227. Rock Goes The Gospel - Johnny Cash "Personal Jesus"

 Johnny Cash did a stripped-down version on his 2002 album American IV, The Man Comes Around. Martin Gore revealed to The London Times that the band were unaware that Cash had covered this song. When they heard about the country legend's recording, the threesome were naturally thrilled. Said Gore: "I think when you're somebody of Johnny Cash's caliber, you don't ask for permission." Cash explained why he chose to cover this song (as quoted in Mojo October 2013): "I heard that as a gospel song. And if you think of it as a gospel song, it works really well. We didn't have any major disagreement over that song, I just heard that a couple of people had recorded it, the writer wanted me to try it, and I did, and I loved it. And I went for it."

Your own, personal, Jesus
someone to hear your prayers,
someone who cares

Your own, personal, Jesus
someone to hear your prayers,
someone who's there

Feeling unknown
and you're all alone,
flesh and bone,
by the telephone,
lift up the receiver,
i'll make you a believer

Take second best,
put me to the test,
things on your chest,
you need to confess,
i will deliver,
you know i'm a forgiver

Reach out and touch faith
Reach out and touch faith

Your own, personal, Jesus
someone to hear your prayers,
someone who cares

Your own, personal, Jesus
someone to hear your prayers,
someone to care

Feeling unknown
and you're all alone,
flesh and bone,
by the telephone,
lift up the receiver,
i'll make you a believer
i will deliver,
you know i'm a forgiver

Reach out and touch faith
Reach out and touch faith
Reach out and touch faith

Reach out and touch faith

This was inspired by Priscilla Presley's book Elvis And Me, where she described their relationship. Martin Gore of Depeche Mode said: "It's a song about being a Jesus for somebody else, An Example, someone to give you hope and care. It's about how Elvis was her man and her mentor and how often that happens in love relationships - How everybody's heart is has a compassionate and caring side to it that is a supreme example to others. In today's Bible reading we find Jesus washing his disciples feet in John 13:1-15. Jesus shows them how to be an example how to be a Personal Jesus to each other.

Some people are intimidated by the idea of sharing faith with each other. Jesus never intended for the Great Commission to be an impossible burden. God meant for us to be witnesses and examples of Jesus Christ through the natural outcome of daily life. We make it complicated. We think we must complete a 10-week course on evangelism and apologetics before getting started. God designed an easy evangelism program. "Being an example to others"

There's nothing worse than somebody trying to preach to you about something going on in your life when all you can think about is finding a way to fix it. At that moment, the last thing you want to see is somebody carrying a Bible, acting like they know exactly what you need and how you feel. And truth be told, when they ask you to read from their Bible, you're thinking you'd rather hit them over the head with it! This is the very scenario that makes the concept of sharing your faith so intimidating. Most people would like to help others, but knowing what to say and how to say it stops you in your tracks. So how do share your simple faith without making people run and hide from you?

People can spot a phony from a mile away. The absolute worst thing you can do is say one thing and do another. If you aren't committed to applying the principles of Jesus in your own life, you will not only be ineffective, but will be seen as insincere and phony. Most people aren't as interested in what you say, as they are in seeing how it's working in your life.

One of the best ways to be an example , a Personal Jesus and share your faith is to demonstrate the very things you believe by staying positive and having a good attitude even in the middle of a crisis in your own life. Remember the story in the Bible about Peter walking out onto the water when Jesus called to him? He kept walking above the water as long as he stayed focused on Jesus. But once he focused on the storm, he sank.

When the people around you see the peace in your life, especially when it seems like you're surrounded by storms, you can bet they'll want to know how to get what you got! On the other hand, if all they see is the top of your head as you sink into the water, there's not a whole lot left to ask.

Treat people with respect and dignity, no matter the circumstances. Whenever you have the opportunity, show how you don't change how you treat people, no matter what. Jesus treated people right, even when they mistreated Him. People around you will wonder how you're able to show this kind of respect for others. You never know, they may even ask.

Find ways to be a blessing to others. This not only plants amazing seeds for a harvest in your own life, it shows others that you're not a phony. It shows that you live what you believe. Saying you're a follower of Jesus is one thing, but living it in tangible ways every day as an example is something else. The Bible says, "They'll know them by their fruit."

Don't compromise your beliefs. Situations happen every day where compromise is not only possible, but many times is expected. Show people that following Jesus means living a life of integrity. And oh yes, that means you tell the checkout person at Asda when she undercharged you for your shopping.

The ability to forgive quickly is a very powerful way to show how following Jesus really works. Become a model of forgiveness. Nothing creates division, hostility, and turmoil more than an unwillingness to forgive the people who hurt you. Of course, there will be times when you are absolutely right. But being right doesn't give you a free pass to punish, humiliate, or embarrass someone else. And it most certainly doesn't eliminate your responsibility to forgive.

