Tag Archives: Christianity

Joan Osborne – One Of Us

Inspiration Behind One of Us:

Joan Osborne began to question the nature of God and the role faith plays. Meanwhile, if you do have a personal encounter with God, the lyrics prepare listeners for this experience. Co-writer of One of Us, Eric Bazilian, sought to provoke thoughts and challenge any previous assumptions about God. Joan of Arcadia, a drama on CBS that aired for two seasons, adopted One of Us as its theme song. The lyrics fit well into the concept of God speaking face to face with a high school girl.

Biblical Application:

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. ⁴⁵ The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. ⁴⁶ For they heard them speaking in tongues^[b] and praising God. Then Peter said, ⁴⁷ “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” ⁴⁸ So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days, Acts 10:44-48.

Exegesis of One of Us:

So one of these nights and about twelve o’clock
This old world’s gonna reel and rock
Saints will tremble and cry for pain
For the Lord’s gonna come, in his heavenly airplane

Yeah-yeah, yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah

Joan brings up the second coming of Jesus. An open-ended question is used as if to ask, when Jesus does return will you be ready, prepared?

If God had a name, what would it be?
And would you call it to His face
If you were faced with Him in all His glory?
What would you ask if you had just one question?

Eric and Joan use questions and thoughts about God’s nature in this stanza. Yet if you did have an encounter with God, what would it be like.

And yeah, yeah, God is great
Yeah, yeah, God is good
Yeah, yeah, yeah-yeah-yeah

Basic assumptions about God.

What if God was one of us
Just a slob like one of us
Just a stranger on the bus
Tryin’ to make His way home?

This stanza challenges people to be aware of your surroundings, maybe an angel or God is sitting next to you?

If God had a face, what would it look like?
And would you want to see
If seeing meant that you would have to believe
In things like Heaven and in Jesus and the saints
And all the prophets?

Thoughts about seeing verse believing. Faith without sight.

And yeah, yeah, God is great
Yeah, yeah, God is good
Yeah, yeah, yeah-yeah-yeah

Acknowledging God’s greatness.

What if God was one of us
Just a slob like one of us
Just a stranger on the bus
Tryin’ to make His way home?

How can you help God? Who does God want you to meet today?

Tryin’ to make His way home
Back up to Heaven all alone
Nobody callin’ on the phone
‘Cept for the Pope, maybe in Rome

The Girardi Family in Joan of Arcadia are Catholic which either explains this reference to the Pope or that many Americans were raised in Roman Catholic churches.

Yeah, yeah, God is great
Yeah, yeah, God is good
Yeah, yeah, yeah-yeah-yeah

Repetitive reference to God’s character.

What if God was one of us
Just a slob like one of us
Just a stranger on the bus
Tryin’ to make His way home?

Identify God or needy individuals.

Just tryin’ to make His way home?
Like a holy rolling stone?
Back up to Heaven all alone
Just tryin’ to make His way home?

Thoughts on how God works and moves.

Nobody callin’ on the phone
‘Cept for the Pope, maybe in Rome

Assuming that the current Pope is in tune with God, keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25.

Final Thoughts:

The Joan of Arcadia series is one of the closest that Hollywood has come to identifying biblical traits of a living God. While some of the theology of this drama is warped, I watched episodes from season 2 on You-Tube. Although the quality may not be great, watching this series made me examine my faith and become more proactive in sharing my faith. Watching all 40 plus episodes will help stretch your concepts about God being one of us.

by Jay Mankus

Mandisa – Overcomer

Inspiration Behind Overcomer:

Mandisa wrote Overcomer following the death of a close friend. Keisha was diagnosed with breast cancer and wasn’t able to recover, claiming another victim to this deadly disease. Mandisa took her friend’s death hard, battling anxiety, hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. The lyrics of Overcomer serve as a personal journey to recover and overcome future adversities in life.

Biblical Application:

Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. ³⁰ Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.” ³¹ “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. ³² “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. ³³ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world,” John 16:29-33.

