The Beautiful Letdown
Posted by Jerry on Aug 14th, 2008
2008
Aug 14
Friends,
Some recent comments on one of the threads got me to thinking about…oh…life…faith…what Christ thinks of us…and why His opinion matters far more than, perhaps to the exclusion of, anyone else. This morning I heard this song again for the first time and the lyrics really spoke to me. Enjoy.
Soli Deo Gloria!
August 14th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Cool song, I may be able to use that in one of my sermon series this fall.
August 14th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Hmmmm. I like Swithfoot but I am not so sure I agree with the theology surrounding the lyrics of this song.
I may be making too much of it but to say “I don’t belong here” is only half-right (or half-wrong). In a real sense we do belong here- Jesus prayed that we not be taken from this world but be kept from evil. We belong here because how else will the light of God be cast into the dark?
Furthermore, I wonder if this pepetuates further the misguided eschatology so many Christians espouse, such as is found in ficitional books like the Left Behind series? If to say “I don’t belong here” is to say we will one day leave this blue ball behind than I disagree. Rather, God is going to marry this blue ball with God’s ball and we bring heaven to earth.
just some thoughts.
peace,
Chad
August 14th, 2008 at 11:39 am
oops…the last line up there is meant to say “and bring heaven to earth.” Cross out the “we.”
Dang Freud.
August 14th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Chad, I didn’t take it like that at all. I listened to it in the light of 1 Peter and Hebrews 11 among other passages.
August 14th, 2008 at 11:56 am
August 14th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Christian P-
Yours is the better way to take it
Forgive me, I am neck deep in teaching Wright’s Surprised By Hope (and have been for months now) so anything that even hints at escapism sorta gets filtered through all that.
Thanks for that corrective.
Peace.
August 14th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Christian P.,
I got into a discussion with a hyper-dipensationalist over at rr-bb (before they kicked me off for saying I was an evangelical that supported a Palestinian State)… he dismissed this, saying it did not apply to Gentiles because it was written to only Jewish believers.
Neil
August 14th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Chad,
Love ya’ man, but I think you might be over-analyzing a bit. I’ve always thought this song was more about living in the world but not of it - in a Sermon on the Mount sort of way, not in a Late, Great Planet Earth sort of way.
August 14th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I’ve always liked Switchfoot, their lyrics have always struck me.
New Way to Be Human was and still is my favorite though.
August 14th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Phil-
I agree. Thanks for pointing that out.
August 14th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
All,
It was this part that sort of smacked me around a little:
It reminded me of that quote by Mike Yaconelli I posted a while ago. It also reminds of that song by Sixpense Loser Like Me, and the song by AA Underdog. And I suppose about a hundred others.
Kind of also reminds me of these lyrics from Sara McLachlan:
And these ones too:
I’m just in that sort of ‘needing lots of God’s mercy and grace today’ kind of mood. On those days, some music strikes me differently. I love that line, ‘is misery, made beautiful, right before our eyes.’ I don’t know if SM goes to church on Sunday’s but she sure writes beautiful words.
jerry
August 14th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Jerry-
May God’s face shine brightly upon you this day.
SM is one of my favorite singers/song-writers.
grace and peace.
August 14th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Neil, that person is blind to the scriptures. 1 Peter was not only written to the Jewish believers (neither is that passage.) Besides that, it’s a non-sequitor. Timothy was written to Timothy, but it still applies to us. If you are refering to the Hebrews passage, then it doesn’t even apply. It was written to Jews, but that passage applies to all who have faith (as does 1 Peter).
Not only that, but there are a slew of passages (I’ll have to do an article on this) that teach that the church today both Jews and Gentiles are the chosen people of God. Paul, John, and others taught that when we believe in Christ, we become a part of the Jewish people, not by nationality, but by adoption.
August 14th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Christian P,
That is the danger of left behind style theology, it creates a a two headed bride of Christ, the Jewish and the Christian.
August 14th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Eph 2; Romans 9-10-11; the covenant given to Abraham tell us that ISRAEL is both jew and gentile. We do not become jewish by adoption, we are Israel.
Schofield, Darby, Lindsay, Le Haye, John Hagee are all off the wall
On the other hand, all I see here is Switchfoot, Wright, Sara McLachlan.
Does anyone teach or sing the Bible anymore?
The song is focused on me/you/us or what He has done just for me/you/us. as is all ccm pablum.
August 14th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
“when we believe in Christ, we become a part of the Jewish people, not by nationality, but by adoption.”
We become part of the children of God, sometimes referred to as the Israel of God. But there is no Jew or Gentile in Christ.
August 14th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
…or male or female. lol. Sorry, I couldn’t resist walking through that wide-open door!
Acts 15 draws an interesting pictures. James refers to the Gentiles as now being the laos of God, a term reserved exclusively for Israel. And Peter makes this stunning observation: We (Israel) will be saved just as they (the Gentiles) are being saved.
I wonder if in Christ there has not been a “new” way, or a third way, inaugurated? That it is in this third Jesus way that both Jews and Gentiles are being saved?
The other day I posted an exegesis paper on my blog called Acts 15: A Paradigm for the Way of Jesus. In that I argue some of this. Would like to hear any of your thoughts.
peace.
