Hallelujah
Sunday, May 20
The focus of this week's "Song Talks" is Man of Sorrows and Great I Am. Man of Sorrows is from Hillsong's 2013 worship album offering entitled "Glorious Ruin". This song is a walk through the purpose of Jesus on this earth for mankind. Wrought with Biblical references, the title stems from Isaiah 53 and takes us on a journey through the New Testament gospels. The verses exclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in traditional hymn like form, using old English sentence structure and the occasional "Thee"! The chorus is a wonderful proclamation of the salvation that God has graciously poured out over us on the "rugged cross" and our response of praise and honor to our Lord. The final verse looks to John 20 when Mary Magdalene is at the tomb, the stone has been rolled away and the sepulcher is empty. The apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 15 that if Christ is not raised then our preaching and faith are in vain. Praise be to God that the tomb is empty, Jesus is alive and has conquered sin and death! You need not fear church, "Hallelujah, God be praised! He's risen from the grave!"
The focus of this week's "Song Talks" is Man of Sorrows and Great I Am. Man of Sorrows is from Hillsong's 2013 worship album offering entitled "Glorious Ruin". This song is a walk through the purpose of Jesus on this earth for mankind. Wrought with Biblical references, the title stems from Isaiah 53 and takes us on a journey through the New Testament gospels. The verses exclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in traditional hymn like form, using old English sentence structure and the occasional "Thee"! The chorus is a wonderful proclamation of the salvation that God has graciously poured out over us on the "rugged cross" and our response of praise and honor to our Lord. The final verse looks to John 20 when Mary Magdalene is at the tomb, the stone has been rolled away and the sepulcher is empty. The apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 15 that if Christ is not raised then our preaching and faith are in vain. Praise be to God that the tomb is empty, Jesus is alive and has conquered sin and death! You need not fear church, "Hallelujah, God be praised! He's risen from the grave!"
Perhaps it's not coincidental that the choruses to both songs featured in this article use the word "Hallelujah" as its main theme! Great I Am written by Jared Anderson in 2011 lifts up the highest form of praise, "Hallelujah" in this powerful worship anthem. The title and focus of the song is taken from Moses' experience with the Lord from the burning bush to the powerful experiences on Mount Sinai. When asked what name Moses should tell the people this God is, the Lord responded, "I am who I am". What a powerful name. YHWH the name Yahweh. The significance of this name is too great to explain for this short article! God's immanence (His closeness) and His transcendence (His greatness) are attributes demonstrated in the verses and bridge's poetry. He is concerned with our being close to Him and yet can make the mountains tremble by his very breath. He can command dry bones to live again, and yet is close to the broken-hearted. This is the only One who can live up to the name…I AM.
We can never sing enough of the greatness of our God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Without this good news, mankind is left in our sin without hope of heaven and life eternal. When you sing these songs this weekend, may you be reminded of God's amazing love for you, the price that was paid, and the life of worship to which we are called!
Check out the Spotify playlist for this week here.
Check out the Spotify playlist for this week here.
Blessings!
Mark and Allen