Exegesis of Overcomer:

Staring at a stop sign
Watching people drive by
T. Mac on the radio
Got so much on your mind
Nothing’s really going right
Looking for a ray of hope

Mandisa is going for a drive to clear her mind. She’s listening to Toby Mac, looking for a ray of hope with nothing seeming to be going right in life.

Whatever it is you may be going through
I know He’s not gonna let it get the best of you

Mandisa points to the lives of her listeners, encouraging them to lean on God so that these daily troubles don’t get the best of you.

You’re an overcomer
Stay in the fight ’til the final round
You’re not going under (you’re not going under)
‘Cause God is holdin’ you right now

The chorus points to a boxer, staying on their feet until the final round. Let God be your strength.

You might be down for a moment
Feeling like it’s hopeless
That’s when He reminds you
That you’re an overcomer (whoa-oh)
You’re an overcomer (whoa-oh)

Bounce back in life by having the faith of an overcomer.

Everybody’s been down
Hit the bottom, hit the ground
Ooh, you’re not alone

Everyone hits rock bottom at some point in life.

Just take a breath, don’t forget
Hang on to His promises
He wants you to know

Reach for and cling to God’s promises in the Bible to get you through tough times.

You’re an overcomer
Stay in the fight ’til the final round
You’re not going under (you’re not going under)
‘Cause God is holding you right now

Never give up. Keep fighting.

You might be down for a moment
Feeling like it’s hopeless
That’s when He reminds you
That you’re an overcomer (whoa-oh)
You’re an overcomer (whoa-oh)

If you do fall, get right back up by developing an overcomer attitude.

The same man, the Great-I-Am
The one who overcame death
Is living inside of you
So just hold tight, fix your eyes
On the one who holds your life
There’s nothing He can’t do

Mandisa appears to point to the words of Hebrews 12:1-3. Keep your head up by fixing your eyes upon Jesus.

He’s telling you (take a breath, don’t forget)
(Hang on to His promises)

Be still before God. As you rest, look to God’s promises in the Bible.

You’re an overcomer
Stay in the fight ’til the final round
You’re not going under (you’re not going under)
‘Cause God is holding you right now

Stay optimistic. Don’t let your mind give into defeat.

You might be down for a moment
Feeling like it’s hopeless
That’s when He reminds you
That you’re an overcomer (whoa-oh)
You’re an overcomer (whoa-oh)
You’re an overcomer (whoa-oh)
You’re an overcomer (whoa-oh)

Meditate and memorize Bible verses so that when you’re feeling down, these words will uplift your spirit.

So don’t quit, don’t give in
You’re an overcomer
Don’t quit, don’t give in
You’re an overcomer
Don’t quit, don’t give in
You’re an overcomer
You’re an overcomer

Persevere. Stay mentally tough. Develop an overcomer spirit.

Final Thoughts:

When one of my best friends from high school died of cancer, I was devastated. Maureen’s death took years to overcome, but this struggle led me to become a youth pastor. Each trial that you face in life provide opportunities for spiritual growth. While you might not handle each one well, keep pressing on. If you do, you’ll understand the feeling of becoming an overcomer.

by Jay Mankus

Genesis – That’s All (Official Audio)

Inspiration Behind That’s All:

That’s All explores the complexities and frustrations of relationships. The lyrics highlight the differences in opinions and perspectives in life. That’s All points to the realization of all unresolved differences. Instead of constantly arguing, debating and opening fresh wounds to your soul, That’s All a way of accepting that neither side is willing to budge.

Biblical Application:

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. ⁶ The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. ⁷ The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. ⁸ Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God, Romans 8:5-8.

Exegesis of That’s All:

Just as I thought it was goin’ alright
I found out I’m wrong, when I thought I was right
It’s always the same, it’s just a shame, that’s all
I could say day, and you’d say night
Tell me it’s black, when I know that it’s white
Always the same, it’s just a shame and that’s all

Some days that are going well can be interrupted by a firm rebuke. For Phil Collins, this happens regularly. This pattern of disagreement is getting old,

I could leave, but I won’t go
Though my heart might tell me so
I can’t feel a thing from my head down to my toes
But why does it always seem to be
Me lookin’ at you, you lookin’ at me?
It’s always the same, it’s just a shame, that’s all

Phil appears to be referring to a relationship with another woman that is on the rocks. Yet it wasn’t always this way.

