Is Jesus Missing From Your Worship Songs?
Weddings are great places to run into people. I was at a wedding recently where I was able to catch up with a friend who moved away for school a few years ago.
I knew he had moved to the South but I asked where specifically he was living. “Gainesville” he replied. “Oh Gainesville, I have some friends who live there”. “In Gainesville Georgia? Or were you thinking Gainesville Florida?
I was definitely thinking Gainesville Florida. I’ve never heard of Gainesville Georgia.
Without being explicit in or language it’s easy for things to get lost, misunderstood, or confused. It happens all the time.
Do People Know Who We're Singing To?
I think about that a lot with the lyrics in the worship songs we sing.
Most of the people in our church family get it. When we sing songs about “our Lord” or “Him” they know who we’re talking about.
But I know for certain there are many, at least in my church in Central California, who don't get it. Most people are spiritual. They have a “god” they acknowledge and worship in some way. It may even be a god related to the God of the Bible.
But do they believe in JESUS? Fully God, fully man. The one who walked the earth and died to take our punishment upon Himself. The way, the truth, and the life. The only way to salvation. Do they know we are sing to and about Jesus Himself?
Probably not.
Some Examples
Here are a few examples of wonderful worship songs. Song we sing all the time. Songs with strong, vivid lyrics about the work of Jesus Christ.
10,000 Reasons sings “Bless the Lord”
Ever Be sings “Worthy are You Lord”
Lion & The Lamb calls Jesus the “Lamb that was slain” and “The Lord Almighty”
The titles of “Great Are You Lord”, “God With Us”, and “King of My Heart” are as close as they get to the name of Jesus.
None of them call Him by name. Jesus.
Is there anything wrong with these songs? Absolutely not. I’m simply saying that as worship leaders we need to go out of our way to find and sing songs that explicitly name the name of Jesus Christ.
Not only to communicate clearly but more importantly because the Bible is emphatic about the tremendous power of the name of Jesus. (Phil. 2:9-11, Acts 4:12, Luke 10:17, Romans 10:13)
Clearly Jesus
If you’d like to hear the name Jesus sung more often in your church consider these songs.
What A Beautiful Name - Hillsong Worship
I have no doubt that one of the reasons this song has absolutely taken off in the church is because of it’s clear exultation of Jesus. “What a beautiful name it is”, “What a wonderful name it is”, “What a powerful name it is”. “The name of Jesus”.
Jesus We Love You - Bethel Music
There are a lot of songs where we confess our love and adoration to “our Lord” or “You”. This songs makes it clear. “Our affection, our devotion poured out on the feet of Jesus”.
Jesus At The Center - Israel & New Breed
This song barely takes a breath before singing the Name of Jesus again. “Jesus at the center of it all…of my life…of Your church..It’s all about You”
O Come To The Alter - Elevation Worship
“Jesus is calling”. It’s “The precious blood of Jesus Christ” that bought our forgiveness.
Jesus! - Citizens & Saints
You can’t make it much clearer than this song. I’ve mentioned it before in a previous post but it’s worth mentioning again. Who is the “King of all creation”? The “Author of salvation”? The “God of resurrection”? Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! “Highly exalted is the name of Jesus Christ”
I believe the number of songs we sing about the birth, life, death, resurrection, and new covenant work of Jesus should far outweigh the number of songs about any other subject. They may not all contain His name, but many should.
We’d love to hear form you!
What are your favorite songs to or about Jesus?
Share in the comments below.