The last four books of the Old Testament are often over looked by the most popular four books of the entire bible, the Gospels.
Themes that close out minor prophets are just as important then as they are now. Dealing with issues of injustice, corrupt leaders, and money.
The subjects addressed are layered in prophecy and judgement but God's truth and faithfulness still shine through.
35. Zephaniah - Bulls on Parade: Rage Against the Machine
In the times when you lose trust in authority and become disenfranchised with people it is not uncommon to project those feelings on God. Zephaniah words can be solace in time of cynicism. King Josiah was trying to bring reform as Judah was heading for exile, but his leaders undercut his intentions with idolatry and corruption.
A similar theme in Zack de la Rocha's anthem Bulls of Parade which a is a direct response to his belief that America is becoming a nation built on war instead of peace. The line "Rally round your family with a pocket full of shells," is a response to how the political leaders and the media use fear as a vehicle for war.
Zephaniah balances that tension of war with words of peace..."Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility (Zeph 2.3)."
36. Haggai- Fell on Black Days: Soundgarden
The book of Haggai is a spiritual fork-in-the-road. After being in Exile the Jews returned to Judah and began to rebuild the Temple but in the process they hit a wall. It is not easy to return home and face your insecurities but God can rebuild what is broken.
Chris Cornell, the cathartic voice behind Soundgarden, shares what causes those Black Days. " It is a feeling that everyone gets. You're happy with your life, everything's going well, things are exciting—when all of a sudden you realize you're unhappy in the extreme, to the point of being really, really scared."
Much like the rising chord structure in the song that shines thru there are verses of hope sprinkled throughout the book of Haggai. "The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,' says the LORD Almighty. 'And in this place I will grant peace,' declares the LORD Almighty (Haggai 2.9).
37. Zechariah- Given to Fly: Pearl Jam
The prophet and priest Zechariah grew up while God's people where in Exile under the Babylonians. Struggling with a sense of significance can come out of a lack of identity. Zechariah offers hope and motivation for a nation trying to pick up the pieces as they return home, thru subtle predications and phrases paint a picture of the coming Messiah.
Given to Fly is a song that also uses obscure phrases and words to convey a message of hope. Some say Eddie Vedder wrote this song about Jesus. Some say it is about about Vedder quitting smoking or even surfing. It is interesting to note that all of those ideas convey freedom, something that we all want for ourselves, especially for a man who grew up in Exile, encouraging a nation to find their identify in the Messiah.
"And he still gives his love, he just gives it away/ The love he receives is the love that is saved."
38. Malachi- No Excuses: Alice in Chains
The message of Malachi reads as clear as our reflection in the mirror. He gives his readers a choice to have a wholehearted love for God or a life lived halfhearted. Malachi presents the question, will we be people who are indifferent or people who make a difference?
"Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord Almighty (Malachi 3.7)."
Alice in Chains was a band full of potential but also full of problems. Jerry Cantrell brought a sense of depth to their music but it was Layne Stanley whose conviction and charisma drove the band in both good and band directions. No Excuses was written by Cantrell in response to Stanley's pervading substance abuse. The acclaimed MTV Unplugged performance captured this beautiful and heartbreaking irony as his drug addiction would soon after take Layne's life.
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Soundtracking the Bible Part VII Obadiah- Habakkuk
The minor prophets can easily be over looked in the shadow bible legends like Isaiah and Jeremiah, but the roots of these treasures go deep. This collection of works also called "Book of the Twelve" or Hebrew Trai Asar (The Twelve) is often studied together. The first six books raise questions and the final six offer resolution.
The title 'minor' is given to these final books of the OT because of there length but their message is strong.
30. Obadiah- What's So Funny ('Bout Peace Love & Understanding): Elvis Costello
Obadiah may be one of the shortest books of the OT but it's backstory is deep. In the wake of being overtaking by Babylon a neighboring country takes particular delight in Israel's misfortune, Edom. The interesting piece of history about Edom is that the country's roots date back to Esau.
Despite the peace that Jacob made with his older brother Esau it seems some hurts are hard to let go and surface in this book.
The short and potent pop song by Elvis Costello is an ironic backdrop to this bittersweet book, with lyrics like,
"And as i walked on
Through troubled times
My spirit gets so downhearted sometimes
So where are the strong
And who are the trusted?
And where is the harmony?"
Edom may be laughing at Israel's misfortune but God is still faithful and does not turn a blind eye to Judah,
v.12 ""You should not look down on your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble."
Check out this all-star lineup with Costello featuring Jacob Dylan & Zooey Deschanel
31. Jonah- Bullet with Butterfly Wings: Smashing Pumpkins
Jonah would have fit right in with the 90s Anit-Hero culture adorned with flannel shirts and ripped jeans. The four chapters in the book of Jonah are full of angst and frustration. Although he is not a "rat in a cage" he sure did find himself trapped in a big fish en route to evangelize Ninevah.
The lyrics to Bullet with Butterfly Wings reflect this tension,
"Now I'm naked, nothing but an animal
But can you fake it, for just one more show?
And what do you want?
I want to change
And what have you got, when you feel the same?"
What made the phenomena of Grunge unique is that the music artists of the day never wanted to be famous and Jonah had the same mentality. He is responsible for one the biggest revivals in the Old Testament and never enjoyed it.
32. Micah- Where Is The Love: Black Eye Peas
It was troubled times for the Kingdom of Israel as they face social injustice, idolatry, and a corrupt leadership. The message of Micah is of judgement but also hope. The Assyrians destroyed northern Israel and also routed the souther kingdom as well forcing Israel into exile but God saved a remnant.
Micah uses a mix poetry and narrative to showcase God's mercy and justice, much like what is found in the song by the Black Eye Peas, "Where Is the Love."
