns to concert music to Broadway shows (Godspell, Jesus Christ Superstar, etc.).
This is another song based on the two Isaiah verses quoted above. There are many versions on the Net available. One version is with a chorus, here. A wordless jazz version is here. A singing pantomime version (with a pun on soul/sole) is here. A little girl named Kayla sings the song here (or click on picture, right).
The cosmic image of "peace like a river" was taken up by a later Jewish prophet, who said: "Peace I leave you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27).
I've got peace (joy, love) like a river (3) in my soul, I've got peace like a river (3) in my soul. I've got joy like a river (3) in my soul. I've got joy like a river (3) in my soul. I've got love like a river (3) in my soul. I've got love like a river (3) in my soul.
Songs from ISAIAH
The book of Isaiah has been the source of countless Gospel songs as well as the main text source for Handel's Messiah. Here are three of the most famous of the Gospel songs and spirituals inspired by Isaiah. Click on the links to hear the songs (but there are many other versions available). The lyrics are below.
Beulah Land, Down by the Riverside (with Gospel legend, Mahalia Jackson), Peace in the Valley (television performance by Elvis Presley, Peace in the Valley (studio recording by Elvis Presley).The book of Isaiah has been the source of countless Gospel songs as well as the main text source for Handel's Messiah. Here are three of the most famous of the Gospel songs and spirituals inspired by Isaiah. Click on the links to hear the songs (but there are many other versions available). The lyrics are below.
Beulah Land
"No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah*, and your land Beulah*."
Isaiah 62:4
*Note: In Hebrew "Hephzibah" means "My delight is in her" and "Beulah" means "married." Though Bible readers are lucky since most of the great poetry in the Bible (parallelism and concrete images) is easily translated from one language to another, there's also a lot of wordplay based on sounds that is not easily translated.
"No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah*, and your land Beulah*."
Isaiah 62:4
*Note: In Hebrew "Hephzibah" means "My delight is in her" and "Beulah" means "married." Though Bible readers are lucky since most of the great poetry in the Bible (parallelism and concrete images) is easily translated from one language to another, there's also a lot of wordplay based on sounds that is not easily translated.
I'm kind of homesick for a country To which I've never been before.
No sad goodbyes will there be spoken for time won't matter anymore.
Chorus: Beulah Land, I'm longing for you and some day on thee I'll stand. There my home shall be eternal. Beulah Land -- Sweet Beulah Land.
I'm looking now across the river where my faith will end in sight. There's just a few more days to labor. Then I will take my heavenly flight.
DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE
"Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore." Isaiah 2:4
Going to lay down my sword and shield and study war no more. Ain't going to study war no more, etc. I'm going to put on my long white robe down by the riverside, and study war no more. Ain't going to study war no more, etc. I'm going to meet all my friends who are gone, and study war no more. Ain't going to study war no more, etc. I'm going to put on my starry crown, down by the riverside. Ain't going to study war no more, etc."Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore." Isaiah 2:4
Peace in the Valley
"The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the claf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them." Isaiah 11:6
Based on Isaiah 11:6, this is is probably the most famous of all Gospel songs.
Oh well, Im tired and so weary But I must go alone Till the lord comes and calls, calls me away, oh yes Well the morning's so bright And the lamp is alight And the night, night is as black as the sea, oh yes There will be peace in the valley for me, some day There will be peace in the valley for me, oh Lord I pray There'll be no sadness, no sorrow No trouble, trouble I see There will be peace in the valley for me, for me Well the bear will be gentle And the wolves will be tame And the lion shall lay down by the lamb, oh yes And the beasts from the wild Shall be lit by a child And I'll be changed, changed from this creature that I am, oh yes There will be peace in the valley for me, some day There will be peace in the valley for me, oh Lord I pray There'll be no sadness, no sorrow No trouble, trouble I see There will be peace in the valley for me, for me."The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the claf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them." Isaiah 11:6
Based on Isaiah 11:6, this is is probably the most famous of all Gospel songs.
Songs from Isaiah
Week of 4 March 2008
I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem, they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest And give Him no rest, give Him no rest Till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth! You will no longer be called Forsaken, nor your land, Desolate. But you will be called Hezibah, my delight is in her and your land will be married! (Isaiah 62:1-7)Week of 4 March 2008
And the redeemed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with a joyful shout and everlasting joy upon their heads. Joy and gladness will be theirs! Sorrow and sighing shall flee away! (Isaiah 51:11)
How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him, are the feet of him who brings good news. He announces peace, he brings good news, he announces salvation, he says to Zion, Your God reigns!" (Isaiah 52:7-8)
Nation shall not lift up sword against nation. Neither shall they learn war anymore. A cry of peace shall be heard throughout the land of Israel. There will be an end to all suffering.