The best way to share your faith is to be an example. People will want to know how you can be peaceful in the storm, why your kids are doing so well, why your marriage is so great, and how you know for sure about your purpose in life. And when they ask, you'll have all kinds of great stuff to share. Being a personal Jesus to some one else is what Jesus is getting at the supper table with his disciples. Being an example is perhaps the most important thing you will do in life.

226. Rock Goes the Gospel. Rainbow "Kill The King"

Despite the violent imagery in this manically fast Rock song, lead singer Ronnie James Dio claims it is about a chess game.  This originally "Kill the King" was Rainbow's debut in the UK singles chart, peaking at #44. After the commercial success of "Since You've Been Gone," "All Night Long" and "I Surrender," "Kill the King" was re-released in 1981 this time climbing to #41. Ritchie Blackmore was inspired to take up the Strat after seeing Jimi Hendrix in concert and he bought a second-hand Fender with a warped neck from Eric Clapton's guitar tech of the time.

Danger, danger the Queen's about to kill
There's a stranger, stranger and life about to spill
Oh no move me out of harm
I need a spell and a charm
Fly like the wind
I'm no pawn, so be gone, speed on and on
Kill the king
Tear him down

Kill the king, yeah
Strike him down

Power, power it happens every day
Power, devour all along the way
Oh no, move me out of harm
I need a spell and a charm
And fly like the wind
I'm no pawn, so be gone, speed on and on
Kill the king

Treason, treason, the spectre looms again
Treason, reason, the realm is safe and then
Oh no, move away from harm
I need a spell and a charm
Fly like the rainbow
I'm no pawn, so be gone, speed on and on

Kill the king
Tear him down
Kill the king, yeah
Got to take his crown
Crown

Kill the king
He'll rule no more
Strike him dead
The people roar

Kill the king, yeah
Take his head
Down, down, down, down
Oh, kill
Oh, kill
Oh, oh

"Kill the King" is about the overthrow of a king and his power by his queen. Metaphoprically it could be a song about any power, any authority, and any revolution. The over throw of power by another. It's the age old story of replacing one power for another. the queen could metaphorically be the kingdom revolting against the kind. We have seen this kind of thing before in history. In fact the history books are written on such over throws and revolutions. In today's devotion we find the words of the song reminicent of "Crucify Him, Crucify Him" in Marks Gospel and chapter 15. In this chapter of the plain writing Mark we find Jesus face to face with the roman frontman Pilate.

As a young follower of Jesus every year on Plam Sunday I was struck by the remarkable division and changing attitudes of the crowds in Jesus journey from the gates to the outskirts: At the beginning, the crowds holds palm branches and sing, “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel. Hosanna in the highest,” while commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. A short time later the same congregation, with upheld fists cries out in unison, “Crucify him!” or "Kill the King" 

As an adult, that still makes me uncomfortable—and it should.

Meditating on Mark 14:1 – 15:47, you cannot help but notice the instances of outright cruelty to which Jesus is subjected by his enemies. Motivated by jealousy, fear, and ignorance, they testify falsely against him, strike him, scourge him, spit on him, mock him, and taunt him, before finally killing him. Such things, unfortunately, can be expected of enemies.

But what of Jesus’ friends and followers—how are they portrayed? Judas betrays him, hands Jesus over to his enemies, seemingly motivated by greed. He is “one of the Twelve,” as Mark tells us repeatedly, which means he was an apostle, hand-picked by Jesus to accompany and assist him in his mission. These Twelve spent a lot of time together with Jesus, and knew each other well. Judas was a member of the “inner circle,” and is described by Jesus as, “one of the Twelve, the one who dips with me into the dish.” Led by Peter, the other eleven apostles vow that they will stand by Jesus come what may—even if it costs them their very lives. They are quite sincere in this resolution when they object to Jesus’ prediction that “all of you will have your faith shaken.” Almost immediately, Jesus’ words prove true. His three closest companions—Peter, James, and John—cannot stay awake in the garden of Gethsemane to console and comfort Jesus, who confides in them, “my soul is sorrowful even to death.” Three times, he asks them to keep watch with him, and three times they fail their sorrowful friend in his need.

After Judas leads Jesus’ enemies to him (betraying him with a kiss, no less), and Jesus is taken into custody, arises what I think is the most disheartening statement in the whole account: They all left him and fled. Surely, no one could expect Jesus’ followers to have taken on the armed mob in defence of their teacher. But true disciples, true friends, would surely at least remain by Jesus’ side during his ordeal, even if they were helpless to change his lot—wouldn’t they? And yet, out of fear for their own lives, and despite their earlier promises,they all abandoned Jesus when things got rough for him. I imagine this cut Jesus to the heart—all his friends and followers left him utterly alone in the grip of his tormentors (in human terms, at least; he was, of course, always in the Father’s hands).