Turnin’ me on, turnin’ me off
Making me feel like I want too much
Livin’ with you is just putting me through it all of the time
Runnin’ around, staying out all night
Taking it all instead of taking one bite
Living with you is just putting me through it all of the time

A state of misery is hovering over this relationship. For now, this couple is just putting up with each other.

I could leave, but I won’t go
But it’d be easier I know
I can’t feel a thing from my head down to my toes
Why does it always seem to be
Me lookin’ at you, you lookin’ at me?
It’s always the same, it’s just a shame, that’s all

Phil has become numb, a way to hide his pain and frustration.

Truth is I love you
More than I wanted to
There’s no point in trying to pretend
There’s been no one who
Makes me feel like you do
Say we’ll be together ’til the end

His love for this woman has kept Phil from quitting on this relationship.

But I could leave, but I won’t go
It’d be easier I know
I can’t feel a thing from my head down to my toes
So why does it always seem to be
Me looking at you, you looking at me?
It’s always the same, it’s just a shame, that’s all

Phil could take the easy way out but hasn’t reached that point yet.

But I love you
More than I wanted to
There’s no point in trying to pretend
There’s been no one who
Makes me feel like you do
Say we’ll be together ’til the end

Love is the only thing keeping this relationship together.

But just as I thought it was going alright
I find out I’m wrong when I thought I was right
It’s always the same, it’s just a shame, that’s all
Well, I could say day, you’d say night
Tell me it’s black when I know that it’s white
It’s always the same, it’s just a shame, that’s all
That’s all

Living in this type of environment will wear down your soul. Stubbornness appears to be slowing deteriorating this relationship, on the verge of collapse.

Final Thoughts:

Sometimes mentors can help hold a marriage together until both couples make the necessary changes to become closer. Unfortunately, many individuals give up, not willing to fight anymore to salvage their relationship. Movies like Fireproof illustrate what needs to happen before genuine reconciliation can be achieved. These steps may seem drastic, but are essential to avoid experiencing the atmosphere detailed in That’s All.

by Jay Mankus

Kenny Loggins – Danger Zone (Official Audio – Top Gun)

Inspiration Behind Danger Zone:

Tom Whitlock and Giorgio Moroder were assigned to create a song for the original Top Gun film. This track needed to resonate with this film’s theme of adrenaline, speed and thrill of naval aviation. This song’s title was inspired by the opening scenes using an aircraft carrier flight deck. Ultimately, Danger Zone also refers to the threat of war, entering an arena where flight school is over and the real thing is about to take place.

Biblical Application:

t is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, ⁵ who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age ⁶ and who have fallen^[c] away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace, Hebrews 6:4-6.

Exegesis of Danger Zone:

Revvin’ up your engine
Listen to her howlin’ roar
Metal under tension
Beggin’ you to touch and go

Referring to a pilot going through a checklist just before takeoff.

Highway to the danger zone
Ride into the danger zone

Once a naval fighter plane is launched off the flight deck, the crew is heading into enemy territory.

Headin’ into twilight
Spreadin’ out her wings tonight
She got you jumpin’ off the deck
And shovin’ into overdrive

This points to the adrenaline before takeoff.

Highway to the danger zone
I’ll take you right into the danger zone

Reaching an aircraft carrier means flight school is over, and this is the real thing.

You’ll never say hello to you
Until you get it on the red line overload
You’ll never know what you can do
Until you get it up as high as you can go

Nothing compares to experience. Once the pilot and wing man learn to work togther, they will begin to realize their full potential as a team.

Out along the edges
Always where I burn to be
The further on the edge
The hotter the intensity

The top pilots at this elite school want to be where the action is.

Highway to the danger zone
Gonna take it right into the danger zone
Highway to the danger zone
Ride into the danger zone

Action refers to where the war, real fighting is taking place.

Highway to the danger zone
Gonna take it right into the danger zone
Highway to the danger zone
Ride into the danger zone

Top Gun pilots are trained for danger, taught how to react to different situations and what to do.

