Music

I love music.

Music is definitely my thing.

It always has been; I'm sure it always will be.

Have you ever listened to a really good song? Have you ever been challenged by a really good song? Have you ever been moved to tears by a really good song? There's just something about songs. With lyrics. Without lyrics... for me, words put to music penetrate deeper and convict more fully than thoughts expressed in almost any other medium. The rhythm, the melody, the orchestration, the poetry, the voices, the emotion-- all these ingredients, when combined in the very best way, minister to me in a way the spoken word cannot.

Here's an example. "How Deep the Father's Love for Us" by Stuart Townsend... it's one of my absolute favorites. It conveys the message of the Cross and the sacrifice of Christ-- THE defining moment in all of history-- in 3 beautiful verses. Now this morning, you add to that one voice thousands more-- lifted heavenward to an Audience of One-- and it's absolutely, without a doubt, breathtaking. There's just. nothing. like it...

How Deep the Father's Love For Us

How deep the Father's love for us,

how vast beyond all measure

that He should give His only Son

to make a wretch His treasure.

How great the pain of searing loss.

The Father turns His face away

as wounds which mar the Chosen One

bring many sons to glory.

Behold the Man upon the cross,

my sin upon His shoulders.

Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice

call out among the scoffers.

It was my sin that held Him there

until it was accomplished;

His dying breath has brought me life.

I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything:

no gifts, no pow'r, no wisdom.

But I will boast in Jesus Christ:

His death and resurrection.

Why should I gain from His reward?

I cannot give an answer.

But this I know with all my heart:

His wounds have paid my ransom.