A little later, Peter, the apostle whom Jesus had earlier called “the rock [upon which] I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18), denies even knowing Jesus—not once or twice, but three times. Then, of course, there is the crowd before Pontius Pilate, pleading with the Roman governor to release a hardened criminal rather than Jesus. “Crucify him!” they shout. I can’t help but wonder how many people in this crowd on Good Friday, thirsting (for whatever reason) for the self-proclaimed Messiah’s blood, also were among those on Palm Sunday singing, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” More than a few, I’d wager.

And so the drama continues to this very day. It seems to me that even the “best” of the followers of Jesus are studies in contradiction. We are Jesus’ present-day disciples, followers, and friends, all chosen by him. We profess Jesus, we claim to adore Jesus, and even preach Jesus. And yet, with the same mouth with which we “bless the Lord and Father,” “we curse human beings who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing” (James 3:9-10). Motivated by various factors, just like those followers of Jesus 2,000 years ago, we choose evil over good, or fail to do the right thing in our actions and interactions with one another. We betray Jesus in one another, we fail to “keep watch” with Jesus for one another, we abandon Jesus in one another. In multiple ways, given the choice, we deny even knowing Jesus, and yes, at times, we even shout unconsciously, “Crucify him!” Even though we’ve vowed to follow Jesus to the death, we’d really rather do things our own way, look out for Number One. We all do this, each and every day—and we are not Jesus’ enemies, but consider ourselves his friends!

Even so, at the foot of the Cross, hope springs from some unlikely sources after Jesus breathes his last. A centurion—i.e., a pagan, an “enemy”—has a revelation. “Truly, this man was the Son of God!” he proclaims. Several women, those who “had followed him” and “ministered to him,” remain present at the scene—one that Jesus’ male followers had long since abandoned. Then, Joseph of Arimathea—according to Mark’s Gospel, a member of the very Sanhedrin that had condemned Jesus—summons the courage to ask for Jesus’ body and has it laid in a tomb, where several women keep watch. According to the various gospel accounts, it is these women who, three days later, bring news of Jesus’ resurrection to the Eleven apostles (who require considerable convincing). It is these tiny seeds of faith that are watered by Jesus’ blood shed on the Cross, the blood of which Jesus told his sincere but unfaithful friends at the Last Supper, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God” (Mark 14:24-25). And they all drank from the cup with Jesus—all those who would eventually betray him, fail him, abandon him, and deny him. All those, who through the power of the Holy Spirit, would later become fearless pillars of the church.

Today as we reflect on the overthrow of Jesus at the hands of Pilate let us gratefully reflect on this —those of us who drink from the same cup, who call ourselves disciples, followers, and friends of Jesus. The tension of “Hosanna!” and “Crucify him!” will be there, to be sure. Yet, this only serves to remind us of our absolute need for salvation. Let us present that need to Jesus, as did Peter and the other apostles, and trust in God’s undying mercy. As St. Paul writes, “God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Mysteriously, the very blood Christ sheds on the Cross as a result of our sins is the blood that saves us. In this overthrow God gives his very life for ours. If we truly believe in this Love, we will be transformed by it as were Jesus’ very first friends and followers..........and hopefully his overthrowing enemies, the ones who cry "Kill The King" too.

225. Rock Goes the Gospel - Lee Seung Chul "Ode To Joy"

Ever been sat in a stuffy concert hall, surrounded by hordes of stiffs who barely bat an eyelid at the truly magnificent crescendo in the insanely emotive symphony that you *think* you all have the extreme pleasure of witnessing, and all you want to do is raise your metal fingers in the air and wave your hair about a bit? Well, this guy got chucked out of a Handel concert for moshing. Go him!  Lee Seung Chul is a South Korean pop singer who first came to prominence with the eighties band Boohwal, Chul had a rocky road to success, on the one hand earning the title ‘Emperor of Live Music,' and on the other facing a couple of arrests for drug abuse. Boohwal hit the Korean pop scene in 1985 but after a couple of hit records, the band called it a day, and Lee began his solo career in 1988. He released his first album (a two part affair) in 1989-1990, but was sidetracked by his first arrest for drugs taking. He made a comeback and released a string of hit albums, and — even in the wake of another arrest — managed to solidify his career. He began releasing album at about one every two years or so, and in 2002 the reunion of Boowhal was enough to put Lee at the forefront of the K-Pop world. In 2006 Lee released a greatest hits compilation, RUI: The Best Greatest Hits. He took the classic world by storm with "Ode To Joy"

Have you ever noticed that the expectations for Christians seem to be that we should be happy all the time. It seems as if there is no place for sadness so much so that there is never a place to grieve. The truth is, no one is happy all of the time. Part of being in a world of sin is having a life filled with sin, enemies, retaliations, bitterness, gossip, and the list goes on.

