Songwriters Consultation Day 1
I’m away for two days at an annual Songwriters Consultation that Graham Kendrick runs, there are about 60 of us here from the UK and further. Having a great time. Today we had Jim Wallis talk about remembering the poor, justice and compassion. It was hugely challenging to be honest… Followed by a Q&A session with Jim, Martin Smith and Tre Shepherd.
I guess it’s easy to think that caring for the poor is what the ’social justice’ people do, or just a few projects we do on the side. But the truth is, it’s at the heart of the gospel. The first words Jesus proclaimed in public are quoting Isaiah 61 – ’sent to the poor’ (see Luke 4:16-20). Also, remembering the poor is quite a clear theme through scripture – which obviously climaxes with Christ, the One who became poor to save the poor.
Anyways, heard a lot of stuff today but here’s some thoughts for songwriters… There are three types of compassion/justice songs:
1) Songs that inform us about the poor and injustice. Eg the verses to Delirious’ Our God Reigns
2) Songs that help us worship in the place of poverty, injustice. Eg It is well with my soul
3) Songs that commission us to go to the poor. Eg God of Justice
But all of these MUST be in the context of the gospel – The God of justice sent His son to the poor to bind up their brokenness and bring freedom to the captives, and by extension we carry on this Kingly work of Christ as His hands and feet, as His church. Our motivation for mission and source of compassion is the gospel, and the agent for God’s mission is not a charity but the Church. Yes!
I’m challenged as I haven’t written any songs in either of these 3 camps. Hmmm. Well there’s my thoughts for the day. Over and out
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To check out his original post click here.
I’m away for two days at an annual Songwriters Consultation that Graham Kendrick runs, there are about 60 of us here from the UK and further. Having a great time. Today we had Jim Wallis talk about remembering the poor, justice and compassion. It was hugely challenging to be honest… Followed by a Q&A session with Jim, Martin Smith and Tre Shepherd.
I guess it’s easy to think that caring for the poor is what the ’social justice’ people do, or just a few projects we do on the side. But the truth is, it’s at the heart of the gospel. The first words Jesus proclaimed in public are quoting Isaiah 61 – ’sent to the poor’ (see Luke 4:16-20). Also, remembering the poor is quite a clear theme through scripture – which obviously climaxes with Christ, the One who became poor to save the poor.
Anyways, heard a lot of stuff today but here’s some thoughts for songwriters… There are three types of compassion/justice songs:
1) Songs that inform us about the poor and injustice. Eg the verses to Delirious’ Our God Reigns
2) Songs that help us worship in the place of poverty, injustice. Eg It is well with my soul
3) Songs that commission us to go to the poor. Eg God of Justice
But all of these MUST be in the context of the gospel – The God of justice sent His son to the poor to bind up their brokenness and bring freedom to the captives, and by extension we carry on this Kingly work of Christ as His hands and feet, as His church. Our motivation for mission and source of compassion is the gospel, and the agent for God’s mission is not a charity but the Church. Yes!
I’m challenged as I haven’t written any songs in either of these 3 camps. Hmmm. Well there’s my thoughts for the day. Over and out
------
To check out his original post click here.
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