A few years ago, I was in Glorieta. I was introduced to quite a bit of “new” worship music. There was one song that they introduced that I couldn’t sing because I didn’t believe it was scripturally true. I found out later that it was a direct quote of scripture, but it was taken so far out of context that it made the theology of the song misleading. What that conference taught me was to evaluate carefully the things we use in worship (whether music or video or testimony).
When I listen to a worship song, or sing it for that matter, I look for the scriptural truth behind it. We all have favorite songs—songs where a text has spoken to our hearts, or where the music has stirred an emotion deep within. But as I evaluate the worship music we sing, I look first and foremost for spiritual truth.
This Sunday, we are singing a newer song for our congregation—“Lead Me to the Cross”. I’d like to take us through the text and point out the scriptural truths that have jumped out at me as I’ve meditated on its text. Perhaps you will find others that I’ve missed—I’d love to hear your thoughts as we journey together! (emilyk@fbca.org) The song lyrics will be in italics. They are followed by the passages those lyrics brought to light in my journey with this text.
Savior, I come, quiet my soul. – As I reflect on this line, I hear my favorite verse Zephaniah 3:17 being sung “…He will quiet you with His love…”
Remember Redemption's hill where Your blood was spilled for my ransom –Hebrews 9:14-15 “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! 15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.”
Ev'rything I once held dear I count it all as lost. Philippians 3:8 “What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”
Lead me to the cross where Your love poured out. Bring me to my knees, Lord I lay me down. Rid me of myself, I belong to You. – John 1:27, 29 John the Baptist speaking: “He [Jesus] is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie…Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” James 4:10 “Humble yourselves before the Lord...”
Oh lead me, lead me to the cross.You were as I, tempted and tried, human. – Matthew 26:39 “Going a little farther, he [Jesus] fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’”
The word became flesh, Bore my sin and death. – Acts 7:52-53 Stephen’s Speech to the Sanhedrin: “And now you have betrayed and murdered him—you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it.”
Now you're risen. – Acts 2:24 “But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it is impossible for death to keep its hold on him.”
As you sing the texts to all of the worship songs this Sunday morning—When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Nothing But the Blood, Lead Me To the Cross, Jesus the Very Thought of Thee—spend some preparation time meditating on these truths and writing them on your heart. Sunday’s going to be a great day of corporate worship together as we come to the Lord’s Table and recognize His suffering and rejoice in His grace!