It was this single that propelled the Black Eye Peas career to another level. The message of the song resinated with people of different backgrounds and cultures at it reached number one in Europe and Australia and was also a top ten hit in The States.
The verse found in Micah 6.8 is timeless reminder of how God wants people to live then as well as today...
"8But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do,
what God is looking for in men and women.
It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don't take yourself too seriously—
take God seriously." -(The Message)
33. Nahum- Everybody Hurts: R.E.M.
In this life there is pain, there is hurt, everybody hurts. Sometimes everything is wrong, but there is hope there is comfort.
Nahum brings a remedy to a troubled nation; after all Nahum means comfort.
In this beautiful book balanced between hurt and healing is hope.
Hope that God understands when you angry.
Hope that God restores in the midst of abuse.
Hope that God encourages when the world tears you down.
God uses Nahum to remind us of that.
"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust him... v.7"
The lyrics penned by REM in "Everybody Hurts" echoes a common theme...
"Sometimes everything is wrong
Now it's time to sing along
When your day is night alone (hold on, hold on)
If you feel like letting go...hold on."
The song is a departure from their typical abstract style of writing. REM mentions in the liner notes of the Best of Album 1988-2003 the reason that the song was intentionally straight forward to be a message to teenagers.
It is not only a message to teenager it is a message for all of us to remember.
(Check out this rare Coldplay cover of Everybody Hurts)
34. Habakkuk- Lightning Crashes: LIVE
A prophet that is not afraid to ask difficult questions, Habakkuk perhaps asks the most difficult of all...
"God if you are in control why do bad things happen?"
Habakkuk means wrestler and for three chapters he wrestled with God.
Christians like to have answers not more questions, but the beauty of Habakkuk is his ability to be at peace with the tension with a just God in a world that is so unjust.
"Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. v.3.2
Ed Kowalczyk were not afraid to tackle the spiritual in the summer of 95' with their breakout album Throwing Copper. One song in particular struck a chord in its message of loss and hope. Written in response to a childhood friend who was killed by a drunk driver, but who donated her organs one of which was her heart.
Often prophets speak on behalf of God, but Habakkuk is unique as he speaks to God on behalf of the people.
May we never stop asking questions.
May we never lose the wonder in the midst of the why.
(The video parallels that tension of life and death depicting a mother dying and a child being born.)
The title 'minor' is given to these final books of the OT because of there length but their message is strong.
30. Obadiah- What's So Funny ('Bout Peace Love & Understanding): Elvis Costello
Obadiah may be one of the shortest books of the OT but it's backstory is deep. In the wake of being overtaking by Babylon a neighboring country takes particular delight in Israel's misfortune, Edom. The interesting piece of history about Edom is that the country's roots date back to Esau.
Despite the peace that Jacob made with his older brother Esau it seems some hurts are hard to let go and surface in this book.
The short and potent pop song by Elvis Costello is an ironic backdrop to this bittersweet book, with lyrics like,
"And as i walked on
Through troubled times
My spirit gets so downhearted sometimes
So where are the strong
And who are the trusted?
And where is the harmony?"
Edom may be laughing at Israel's misfortune but God is still faithful and does not turn a blind eye to Judah,
v.12 ""You should not look down on your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble."
Check out this all-star lineup with Costello featuring Jacob Dylan & Zooey Deschanel
31. Jonah- Bullet with Butterfly Wings: Smashing Pumpkins
Jonah would have fit right in with the 90s Anit-Hero culture adorned with flannel shirts and ripped jeans. The four chapters in the book of Jonah are full of angst and frustration. Although he is not a "rat in a cage" he sure did find himself trapped in a big fish en route to evangelize Ninevah.
The lyrics to Bullet with Butterfly Wings reflect this tension,
"Now I'm naked, nothing but an animal
But can you fake it, for just one more show?
And what do you want?
I want to change
And what have you got, when you feel the same?"
What made the phenomena of Grunge unique is that the music artists of the day never wanted to be famous and Jonah had the same mentality. He is responsible for one the biggest revivals in the Old Testament and never enjoyed it.
32. Micah- Where Is The Love: Black Eye Peas
It was troubled times for the Kingdom of Israel as they face social injustice, idolatry, and a corrupt leadership. The message of Micah is of judgement but also hope. The Assyrians destroyed northern Israel and also routed the souther kingdom as well forcing Israel into exile but God saved a remnant.
Micah uses a mix poetry and narrative to showcase God's mercy and justice, much like what is found in the song by the Black Eye Peas, "Where Is the Love."
It was this single that propelled the Black Eye Peas career to another level. The message of the song resinated with people of different backgrounds and cultures at it reached number one in Europe and Australia and was also a top ten hit in The States.
The verse found in Micah 6.8 is timeless reminder of how God wants people to live then as well as today...
"8But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do,
what God is looking for in men and women.
It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don't take yourself too seriously—
take God seriously." -(The Message)
33. Nahum- Everybody Hurts: R.E.M.
In this life there is pain, there is hurt, everybody hurts. Sometimes everything is wrong, but there is hope there is comfort.
Nahum brings a remedy to a troubled nation; after all Nahum means comfort.
In this beautiful book balanced between hurt and healing is hope.
Hope that God understands when you angry.
Hope that God restores in the midst of abuse.
Hope that God encourages when the world tears you down.
God uses Nahum to remind us of that.
"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust him... v.7"
The lyrics penned by REM in "Everybody Hurts" echoes a common theme...
"Sometimes everything is wrong
Now it's time to sing along
When your day is night alone (hold on, hold on)
If you feel like letting go...hold on."
The song is a departure from their typical abstract style of writing. REM mentions in the liner notes of the Best of Album 1988-2003 the reason that the song was intentionally straight forward to be a message to teenagers.
It is not only a message to teenager it is a message for all of us to remember.