Highway to the danger zone
Gonna take it right into the danger zone
Highway to the danger zone
Ride into the danger zone

Highway to the danger zone

For the top pilots, there is no hesitation. Once in the danger zone, pilots respond differently.

Final Thoughts:

The spiritual danger zone is highlighted by today’s featured Bible verse. Hebrews 6 points to a Christian who knows the Bible but fails to practice anything that they are taught. This pattern of behavior leads to apathy, causing Christians to become spiritual numb. Every time a pilot is in the air, they learn something about how their jet handles certain conditions. The same thing happens daily to Christians if they are alert, sober and watchful. Spiritual foundations are built by putting the teachings of Jesus into practice, Matthew 7:24.

by Jay Mankus

On Fire: Switchfoot – The Ultimate Gift (2007) music video

Inspiration Behind On Fire:

This Switchfoot song was featured in the movie the Ultimate Gift. Jason Stevens plays a character who is given a series of tests to pass by his deceased grandfather. On this journey, Jason behinds Emily, a girl dying of cancer. The lyrics of On Fire explore themes of spiritual growth, resiliency and how faith can transform your life. On Fire is symbolic of passion and enlightenment as you face serious challenges in life.

Biblical Application:

But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. ¹⁷ Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. ¹⁸ And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate^[a] the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit, 2 Corinthians 3:16-18.

Exegesis of On Fire:

They tell you where you need to go
Tell you when you need to leave
They tell you what you’ll need to know
Tell you who you need to be

The opening stanza reminds me a visiting a hospital. Depending upon the diagnosis, doctors will prepare patients and family members of what to expect and how to be supportive.

But everything inside you knows
There’s more than what you’ve heard
There’s so much more than empty conversations
Filled with empty words

However, when you are told, someone is going to die, it’s much harder to grasp. Knowing what to say and how to say is much more complicated.

And you’re on fire when he’s near you
You’re on fire when he speaks
You’re on fire
Burning at these mysteries

Jason is trying to console Emily’s mom.

Give me one more time around
Give me one more chance to see, yeah
Give me everything you are
Give me one more chance to be near you, yeah

Jason is hoping for another chance to be strong and supportive.

When everything inside me looks like
Everything I hate
You are the hope I have for change
You are the only chance I’ll take

In the film the Ultimate Gift, Jason grow up a spoiled brat, hating the person he had become. Meeting Abigail has helped change Jason.

When I’m on fire when you’re near me
And I’m on fire when you speak
And I’m on fire
Burning at these mysteries
Mysteries
Mysteries

Some people are just easy to talk to. The fire reference could also be the presence of the Holy Spirit who fills someone with words to say when there are uncertain and unsure.

(You’re on fire)
(You’re on fire)
(You’re on fire) I’m standing on the edge of me
I’m standing on the edge of me
I’m standing on the edge of me
I’m standing on the edge of me
I’m standing at the edge of everything I’ve never been before
And I’ve been standing at the edge of me
Standing on the edge

When two strangers come together, sometimes they are the perfect complement to each other. In the music video, Jason is trying to figure out what to do, he finds old letters written to him by his grandfather.

And I’m on fire when you’re near me
And I’m on fire when you speak
Yeah, I’m on fire
Burning at these mysteries
These mysteries
These mysteries
Yeah, your mystery, yeah
You’re a mystery

The mystery is Jason’s pain of his father dying in a plane crash while working for his grandfather. Yet, the more Jason learns from his dead grandfather, the more he is prepared to help Abigail as she faces the thoughts of her daughter Emily dying of cancer. This fire (passion) will bring a light of hope to those facing a dark future.

Final Thoughts:

One of my best friends from high school died of cancer before reaching her 20th birthday. This painful loss led me to become a youth pastor after graduating college. The fire that burned within me was to lead lost souls, struggling with everyday life by pointing young men and women toward eternal security, 1 John 5:12-13. Although I had my ups and downs, being a high school teacher for a decade also allowed me to communicate valuable life lessons to prevent my students from making the same mistakes that I did when I was their age. This is the passion that flows from the lyrics of On Fire.

by Jay Mankus

Toto – Africa (Official HD Video)

Inspiration Behind Africa:

David Paich became fascinated with Africa at an early age from articles in National Geographic Magazine. As the front man for Toto and main song writer, watching documentaries conceived a heartfelt desire for the African continent. Growing up in a Catholic school opened the door for David to become a missionary to Africa before his musical career took off. All of these elements help spawn the lyrics to Africa. Recognizing the arid climate and poverty in Africa, David points to any rain that occurs as a blessing from God.

