This is one of those contemporary Christian songs that I could listen to over and over again on repeat, just so I can sing along in praise and worship of my God and my Lord.
Newsboys with Bart Millard is just a fantastic vocal mix. And this song is just amazingly written. It touches on every stage that Jesus performed His work in.
The song starts by talking of Jesus’ humiliation. Normally, we say that Jesus stepped down from His throne in heaven, but I love how this song depicts Jesus as running to us. And truly, there was nothing but grace and mercy in His eyes for us. And He came to fulfill the Law and the prophecies for our sake.
The song continues with an epic sounding chorus of praise for the One, True, Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And gives additional praise to Jesus, the Son of God, the King of kings.
The song then addresses WHY Jesus came to earth. It was all to reconcile the lost – which is all of us. It was to redeem all of His Creation because we were all condemned to die for all eternity because of our sins against Him. Jesus kept His eye on the prize – all the way through all the suffering and death on the cross – and the prize is our souls.
“Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 ESV)
The song then speaks of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead – overcoming death once and for all. Since angels are not omniscient (all-knowing) beings, I’m positive that the angels had no idea what was happening. I’m sure they were looking to God the Father as Jesus hung on the cross, waiting for the signal for them to rescue Him – a signal that never came. And I’m sure that a joyful roar rung out amongst the angels as Jesus rose from the dead and into His fully glorified body.
This wonderful song concludes by making the accurate claim about Jesus establishing His Church, starting with His disciples – now apostles – and the Day of Pentecost when they were given the power of the Holy Spirit – represented as tongues of fire upon their heads.
Since the Day of Pentecost, God’s Church has spread far and wide – despite the persecution from Satan and the world around it. That is because the Gospel message is truth. And our mission here – or Great Commission – is to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything [Jesus has] commanded.” (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV).
The lyrics of this song actually speak for themselves. The full lyrics to this song are:
“In the darkness we were waiting, without hope, without light. Till from heaven You came running, there was mercy in Your eyes. To fulfil the Law and prophets, to a virgin came the Word. From a throne of endless glory, to a cradle in the dirt.”
“Praise the Father … Praise the Son … Praise the Spirit, Three in One. God of glory, majesty. Praise forever to the King of kings.”
“To reveal the Kingdom coming, and to reconcile the lost. To redeem the whole Creation, You did not despise the cross. For even in Your suffering, You saw to the other side, knowing this was our salvation, Jesus for our sake You died.”
“Praise the Father … Praise the Son … Praise the Spirit, Three in One. God of glory, majesty. Praise forever to the King of kings.”
“And the morning that You rose, all of heaven held its breath. 'Till that stone was moved for good, for the Lamb had conquered death. And the dead rose from their tombs, and the angels stood in awe. For the souls of all who'd come to the Father are restored.”
“And the Church of Christ was born. Then the Spirit lit the flame. Now this Gospel Truth of old, shall not kneel, shall not faint. By His blood and in His name, in His freedom, I am free. For the love of Jesus Christ, who has resurrected me.”
“Praise the Father … Praise the Son … Praise the Spirit, Three in One. God of glory, majesty. Praise forever to the King of kings. Praise forever to the King of kings.”
Soli Deo Gloria!
Philip Frank
P.S. Due to an additional rigorous study load at the seminary, I will need to take a hiatus from these devotions.
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