(Check out this rare Coldplay cover of Everybody Hurts)
34. Habakkuk- Lightning Crashes: LIVE
A prophet that is not afraid to ask difficult questions, Habakkuk perhaps asks the most difficult of all...
"God if you are in control why do bad things happen?"
Habakkuk means wrestler and for three chapters he wrestled with God.
Christians like to have answers not more questions, but the beauty of Habakkuk is his ability to be at peace with the tension with a just God in a world that is so unjust.
"Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. v.3.2
Ed Kowalczyk were not afraid to tackle the spiritual in the summer of 95' with their breakout album Throwing Copper. One song in particular struck a chord in its message of loss and hope. Written in response to a childhood friend who was killed by a drunk driver, but who donated her organs one of which was her heart.
Often prophets speak on behalf of God, but Habakkuk is unique as he speaks to God on behalf of the people.
May we never stop asking questions.
May we never lose the wonder in the midst of the why.
(The video parallels that tension of life and death depicting a mother dying and a child being born.)
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Jesus in the Bathroom: A Blog About Kid's Ministry
I always was a fan of Kid's Ministry.
It wasn't until recently that I became a believer in Kid's Ministry.
The impression of Kid's Min I had over the years was spiritual babysitting but with better snacks. Following our services I always like to check in with our volunteers to see if the kids had fun, but then I started to receive feedback about the kid's having more than just fun, they really love the bible lessons; love Jesus.
As a church planter I knew we needed to have something for kids, I didn't realize it could change their life.
Last week this revelation really came to fruition.
We have been featuring The Circle Maker, by Mark Batterson with our volunteer team during our service planning meetings, watching the DVD and reading the book as a team.
The Circle Maker has inspired my prayer life and our team. No other book has redefined my approach to prayer like this one, and it has been encouraging to see what God has done with Batterson's church from the early stages in a school to the transition to the theater with 7 campus across Washington DC.
Last week I was engergized by Mark's prayer walk around Front St and Union Station in DC to do a prayer walk of my own around the community center grounds where VCC meets.
I took my two year old son and we started to walk.
When we reached the front of the community center he started to pull my hand to go inside and said repeatedly, "Net's house! Net's House!"
"Net" is one of our head Kid's Min volunteers, her name is actually Lynnette. I always have confidence in her and know that she does a great job with kids; however this gave me a whole new perspective when I heard my son call VCC, "Net's House."
One of the most telling quotes from Orange a conference that focuses on Kid's Ministry was,
“What you do with kids now will have a profound impact on how they define church later.”
As a kid we all have that family member or neighbor whose house was cool and fun; where everyone wanted to hang out. For my son and other kids VCC is that place.
Another comment I heard last week that made me tear up and crack up was from a post on our Facebook page from Sarah, a mom who attends VCC...
"So today we came home from church and my son told me " Jesus loves us mommy" I replied with "yes your right he does". He continued on to ask me who Jesus was and I wasn't really sure how to give an answer to a 4 year old that he would understand. My reply was "Jesus watches over us and is with us all the time". He wanted to know if Jesus was here right now and I said yes. Now he has been coming to me all day telling me that Jesus is over our house, and so far he's been on the couch, in Cason's room, in the shower and peeing in our toilet LOL!!"
I love it!
I love that at such a young age my son and other kids at VCC can have special connection to church, and that is because of people like "Net."
I love having a great Kid's Ministry not just for kids to have fun,
but for them to love a great God.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Soundtracking the Bible Pt. VI Ezekiel - Amos
The genre transitions from wisdom literature to the writings of the major and minor prophets.
The prophetic writings fit together to connect the Old and New Testament like a Swiss watch who's value comes in the intricacy and complexity as numerous parts work together to create seamless movement.
These are books that can be easily passed over because of the cryptic writing and bizarre visions. However, underneath surface lies the inner workings of the gadgets and gears that keep the bible in time.
25. Ezekiel - Stairway to Heaven: Led Zeppelin
One of the most controversial songs and yet popular of all time is Stairway to Heaven. Surrounded in rumors of mysticism and backward masking, the original message was about materialism and inspired themes by Tolken's Lord of the Rings.
Ezekiel is a prophetic book that a good portion of the theology of Lucifer is derived and end time prophecy. The core of the book is God's faithfulness. How he would rather forgive than judge.
(Check out this amazing cover at LCBC a church Central PA)
26. Daniel - Ring of Fire: Johnny Cash
More than just a play on words as Daniel was thrown into a "Ring of Fire," he is a character that stands for integrity and truth. Written during a time of the Israelites being in captivity, the main theme throughout is how God's love remains faithful even though His people may not.
Ring of Fire echoes that same theme of faithfulness. Written during a time of addiction for Johnny Cash, his wife June Carter wrote this song to her husband. The title may seem ominous but it is actually a song about falling in love.
(The song takes a more tender tone performed by June Carter)
27. Hosea - Pretty Woman: Roy Orbison
The life of Hosea plays out like a modern love story as the song of the same name was featured in the movie "Pretty Woman" about a man who falls in love with a prostitute. Hosea was also a man that fell in love with a prostitute despite her cheating ways. The picture of being faithful to the unfaithful mirrors God's love that is the same for us.
The song Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison was about his wife Claudette and has a similar history to Hosea as well. Written when Orbison and his wife had a falling out. She cheated on him and filled for divorce but Roy's loved never failed and the couple remarried.
28. Joel- Is It Any Wonder? : Keane
Often thought as the "Prophet of Pentecost," because of the connection with v. 2.28 and Acts 2.16 and the outpouring at Pentecost in the New Testament. Digging deeper into the book you find a people struggling under a corrupt young king Joash and manipulated by his father. Joel had a mind like a chess player seeing a couple moves down the line and brought a message of judgment but also promise.