Biblical Application:

Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone, Zechariah 10:1.

Exegesis of Africa:

I hear the drums echoing tonight
But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation
She’s coming in, twelve-thirty flight
The moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation
I stopped an old man along the way
Hoping to find some old forgotten words or ancient melodies
He turned to me as if to say, “Hurry boy, it’s waiting there for you”

This opening stanza is mixed with past and present life experiences in Africa. David is at an airport, waiting to pick a woman up while talking to strangers. Perhaps, David is simply sorting through his thought process on how to write a song that encapsulates Africa.

It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had

Either David is referring to a woman or the continent of Africa. Nothing is going to stop him from blessing the rain in Africa. Perhaps, doing missionary work kept David from doing things that he always wanted to do.

The wild dogs cry out in the night
As they grow restless, longing for some solitary company
I know that I must do what’s right
As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti
I seek to cure what’s deep inside, frightened of this thing that I’ve become

David paints the picture of a night living in the wilderness. In a struggle to do what’s right, David is frustrated by the person he has become.

It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had

Either David doesn’t want to leave his missionary work in Africa, or he has met someone special. David feels called to bless the rain in Africa but also wants to spend time with this individual.

Hurry boy, she’s waiting there for you

This is a call to action, seize this day.

It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
I bless the rains down in Africa
(I bless the rain)
I bless the rains down in Africa
(I bless the rain)
I bless the rains down in Africa
I bless the rains down in Africa
(Ah, gonna take the time)
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had

David has a special connection with Africa. He realizes how important rain is and prays for rain to come. This final line is either about Africa or a relationship that was sacrificed due to his missionary work in Africa.

Final Thoughts:

Human beings are drawn to certain destinations and locations. While some of my friends went on mission trips in college during spring break to tropical islands, I spent my week in inner city Philadelphia with City Team Missions. Growing up 30 minutes from south Philadelphia, God gave me a heart for large cities. Areas filled with crime, drugs and poverty breaks my heart. Unfortunately, not many churches are willing to reach dangerous cities. When other Christians develop hearts for mission work like David, cities can become spiritually transformed.

by Jay Mankus

Maren Morris – My Church (Official Music Video)

Inspiration Behind My Church:

Maren Morris composed a song to highlight the impact that music has had on her life. As a musician who is traveling from one stop to the next, going to the same church week after week isn’t an option. Subsequently, when Maren is on the road she turns to country music to help her pass the time. Over the years, this FM station playing her favorite songs has become her home church.

Biblical Application:

Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, ²⁶ and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch, Acts 11:25-26.

Exegesis of My Church:

I’ve cursed on a Sunday, I’ve cheated and I’ve lied
I’ve fallen down from grace a few too many times
But I find holy redemption when I put this car in drive
Roll the windows down and turn up the dial

Conviction, guilt and the need for redemption is what leads many people to church. However, when your career or job forces you to work on Sunday, you have to be creative like Maren. While driving nearby or traveling on the road, Maren’s favorite FM station provided the spiritual boost to get through another day.

Can I get a hallelujah?
Can I get an amen?
Feels like the Holy Ghost runnin’ through ya
When I play the Highway FM
I find my soul revival
Singin’ every single verse
Yeah, I guess that’s my church

Not all music is good for your heart, soul and mind. Yet when your commit yourself to listening to uplifting music, God can speak to you. Sometimes you may get so pumped up from a song it’s like being filled with the Holy Spirit. This is what Maren is experiencing as she drives as music plays.