And they shall beat their swords into plowshares and t heir spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation and they shall not learn war again. (Isaiah 2:4)
Look upon Zion, look upon Zion, your eyes shall see Jerusalem. Look upon Zion, look upon Zion, the city of our feasts. Its stakes shall never be pulled up nor any of its cords be released. (Isaiah 33:20, 24)
Jerusalem, Jerusalem let's all rejoice, Jerusalem, Jerusalem come share your voice together. The walls of David's city are guarding us, guarding us both day and night. (Isaiah 62:6)
Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion! Great is the Holy One of Israel! Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion! Great is He in the midst of thee! And that day shall ye say, praise ye the Lord! Call upon his Name! Declare his doings throughout the world! Lo! This is our God! We have waited for Him! He will come and save us! Rejoice! Be lad in him! (Isaiah 12:6, 4; 30:19)
We have overcome by the name and the blood of the lamb of God. Every wall must fall every knee must bow to the Lord of all. (Isaiah 45:23; Philippians 2:10)
The phrase, "every knee must bow" is from Isaiah and refers to God; but St. Paul, in the Letter to the Philippians, used the phrase for Jesus, obviously to make the point that Jesus was God.
Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity and sin as it were with a cart rope! Woe unto them that call evil good and good evil, that put darkness for light and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight. Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine and men of strength to mingle strong drink. Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning that they may follow strong drink; that continue till night till wine inflame them. (Isaiah 5:8, 11, 12, 18)
Howl ye, for the day of the Lord is at hand, Howl O gate, cry O city: thou are dissolved. (Isaiah 13:6, 14:31)
The Day of the Lord is a key concept (idea) in the later book prophets and this is one of the first times it appears. The point was that the day of the Lord was believed by traditional Jews to be the day that God would punish Israel's enemies; but the prophets turned it around to be the day God would punish Israel. Zephaniah is the classic text for the Day of the Lord (but also Joel and Amos). This "Day of the Lord" (that is, Day of Judgment, of God's anger) became the basis of the part of the Christian Mass known as Dies Irae (Day of Anger/Wrath; as in the English word, irate, meaning angry). The Dies Irae, in Gregorian chant, has become so famous that it's used in countless movies to signify death; many classical composers also use the melody in brief quotes to signify death or doom..
SANCTUS
The Sanctus (Holy) comes from Isaiah, chapter 6 and has since become a main part of the Christian Mass, and therefore a main part of music based on the Mass. The Italian opera composer wrote a strong setting, Faure wrote a gentle setting. American composer Leonard Bernstein's setting has been criticized for sounding too much like his Broadway music for West Side Story. London composer, Andrew Lloyd-Webber wrote a setting for his popular Requiem.
The Sanctus (Holy) comes from Isaiah, chapter 6 and has since become a main part of the Christian Mass, and therefore a main part of music based on the Mass. The Italian opera composer wrote a strong setting, Faure wrote a gentle setting. American composer Leonard Bernstein's setting has been criticized for sounding too much like his Broadway music for West Side Story. London composer, Andrew Lloyd-Webber wrote a setting for his popular Requiem.
EDOM
American Colonial composer William Billings set these verses from Third Isaiah. The reference is to God as a Battle God, who punishes proud nations, such as Israel's chief rival, Edom. Billings combines verses from Third and First Isaiah:Who is this, who is this that cometh from Edom, it's my God from Bozrah, who is he and what is his name? His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty, Mighty, Mighty God.
HE SHALL FEED HIS FLOCK
These verses from Isaiah doubtless influenced the image of Jesus as a shepherd holding a lamb in his arms. Handel set these verses and they also became part of an Afro-American spiritual:He shall feed his flock like a shepherd and carry the young lambs in his bosom and carry the young lambs in his bosom.
COMFORT YE
Handel set these verses in his Messiah. They begin Second Isaiah with a promise of comfort during the Exile:Comfort ye, comfort ye, my people.
DANCE WITH ME
A worship song based on Song of Songs. Dance with me O lover of my soul. To the song of all songs. Romance me O lover of my soul to the song of all songs. Behold you have come over the hills unpin the mountains, to me you have run my beloved. You've captured my heart, with you I will go. You are my love, you are my fair one, winter is past and the springtime has comes.
YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE
I 
MENTIONED this song in our class. It's not a Gospel song, but what is called an "Inspirational" song; the difference is Inspirational songs make no references to the Bible and often don't even mention God, as in this case, though some kind of personal power is often implied. ("When You Believe," from Prince of Egypt, is another example of an Inspirational song.) "You'll Never Walk Alone" is from the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, Carousel.
You can hear two versions of this song. One here is by the legendary American pop tenor, Mario Lanza, though the sound is a bit scratchy and the picture used is terrible. The second, here, is by Elvis Presley, which won a Grammy (oddly, Elvis never won a Grammy for his Rock songs, only for his Gospel recordings!).LYRICS
When you walk through a storm keep your chin up highAnd don't be afraid of the dark
At the end of a storm is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark
Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on, walk on
With hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone
Walk on through the wind,
Walk on through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on, walk on
With hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone!
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