The UK band Keane pens a similar note in the song "Is It Any Wonder?" Tim Rice-Oxley, the main lyricist for the band, said in article for Q Magazine, "It articulates something that a lot of people have felt over the last few years: being powerless and totally misrepresented." The song is also said to have have another message of a trouble relationship between two people, much like God and his people in the book of Joel.
29. Amos - Get Up Stand Up : Bob Marley
This book is a response to the social injustice of Amos' day. Amos speaks of how God has a special interest for those who are poor and exploited, as the northern kingdom was oppressing the people of the southern kingdom. The message of Amos is a timeless one as their are still volatile social issues today when it comes to racial minorities, social classes, single moms, and even the elderly.
Bob Marley was voice much like Amos speaking to the injustices of his day. "Get Up Stand Up" was a song about taking action against the oppression in his country of Jamaica and Marley transcended generations as a voice fighting for respect and acceptance.
Next week will close out the Old Testament and the remaining books of Minor Prophets.
The prophetic writings fit together to connect the Old and New Testament like a Swiss watch who's value comes in the intricacy and complexity as numerous parts work together to create seamless movement.
These are books that can be easily passed over because of the cryptic writing and bizarre visions. However, underneath surface lies the inner workings of the gadgets and gears that keep the bible in time.
25. Ezekiel - Stairway to Heaven: Led Zeppelin
One of the most controversial songs and yet popular of all time is Stairway to Heaven. Surrounded in rumors of mysticism and backward masking, the original message was about materialism and inspired themes by Tolken's Lord of the Rings.
Ezekiel is a prophetic book that a good portion of the theology of Lucifer is derived and end time prophecy. The core of the book is God's faithfulness. How he would rather forgive than judge.
(Check out this amazing cover at LCBC a church Central PA)
26. Daniel - Ring of Fire: Johnny Cash
More than just a play on words as Daniel was thrown into a "Ring of Fire," he is a character that stands for integrity and truth. Written during a time of the Israelites being in captivity, the main theme throughout is how God's love remains faithful even though His people may not.
Ring of Fire echoes that same theme of faithfulness. Written during a time of addiction for Johnny Cash, his wife June Carter wrote this song to her husband. The title may seem ominous but it is actually a song about falling in love.
(The song takes a more tender tone performed by June Carter)
27. Hosea - Pretty Woman: Roy Orbison
The life of Hosea plays out like a modern love story as the song of the same name was featured in the movie "Pretty Woman" about a man who falls in love with a prostitute. Hosea was also a man that fell in love with a prostitute despite her cheating ways. The picture of being faithful to the unfaithful mirrors God's love that is the same for us.
The song Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison was about his wife Claudette and has a similar history to Hosea as well. Written when Orbison and his wife had a falling out. She cheated on him and filled for divorce but Roy's loved never failed and the couple remarried.
28. Joel- Is It Any Wonder? : Keane
Often thought as the "Prophet of Pentecost," because of the connection with v. 2.28 and Acts 2.16 and the outpouring at Pentecost in the New Testament. Digging deeper into the book you find a people struggling under a corrupt young king Joash and manipulated by his father. Joel had a mind like a chess player seeing a couple moves down the line and brought a message of judgment but also promise.
The UK band Keane pens a similar note in the song "Is It Any Wonder?" Tim Rice-Oxley, the main lyricist for the band, said in article for Q Magazine, "It articulates something that a lot of people have felt over the last few years: being powerless and totally misrepresented." The song is also said to have have another message of a trouble relationship between two people, much like God and his people in the book of Joel.
29. Amos - Get Up Stand Up : Bob Marley
This book is a response to the social injustice of Amos' day. Amos speaks of how God has a special interest for those who are poor and exploited, as the northern kingdom was oppressing the people of the southern kingdom. The message of Amos is a timeless one as their are still volatile social issues today when it comes to racial minorities, social classes, single moms, and even the elderly.
Bob Marley was voice much like Amos speaking to the injustices of his day. "Get Up Stand Up" was a song about taking action against the oppression in his country of Jamaica and Marley transcended generations as a voice fighting for respect and acceptance.
Next week will close out the Old Testament and the remaining books of Minor Prophets.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Soundtrack the Bible Pt. V: Ecclesiastes - Lamentations
One of the hardest things to do is understand tone from text.
Jeremiah's writings are elegantly dramatic, much like Adam Duritz prose style of writing with Counting Crows. They say misery loves company, and you can picture them both merry in their melancholy. It is unfortunate that in the American translation loses the aesthetics of an acrostic poem covering his pain and sorrow "literally from A to Z" in the first four chapters.
Long December was written during a time when Durtiz spent many nights in the hospital visiting a friend who was hit by a car. This song came out of that experience. "The smell of hospitals in winter/ And the feeling that it's all a lot of oysters, but no pearls/ All at once you look across a crowded room/To see the way that light attaches to a girl."
There is comfort in knowing that someone understands your pain. That is the hope Lamentations and the hope in the music of Adam Duritz, "like a lot of songs on the end of an album it's not about everything turning out great, but it at least it is about hope... and the possibilities."
How often do you misinterpret an email or a text message because you cannot hear the inflection in a persons voice?
The same can be said about certain books of the bible, especially Ecclesiastes and Songs of Solomon. Two books that are definitely not on the Junior Bible Quiz reading list. The content is deep, poetic, and mature; and yet, insightful and true.
The songs that cover this collection of books play out like a 90's movie; complete with grunge and classic rock soundtrack. It was music that was misunderstood, but music that gave a generation a voice.
20. Ecclesiastes- Loser: Beck
You cannot be more straightforward than, "Meaningless, meaningless everything is meaningless."(Ecc 1.2)
In relation to Beck's chorus, "I am a loser baby/ so why don't you kill me." The voice of Ecclesiastes is a very wealthy man (almost beyond wealthy) at the twilight of his life in contrast to the voice of "Loser" who is young and very poor. Ecclesiastes was a book Hebrews used for instruction; to find significance when the world can make you feel insignificant. Beck's anthem did the same for Generation X.