When Hank brings the sermon and Cash leads the choir
It gets my cold, cold heart burnin’ hotter than a ring of fire
When this wonderful world gets heavy and I need to find my escape
I just keep the wheels rollin’, radio scrollin’, ’til my sins wash away

Maren escapes to her favorite artists and songs to ignite her soul. When the headline news stories get too depressing, Maren retreats to her favorite FM dial for encouragement and hope.

Can I get a hallelujah?
Can I get an amen?
Feels like the Holy Ghost runnin’ through ya
When I play the Highway FM
I find my soul revival
Singin’ every single verse
Yeah, I guess that’s my church

Maren sings about how music soothes the souls like the relief King Saul experienced upon hearing David play his harp.

Can I get a hallelujah?
Can I get an amen?
Feels like the Holy Ghost runnin’ through ya
When I play the Highway FM
I find my soul revival
Singin’ every single verse
Yeah, I guess that’s my church

Music provides a daily spark for Maren, giving her the strength to carry on.

Can I get a hallelujah?
Can I get an amen?
Feels like the Holy Ghost runnin’ through ya
When I play the Highway FM
I find my soul revival
Singin’ every single verse
Yeah, I guess that’s my church
Yeah, I guess that’s my church
Yeah, I guess that’s my church

While nothing can replace the individuals who make up a church, the messages that Maren has heard over the years from country music on FM dials has become like a church to her.

Final Thoughts:

Back in my teaching days, I taught a class to 11th graders using Mere Christianity as the main textbook. The final unit of this class was based upon building a modern church to meet the needs of our culture. Instead of boring students with theology, teenagers used Book 4 of Mere Christianity to shape their Christian beliefs. This unit was a simulation where each stage was a building block. Beginning with a name and mission’s statement, ideas were presented to the class and voted upon with secret ballots. The catch was you couldn’t vote for your own church. The top 3 churches received points which eventually turned into members to help form an annual budget. This month-long project provided some amazing concepts, preparing students to select the type of church they wanted to join after graduating. As society evolves, the church needs to be on the cutting edge of societal evolution without compromising the integrity of the Bible. This is the church I’m longing to find.

by Jay Mankus

Inspiration Behind There Was Jesus:

Zach Williams wrote There Was Jesus reflecting upon his struggles with addiction and a failing marriage. Before recording this song, Zach sought Dolly Parton’s advice. This led to a joint collaboration of these two, with Dolly wanting to make sure that her part in this duet fit perfectly into There Was Jesus’ theme of faith and redemption.

Biblical Application:

To the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. ⁷ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace ⁸ that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, Ephesians 1:6-8.

Exegesis of There Was Jesus:

Every time I tried to make it on my own
Every time I tried to stand and start to fall
And all those lonely roads that I have travelled on
There was Jesus

This opening stanza reminds me of the Christian poem entitled Footprints where an individual going through tough times on earth thinks God abandoned him until looking down and seeing two sets of footprints in the sand. Jesus was right there all the time, walking side by side. This is what Zach realized as well.

When the life I built came crashing to the ground
When the friends I had were nowhere to be found
I couldn’t see it then but I can see it now
There was Jesus

Experiencing disappointment, failure and rejection can be a lonely period. When Zach was going through the difficult trials in his life, he didn’t sense or see God’s presence at the time. Looking back now, Jesus was there.

In the waiting, in the searching
In the healing and the hurting
Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces
Every minute, every moment
Where I’ve been and where I’m going
Even when I didn’t know it or couldn’t see it
There was Jesus

God gives all human beings free will, to choose as we please daily. Each choice leads to blessing or curses according to Moses in Deuteronomy 28. According to Zach, waiting for answers and being healed was excruciating. Despite being helpless and losing hope, Jesus was by his side.

For this man who needs amazing kind of grace (mm)
For forgiveness at a price I couldn’t pay (mm)
I’m not perfect so I thank God every day
There was Jesus (there was Jesus)

Zach is bearing his soul, reaching out to God for grace and mercy. Jesus was listening.

In the waiting, in the searching
In the healing and the hurting
Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces
Every minute, every moment
Where I’ve been and where I’m going
Even when I didn’t know it or couldn’t see it
There was Jesus

This chorus serves as a reminder that healing occurs in God’s timing, not yours.