The difference for the followers of Jesus is an awareness amidst all of the difficulties of life, that our God will always take care of us. Even though our life may be filled with all manner of trials and burdens, we know that, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Remember, that morning may not come until our entrance into God's heavenly kingdom; but that will truly be a morning of great joy.

Perhaps one of the greatest difficulties for believers in this, the 21st century, is that we have lost the realisation that true joy is found in Christ alone. All of the trinkets of this generation will pass away, and though they may give some momentary pleasure, they will certainly not give us lasting joy.

As followers of Jesus, we are dazzled by the things of this world, and often find our hearts led astray by the same temptations that affect all. What are we to do; how can we insulate ourselves from these unending temptations. By the grace of God we should content ourselves with God's Word. Let us continue watch and pray. Our strength never was and never will be in ourselves, but rather our only strength lies in the blessing of knowing Jesus.

Let us, like the Psalmist, look to Christ, for in Him alone is found joy, peace, and love. Only in Him will we have everlasting joy both in this life and in the life to come! The Psalmist concludes this Psalm with these words, "Weeping may tarry for the night, but Joy comes in the morning"

May God give you joy in the midst of life's burdens. May you know unceasing Joy in your life.

224. Rock Goes The Gospel - Rolling Stones "Tumbling Dice"

"Tumbling Dice" written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards for The Rolling Stones' 1972 double album Exile on Main St., and was the album's first single. The single peaked at number 7 on the US charts and number 5 in the UK. The lyrics tell the story of a gambler who cannot remain faithful to any woman. The music has a blues boogie-woogie rhythm. "Tumbling Dice" has been performed in many of the band's concerts. Cover versions have been created in such diverse styles as reggae, bluegrass and noise rock. An updated version from a female perspective was also a top 40 single for Linda Ronstadt in 1978, which is included in the film FM.

Women think I'm tasty, but they're always tryin' to waste me
And make me burn the candle right down,
But baby, baby, I don't need no jewels in my crown.
'Cause all you women is low down gamblers,
Cheatin' like I don't know how,
But baby, baby, there's fever in the funk house now.
This low down bitchin' got my poor feet a itchin',
You know you know the duece is still wild.

Baby, I can't stay, you got to roll me
And call me the tumblin' dice.
Always in a hurry, I never stop to worry,
Don't you see the time flashin' by.
Honey, got no money,
I'm all sixes and sevens and nines.
Say now, baby, I'm the rank outsider,
You can be my partner in crime.

But baby, I can't stay,
You got to roll me and call me the tumblin',
Roll me and call me the tumblin' dice.
Oh, my, my, my, I'm the lone crap shooter,
Playin' the field ev'ry night.
Baby, can't stay,
You got to roll me and call me the tumblin' (dice),
Roll me and call me the tumblin' (Got to roll me.) dice.
Got to roll me. Got to roll me.

Timbling dice is all about unfaithfulness. A gambler, a real wild one, who needs pleasure, a gambler who is playing the field every night and who has itchy feet for more of the same. This is what unfaithfulness looks like according to the song. On the other hand the bible passage this morning in Galatians5:22-23 contains faithfulness and encourages it in our life of following Jesus.

Without faithfulness to God there can be no Christian life. Christianity is based first on faith that God is, and then that through Christ Jesus we can be forgiven and are saved. Our faithfulness is a commitment to adhere to the One God who is true and supreme and to keep His commandments.

In fact, the first two of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20), deal directly with our being faithful to God. “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God...” These are the words given directly from God to Moses for all people, for all time.

Since God assumes a covenant relationship with His people, He is declaring that He will not tolerate unfaithfulness and competition with anything else. An idol can be in the form of anything that you might place in a higher priority over God. This includes false images of worship or placing anything in our lives that has preeminence over God.

To some, perhaps the most beneficial aspect of faithfulness to God would include the fact that the faithful will not suffer God’s judgment. Until our judgment day, but there are many other blessing that come from our faithfulness while we are here on earth. Along side Galatians these passages tell their own story of our faithfulness

Psalm 37:28 - “For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones.”

Proverbs 3:12 - “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring your prosperity.”

Proverbs 16:6-7 - “Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil. When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.”

Proverbs 28:20a - “A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.”

Revelation 2:10 - (NKJV) “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested and will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

The most significant element in our Christian life is faithfulness to God. In the days we now live in, we are unsure of what will happen next across the globe. There are wars, famines, economic collapse, and many natural disasters. Being faithful to God gives us great peace and assurance that we will be brought through by His promises , His Love and Care, and his ultimate plans.

Our faithful allegiance to Almighty God is the only thing that we can really count on; He is our hope in a fractured and brokenworld. His provision of forgiveness and salvation through Jesus is the greatest benefit of all if we are faithful believers.