Both are often misinterpreted.
Both are speaking of time.
(It's interesting that song will find it's way to be a voice of another generation of "losers")
21. Song of Songs- Crash Into Me: Dave Mathews Band
I remember discovering this book of the bible as teenager and it was probably one of the first times I actually got excited to read the bible, and quote some scripture. The picture of love and beauty is raw, graphic and yet also poetic and enchanting; without being pornographic Dave Matthews Crash follows the same tension of desire and love. Crash was the song that began the genesis of thought for this blog series. When I hear this song or read this book, I see a love story.
The meaning of Songs of Songs has been highly debated, but great art often does that very thing.
22. Isaiah- Dream On: Aerosmith
The first in the series of four books labeled Major Prophets, Isaiah is a haunting and prophetic book. The two fold message of judgement but also promise of a Messiah. The language is poetic but also has a bite, challenging the nation of Judah to live right. "Dream On" by Aerosmith originally released in 1973 was the blueprint for power balleds to come. Is it a love song or is it something more? "Half my life
is in books' written pages/Lived and learned from fools and from sages/ You know it's true/All the things come back to you." This song is as relevant today as it was almost 40 years ago.
23. Jeremiah- All Apologies: Nirvana
Often called "the weeping prophet," because he is one of the most persecuted characters of the Old Testament. Jeremiah's contemporaries cursed him, beat him and even threw him in prison (Jer 15, 20, 32, 37). Kurt Cobain's troubled soul is similar to Jeremiah's struggles to know God's plan for his life.
The refrain "I wish I was like you/ Easily amused" echo's Jeremiah's anxiety. Underneath the unwanted label of the leader of Grunge, Cobain often struggled with the artistic vision of Nirvana be misunderstood. It is bittersweet to find that Jeremiah never got to see his prophesies come to fruition; and Cobain's life cut short before he could see the influence of his music on future generations.
24. Lamentations- Long December: Counting Crows
The refrain "I wish I was like you/ Easily amused" echo's Jeremiah's anxiety. Underneath the unwanted label of the leader of Grunge, Cobain often struggled with the artistic vision of Nirvana be misunderstood. It is bittersweet to find that Jeremiah never got to see his prophesies come to fruition; and Cobain's life cut short before he could see the influence of his music on future generations.
24. Lamentations- Long December: Counting Crows
Jeremiah's writings are elegantly dramatic, much like Adam Duritz prose style of writing with Counting Crows. They say misery loves company, and you can picture them both merry in their melancholy. It is unfortunate that in the American translation loses the aesthetics of an acrostic poem covering his pain and sorrow "literally from A to Z" in the first four chapters.
Long December was written during a time when Durtiz spent many nights in the hospital visiting a friend who was hit by a car. This song came out of that experience. "The smell of hospitals in winter/ And the feeling that it's all a lot of oysters, but no pearls/ All at once you look across a crowded room/To see the way that light attaches to a girl."
There is comfort in knowing that someone understands your pain. That is the hope Lamentations and the hope in the music of Adam Duritz, "like a lot of songs on the end of an album it's not about everything turning out great, but it at least it is about hope... and the possibilities."
What are some songs that bring you comfort in the midst pain?
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Soundtracking the Bible Part IV
The Old Testament was written in Hebrew. In that culture collections of books were organized by theme not chronically as cultures in the West prefer. The next five books in this post transition from the Historical books of Nehemiah and Esther to the Poetical books of Job to Proverbs.
The Poetical books of the bible are just that poetry, they are not commands. They should be read with the filter as one listening to good advice or a beautiful song. It gives wisdom. It encourages. However, people have a mind of their own and do not always listen, and what happens in love songs does not always happen in real life.
It's refreshing to find the Bible not just about facts but also about emotion, passion, and love.
If the historical books are the mind of the Bible the Poetical books are the heart.
15. Nehemiah- All Along the Watchtower: Jimi Hendrix
Originally written by Bob Dylan All Along the Watchtower was penned after his motorcycle accident. The track was part of the album John Wesley Harding that featured a number of songs that had biblical allusions. Inspired by the birth of Dylan's children and marking a new phase in his life this song mirrors the nation of Israel, as they were also turning the page and starting a new chapter. Nehemiah focuses on one man's passion and drive to rebuild the wall surrounding Jerusalem. The book is perfectly balanced between the spiritual and the practical with verses like "We prayed to our God and posted a guard (4.9)". The Jimi Hendrix version is the most popular for his spirited guitar solos that echo the dramatic structure of the song written without choruses.
16. Esther- Lady Gaga: The Edge of Glory
The book of Esther rewinds back to when the Jews where in Exile under the Persian Empire. Written in a short-story style similar to Ruth where the main protagonist is also a female. The word "God" is never mentioned in the book however His presence is felt throughout all the drama and intrigue as Esther risks her life to become Queen to Xerxes and save her people. Lada Gaga's soulful anthem Edge of Glory was inspired by the death of her grandfather and the life of Rocky. She says the song is about "looking at life directly, with the feeling that he or she is a champion," and that is exactly how Esther lived her life.
17. Job - Comfortable Numb: Pink Floyd
The book of Job is one of the most well known stories of the Bible, and possibly on the oldest as well. The story unfolds over 40 chapters filled with vivid imagery, poetic laments, and dynamic confrontations to address the question of suffering. The Wall by Pink Floyd, which Comfortably Numb climaxes the double album, is also grand in scale. Thought to believe that the song was about drug use, David Gilmour says, "this song can be divided into 2 sections, dark and light. The light are the parts that begin "When I was a child...," which Gilmour sings. The dark are the "Hello, is there anybody in there" parts, which are sung by Waters." Job is a tale dispelling the fallacy of sin equaling suffering. It is a story of Light overcoming Dark, it is story of God believing in us to prove the Devil wrong. (The imagery during the live performance is breathtaking especially at the 6.30 minute mark when the Wall breaks to become a bridge.)