On the mountain, in the valleys (there was Jesus)
In the shadows of the alleys (there was Jesus)
In the fire, in the flood (there was Jesus)
Always is and always was
No, I never walk alone (never walk alone)
You are always there

Sometimes human beings are so busy and pressed to get their job done, that they forget to slow down, be still and notice the presence of Jesus in and around their life.

In the waiting, in the searching
In the healing and the hurting
Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces
Every minute (Every minute), every moment (every moment)
Where I’ve been and where I’m going
Even when I didn’t know it or couldn’t see it
There was Jesus

Zach and Dolly speak of God’s omnipresence. This stanza also highlights God’s providence.

There was Jesus
There was Jesus
There was Jesus

To those who invite Jesus in, Romans 10:9-11, He will abide and walk with you.

Final Thoughts:

Revelation 3:20 provides one of the most fascinating images in the Bible. John writes about a door with only one handle, on our side of the door. While God continues to knock on the door of our heart, only we can let Jesus in. This is what Zach realized after writing There Was There. All human beings need to do is open this door for God to comw into your life.

by Jay Mankus

Inspiration Behind Jesus Take the Wheel:

Carrie Underwood’s song Jesus Take the Wheel was inspired by a childhood memory shared by Gordie Sampson. Gordie recalls a true story about a mom on the verge of experiencing a car accident, crying out to Jesus for help. This moment of complete surrender resonates with individuals seeking divine intervention. Sometimes when your life is spiraling out of control, trusting in a higher power via faith is a last resort, hoping to escape death.

Biblical Application:

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. ¹⁸ The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit, Psalm 34:17-18.

Exegesis of Jesus Take the Wheel:

She was driving last Friday on her way to Cincinnati on a snow-white Christmas Eve
Going home to see her mama and her daddy with the baby in the backseat
50 miles to go, and she was running low on faith and gasoline
It’d been a long, hard year

Driving long distances can take a toll on my mind, especially if the weather is bad. This woman appears to be a single mom, recently divorced based upon the hard year comment.

She had a lot on her mind, and she didn’t pay attention
She was going way too fast
Before she knew it, she was spinning on a thin black sheet of glass
She saw both their lives flash before her eyes
She didn’t even have time to cry
She was so scared
She threw her hands up in the air

Going over bridges while driving in the snow can be difficult. After the fear of driving in the snow vanished, she started driving as if the roads were dry. This lapse in judgement almost led to a car accident. Once a car starts sliding, you’re at the mercy of physics. Losing physical control of her car, she cried out for help.

Jesus, take the wheel
Take it from my hands
‘Cause I can’t do this on my own
I’m letting go
So give me one more chance
And save me from this road I’m on
Jesus, take the wheel

Helpless and scared, she cries out to Jesus for divine intervention. Asking God for a second chance at life.

It was still getting colder when she made it to the shoulder
And the car came to a stop
She cried when she saw that baby in the backseat, sleeping like a rock
And for the first time in a long time
She bowed her head to pray
She said, “I’m sorry for the way I’ve been living my life
I know I’ve got to change, so from now on tonight”

Human nature has a way of leading people toward self-reliance until life altering events happen. This is where Jesus becomes a last resort, turning to God in times of trouble.

Jesus, take the wheel
Take it from my hands
‘Cause I can’t do this on my own
I’m letting go
So give me one more chance
And save me from this road I’m on
Oh, Jesus, take the wheel

This chorus reinforces the notion that there are moments in life where it’s clear that you can’t do it or make it on your own.

Oh, I’m letting go
So give me one more chance
Save me from this road I’m on
From this road I’m on

Despite the disobedience of mankind, Jesus continues to offer desperate human beings second and third chances at life.

Jesus, take the wheel
Oh, take it, take it from me
Oh, whoa, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh

The more Christians truly surrender to God, the more Jesus can shine through your life.

Final Thoughts:

I was in a head on collision in college. I could see it happening but had no control. I escaped with banged up knees and a totaled car. While cars can be replaced, human life cannot. Subsequently, make sure you thank Jesus for what you have and for the numerously times in life divine intervention kept you out of an accident.

by Jay Mankus