18. Psalms - Bohemian Rhapsody: Queen
The main author of Psalms is King David (total 73) writers also include Moses, Solomon, Asaph, and anonymous contributors as well. The range of emotion is vast from sorrow and joy to anguish and peace. It is comforting to the reader knowing these words come from the Saints of the Old Testament. The rock-opera Bohemian Rhapsody is a complex pop song that matches the emotional range of Psalms as well as the variety in arrangement. Freddie Mercury never said officially what the song was about, but guitarist Brian May shared some insight, "Freddie was a very complex person: flippant and funny on the surface, but he concealed insecurities and problems in squaring up his life with his childhood. He never explained the lyrics, but I think he put a lot of himself into that song." The 150 books that make up this musical and artistic work are more about expressing one's feelings than searching for doctoral meaning.
19. Proverbs- Blowing In the Wind: Bob Dylan
Proverbs is more than the fortune cookie of the bible filled with pithy sayings. The wisdom is deep. The topics are wide. The advice is timeless. Proverbs is a book of maxims written for a young Jewish audience, with truths compacted into a few lines scripted in an indelible fashion. Bob Dylan's Blowin in the Wind is also a song that transcends generations with powerful truths layered upon verse and chorus. Dylan played the song for Pope John Paul II in 1997, upon being greeted, the Pontiff said this,"You say the answer is blowing in the wind, my friend. So it is: but it is not the wind that blows things away. It is the wind that is the breath and life of the Holy Spirit, the voice that calls and says, 'Come!'"
The next part in Rock of Ages will focus on Ecclesiastes to Lamentations.
The main author of Psalms is King David (total 73) writers also include Moses, Solomon, Asaph, and anonymous contributors as well. The range of emotion is vast from sorrow and joy to anguish and peace. It is comforting to the reader knowing these words come from the Saints of the Old Testament. The rock-opera Bohemian Rhapsody is a complex pop song that matches the emotional range of Psalms as well as the variety in arrangement. Freddie Mercury never said officially what the song was about, but guitarist Brian May shared some insight, "Freddie was a very complex person: flippant and funny on the surface, but he concealed insecurities and problems in squaring up his life with his childhood. He never explained the lyrics, but I think he put a lot of himself into that song." The 150 books that make up this musical and artistic work are more about expressing one's feelings than searching for doctoral meaning.
19. Proverbs- Blowing In the Wind: Bob Dylan
Proverbs is more than the fortune cookie of the bible filled with pithy sayings. The wisdom is deep. The topics are wide. The advice is timeless. Proverbs is a book of maxims written for a young Jewish audience, with truths compacted into a few lines scripted in an indelible fashion. Bob Dylan's Blowin in the Wind is also a song that transcends generations with powerful truths layered upon verse and chorus. Dylan played the song for Pope John Paul II in 1997, upon being greeted, the Pontiff said this,"You say the answer is blowing in the wind, my friend. So it is: but it is not the wind that blows things away. It is the wind that is the breath and life of the Holy Spirit, the voice that calls and says, 'Come!'"
The next part in Rock of Ages will focus on Ecclesiastes to Lamentations.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Soundtracking the Bible Part III
What happens in the next five books of the Bible will send ripples through the pages of history. The nation of Israel reaches highs as King Solomon builds a vast kingdom only to find a nation torn in two and then sent to Exile.
It is a story of lost and found and how God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things
The characters that take stage range from Kings and commoners to prophets and priests who all play a part in this story; God is an author who never wastes words or an opportunity.
10. 1 Kings - Kings & Queens: 30 Seconds to Mars
Written during the Babylonian exile of Jews, 1 Kings opens with King Solomon and his quest for wisdom. Author Jeremiah does not hold back tracking the positive and negative choices of the Kings of Israel. This historical book is grand in scale and mirrors the anthem of Jared Leto's Kings and Queens. "We were the kings and queens of promise/ We were the victims of ourselves/ Maybe the children of a lesser God/ Between Heaven and Hell." It is here that the split of Israel (North) and Judah (South) begins and sets the stage for the struggles of Israel to come.
S
11. 2 Kings - Viva La Vida : Coldplay
There is not a main character in the second book of Kings, however human nature is the major theme throughout. Israel is a broken mosaic of choices made that set a nation of promise into a nation in captivity. Chris Martin's bittersweet symphony matches the tone of nation searching to pick up the pieces, "One minute I held the key/ Next the walls were closed on me/ And I discovered that my castles stand/ Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand." If there was a bright spot in the dark cloud over Israel it would be Elisha and Elijah, a beautiful illustration of how God can use us despite our insecurities.
12. 1 Chronicles - Iris: Goo Goo Dolls
It is said that Ezra wrote these next two books of the bible, and at first glance could look like a retelling of OT texts, but there is more. The audience of this book was written for a nation returning from Exile. Like an artist putting together pieces of a mosaic, Ezra rebuilds the fractured history of Israel to show how they fit together into God's plan. "And I don't want the world to see me/ 'Cause I don't think that they'd understand/ When everything's meant to be broken / I just want you to know who I am," there is a common thread of wanting to belong that echoes thru Chronicles much like thru the song Iris; and that's something we all can relate to.
13. 2 Chronicles - Sigh No More: Mumford & Sons
The second part to Chronicles focuses on Judah. The book is very historical, but there is a purpose to giving the past a second look. It is amazing how seeing things from a different persecutive can make even the toughest parts of the past find meaning and purpose. "Love; it will not betray you/ Dismay or enslave you, it will set you free/ Be more like the man you were made to be." The lyrics from Mumford & Sons are a poignant epilogue to Chronicles that although a nation maybe in downfall, it is not the end.
14. Ezra - My Hero: Foo Fighters
After years of exile under the Babylonians the Israelites were allowed to return home and find second life. Ezra is a reminder that even the ordinary can be a hero. Ezra was a humble low-profile leader, that played key role in bringing together a community to rebuild a temple and also a nation. "There goes my hero/ watch him as he goes /there goes my hero/ he's ordinary." Some thought that "My Hero" was written about Kurt Cobain, but Dave Grohl says the song is a "celebration of the common man." We all want to make a difference, but most of us lead ordinary lives, Ezra shows us that we can do both. (Check out the acoustic version of "My Hero" which brings out the heart and message of the song).
What songs today remind you of characters in the bible?
It is a story of lost and found and how God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things
The characters that take stage range from Kings and commoners to prophets and priests who all play a part in this story; God is an author who never wastes words or an opportunity.
10. 1 Kings - Kings & Queens: 30 Seconds to Mars
Written during the Babylonian exile of Jews, 1 Kings opens with King Solomon and his quest for wisdom. Author Jeremiah does not hold back tracking the positive and negative choices of the Kings of Israel. This historical book is grand in scale and mirrors the anthem of Jared Leto's Kings and Queens. "We were the kings and queens of promise/ We were the victims of ourselves/ Maybe the children of a lesser God/ Between Heaven and Hell." It is here that the split of Israel (North) and Judah (South) begins and sets the stage for the struggles of Israel to come.
S
11. 2 Kings - Viva La Vida : Coldplay
There is not a main character in the second book of Kings, however human nature is the major theme throughout. Israel is a broken mosaic of choices made that set a nation of promise into a nation in captivity. Chris Martin's bittersweet symphony matches the tone of nation searching to pick up the pieces, "One minute I held the key/ Next the walls were closed on me/ And I discovered that my castles stand/ Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand." If there was a bright spot in the dark cloud over Israel it would be Elisha and Elijah, a beautiful illustration of how God can use us despite our insecurities.
12. 1 Chronicles - Iris: Goo Goo Dolls
It is said that Ezra wrote these next two books of the bible, and at first glance could look like a retelling of OT texts, but there is more. The audience of this book was written for a nation returning from Exile. Like an artist putting together pieces of a mosaic, Ezra rebuilds the fractured history of Israel to show how they fit together into God's plan. "And I don't want the world to see me/ 'Cause I don't think that they'd understand/ When everything's meant to be broken / I just want you to know who I am," there is a common thread of wanting to belong that echoes thru Chronicles much like thru the song Iris; and that's something we all can relate to.
13. 2 Chronicles - Sigh No More: Mumford & Sons
14. Ezra - My Hero: Foo Fighters
After years of exile under the Babylonians the Israelites were allowed to return home and find second life. Ezra is a reminder that even the ordinary can be a hero. Ezra was a humble low-profile leader, that played key role in bringing together a community to rebuild a temple and also a nation. "There goes my hero/ watch him as he goes /there goes my hero/ he's ordinary." Some thought that "My Hero" was written about Kurt Cobain, but Dave Grohl says the song is a "celebration of the common man." We all want to make a difference, but most of us lead ordinary lives, Ezra shows us that we can do both. (Check out the acoustic version of "My Hero" which brings out the heart and message of the song).
What songs today remind you of characters in the bible?
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Soundtracking the Bible Pt. 2
The next set of books of Bible after the Pentateuch (the first five) play out like a great drama or a summer blockbuster.
David was the bright side to Saul's dark side of the moon. That being said, David was not without his faults. The second book of Samuel is split into two parts; David's triumphs and David's tragedies. His downward spiral began with his failure to go off to war and instead decided to go off the the roof and give in to temptation. Brandon Flowers lyrics paint a picture of a sinful tale with an upbeat melody, much like David's life. "Jealousy, turning saints into the sea/ Swimming through sick lullabies/ Choking on your alibis / But it's just the price I pay/ Destiny is calling me/ Open up my eager eyes /‘Cause I'm Mr Brightside." (I was torn to go with All These Things That I've Done because the message fits well too, but my wife liked Mr. Brightside better).
What songs make you think of stories and characters from the bible...?
It is amazing to see how God continues to use flawed characters to overcome challenges and accomplish great feats. The people who take a major role are multidimensional. They have have problems. Doing the right thing is not always done, and there are consequences for decisions made; but Grace is the main dynamic throughout.
The God of the Old Testament has a stereotype for being angry and judgmental but again and again he proves to be a God of second chances.
God never gave up on Israel and he never gives up on us.
5. Joshua - Wake Up : Arcade Fire
The book of Joshua opens in epic fashion as a new generation has a new leader; Joshua. A nation that has been marked with 40 years of failure will now be a generation of promise. The song Wake Up plays a dynamic backdrop as a Israel becomes a nation walking into the Promise Land and in an ironic way finally wakes up to be the people God called them to be. The reprise in Wake Up would also play well in contrast to the anticipation of the wall of Jericho falling... cue for the horns.
6. Judges - Heroes : David Bowie
People who say that the bible is a boring book haven't read Judges. This book breaks all the rules. The melodramas continues with graphic depictions of violence and sex, but also of redemption and hope. Perceptions are turned on their head as the underdog becomes the hero and women become empowered. The lyrics from Heroes by David Bowes are the cliff notes to this amazing book..."though nothing, nothing will keep us together/ We can beat them, for ever and ever/ We can be Heroes, just for one day." (I prefer the Wallflowers version because I love the 90s and this song was the only good thing from the movie Godzilla).
7. Ruth - I Was Meant For You : Jewel
The story of Ruth is a brilliant bookmark in between the larger than life stories of Judges and 1 Samuel. It is a tender story of woman who in the eyes of society is a nobody only to find her true love to help her become somebody. Ruth lost her husband and her country, and what happens next mirrors the words of Jewel, "Dreams last so long/ even after you're gone/ I know you love me/ And soon you will see/ You were meant for me/ And I was meant for you." Boaz would not only redeem Ruth but the nation of Israel (however the guy in this video is no Boaz).
8. 1 Samuel - Paranoid : Black Sabbath
King Saul on the surface had all the characteristics of a great king. He was tall, charismatic, and intelligent. However, underneath Saul was a tortured soul. Ozzy Osbournes Paranoid, tells a story of a protagonist who pushes people away but longs for support. "All day long I think of things but nothing seems to satisfy/ Think I'll lose my mind if I don't find something to pacify /Can you help me occupy my brain?" Enter David. Who would come to pacify Saul's internal struggles but over time would intensify his insecurities. The lyrics and pace of Paranoid play an erie contrast to the conflicted character of Saul, "I need someone to show me the things in life that I can't find /I can't see the things that make true happiness, I must be blind."
9. 2 Samuel - Mr. Brightside : The Killers
9. 2 Samuel - Mr. Brightside : The Killers
David was the bright side to Saul's dark side of the moon. That being said, David was not without his faults. The second book of Samuel is split into two parts; David's triumphs and David's tragedies. His downward spiral began with his failure to go off to war and instead decided to go off the the roof and give in to temptation. Brandon Flowers lyrics paint a picture of a sinful tale with an upbeat melody, much like David's life. "Jealousy, turning saints into the sea/ Swimming through sick lullabies/ Choking on your alibis / But it's just the price I pay/ Destiny is calling me/ Open up my eager eyes /‘Cause I'm Mr Brightside." (I was torn to go with All These Things That I've Done because the message fits well too, but my wife liked Mr. Brightside better).
What songs make you think of stories and characters from the bible...?
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Soundtracking the Bible Pt. 1
Last year I wrote a blog called The Top 50 Non-Worship-Worship Songs, listing Pop songs that could be Worship songs. It started with 25 and turned in 50; honestly it was hard to stop there.
It turned out to be my most popular post.
People love music.
This year I was inspired to write a similar blog when driving in the car with my wife. I heard a Dave Matthews Band song and thought to myself, "that sounds like a book of the bible."
After that moment my mind was racing thinking of songs and books of the Bible that could match in theme and style. I mentioned this crazy blog idea to my wife and she loved it (always a good idea to listen to your wife) and on the car ride home from Philly to the Poconos all we talked about was books of the Bible and Rock songs.
Research for this musical series has brought a lot of excitement to my devotional life which at times can be pretty predicable and lacking inspiration.
We serve a creative God and creativity brings the Bible to life.
This look through the bible is an artistic approach and the ideas expressed are open to interpretation. I understand that through the years Rock music has been seen as unbiblical, but hopefully you can see truth in the art and read in between the lines.
Research for this musical series has brought a lot of excitement to my devotional life which at times can be pretty predicable and lacking inspiration.
We serve a creative God and creativity brings the Bible to life.
This look through the bible is an artistic approach and the ideas expressed are open to interpretation. I understand that through the years Rock music has been seen as unbiblical, but hopefully you can see truth in the art and read in between the lines.
"Both read the Bible day and night, but thou read black when I read white." -William Blake
Rock of Ages: A Rock & Roll Look Thru the Bible:
1. GENESIS - Sympathy for the Devil : Rolling Stones
- Taking a page from C. S. Lewis's Screwtape Letters, Mick Jagger's role of the narrator is from the Devil's perspective. Interesting thing is that the word Devil is not mentioned in the song and Devil is not mentioned in the book of Genesis but you know that his influence is felt. The line "What's puzzling you is the nature of my game," is a brilliant observation that is throughout the first book of the bible from Eve and the fruit to Abraham and his missteps with Hagar. Sympathy... is probably one of the most accurate descriptions of the Devil and also the most controversial.
2. EXODUS - People Get Ready : Curtis Mayfield
- Written at the height of the Civil Rights Movement in 1965. Mayfield pens an anthem that parallels the plight of the African-American in 1960s America with Jews in Exodus from Egypt to the Promise Land, with lyrics like "People get ready for the train to Jordan/ It's picking up passengers from coast to coast/ Faith is the key, open the doors and board 'em." As Moses transcends culture and time as a symbol of hope for people under oppression so does this timeless soulful song.
3. LEVITICUS - I Fought the Law : The Clash
- Leviticus is a book that focus on the Law and at first glance, may be be a book that is tedious in detail but underneath reveals a dynamic relationship between God and man. I Fought the Law was originally written by Sonny Curtis in 1958. The Clash version is the most popular and plays nicely against the backdrop of Moses as a character that has a punk rock spirit; and he of all people knows that the Law wins.
4. NUMBERS - We Didn't Start the Fire : Billy Joel
- It is no mistake that Billy Joel's refrain of "We didn't start the fire, it was always burning since the world's been turning" has biblical illusions to the Old Testament. The book of Numbers and the lyrics of We Didn't Start the Fire read like a phone book and at first glance can be overlooked but behind the names are powerful stories. We may connect with the names that Billy Joel mentions but both are significant to God. Interestingly enough Numbers and We Didn't Start the Fire cover a span of 40 years in history mixed with both despair and also hope.
5. DEUTERONOMY - Old Man : Neil Young
- Old Man was inspired by a conversation a youthful Neil Young had with an old ranch owner in regards to purchasing land. Deuteronomy also focus on a transaction of "land" from an old Moses to a younger Joshua. The lyrics of this song are haunting as the dialogue conveys imagery of hardship and testing but also promise and trust much like Moses' life. The book ends with the death of Moses but there is also a sense of hope much like the tone that is throughout this poignant song.
Part 2 will focus on the next five books and songs covering Joshua to 2 Samuel.
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