August 14th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Rick, thank you for the correction. That is what I meant (we become a part of Israel) and it just didn’t come out right.
August 14th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
But Chad, that would require us to go to your blog… and then actually read what you wrote.
August 14th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
lol….and the slippery slope will have been, um, sloshed?
Don’t worry, Rick will protect you
August 14th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
anyhow, about the lyrics…
August 14th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Christan P.,
You’re preaching to the converted - literally… I am a former/recovering dispensationalist. Though even with a degree from Dallas Seminary I was never as hyper as the folks are at rr-bb.
In fact, they were a significant help in making me rethink the whole dispensational grid… though of course that would not please them. But they showed me some of the logical outcomes of it.
I’ve related the final straw here before, but it’s so fun I’ll repeat it again… Someone started a thread all aghast at a list of American Evangelicals that were calling for a Two State solution in the ME. The general tone was “How can you call yourself a Christian and support a Palestinian State?”
I post a the follow: “I am an American Evangelical and I support a two-state solution.” The next time I tried to log-in I was told I had been banned for - get this - “Promoting unbiblical doctrines.”
Neil
August 14th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
What is RR BB?
August 14th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
They remind me of Steve Taylor’s “Jesus is for Losers”
Neil
August 14th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
rr-bb = Rapture Ready Bulletin Board
http://www.rr-bb.com
It’s a forum associated with the Rapture Ready website. I found them initially through their Rapture Index, which looks at nearly 100, maybe more, things in the news to calculate the probability of a soon rapture.
Neil
August 14th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Oh, yes, the rapture index… I had forgotten about that. I still have trouble believing that it’s all not a big parody site. I mean, I know it’s not, but it’s all so silly.
August 14th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Is that the one where you can have a server send emails out to your left behind family and friends?
August 14th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
If I was driven
Driven ahead by some noble ideal
Who took the wheel?
If I was given
Given a glimpse of some glorious road
When was it sold?
So caught up in the chase
I keep forgetting my place
Just as I am
I am stiff-necked and proud
Jesus is for losers
Why do I still play to the crowd?
Just as I am
Pass the compass, please
Jesus is for losers
I’m off about a hundred degrees
If I was groping
Groping around for some ladder to fame
I am ashamed
If I was hoping
Hoping respect would make a sturdy footstool
I am a fool
Bone-weary every climb
Blindsided every time
Just as I am
I am needy and dry
Jesus is for losers
The self-made need not apply
Just as I am
In a desert crawl
Lord, I’m so thirsty
Take me to the waterfall
And if you’re certain
Certain your life is some cosmic mistake
Why do you shake?
And if you’re certain
Certain that faith is some know-nothing mask
Why do you still ask?
They don’t grade here on the curve
We both know what we deserve
Just as you are
Just a wretch like me
Jesus is for losers
Grace from the blood of a tree
Just as we are
At a total loss
Jesus is for losers
Broken at the foot of the cross
Just as I am
Pass the compass, please
Jesus is for losers
I’m off about a hundred degrees
Just as I am
In a desert crawl
Lord, I’m so thirsty
Take me to the waterfall
Jesus is for Losers
Steve Taylor
August 14th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Chad,
A note about your blog. I’ll try to look at your article later but am too tired right now.
First off, your kids are beautiful. I have a friend who has adopted a baby boy from Ethiopia. A teddy bear in human form. I call him “the advertisement for adoption.”
Secondly, Duke Divinity school brings a picture to my mind. Two men, late 60’s or early 70’s that have careers in Bible/academic fields, graduates of Duke. We are talking about Scripture and one of the men has tears in his eyes, on the verge of crying. He can no longer go back to faith as he once knew it. I had spent a week listening to the type of attitude toward scripture that he picked up at Duke - if he had any spiritual joy, I never saw it.
The other is wistfully telling me that he wishes that he could return to the kind of faith that I have.
Now I bet, when they were younger, they were excited about all the new things they were learning, and ashamed of the “ignorance” of their pre-Duke faith.
For what it’s worth . . .
August 14th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Ahhh, Jerry meets the wonderful world of thread hijacking.
August 14th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Chris P.,
You’re like a crankier, more bitter version of the old men that sat in the balcony in The Muppet Show. You find something to complain about in everything. Seriously…
By the way, someone should have told the Psalmist that he was too focused on what God did for him/them.
Such pablum!!
August 14th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
I think so. Left-Behind letters are a common topic. I think I remember them talking about a service that would send out an e-mail for you after you were raptured… the idea is that the loved-ones on the list would then be more likely to respond.
Neil
August 14th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
I’m going to start a service that feeds your pets after you’re raptured. Just because you’re avoiding the tribulation doesn’t mean your pets should starve to death!
August 14th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
On the other hand, all I see here is Switchfoot, Wright, Sara McLachlan.
Does anyone teach or sing the Bible anymore?
The song is focused on me/you/us or what He has done just for me/you/us. as is all ccm pablum. - Chris P.
So how old does a song have to be to not be contemporary and therefore pablum?
Neil
August 14th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
I kid you not, on a regular basis someone starts a thread about this very thing - not from a business point of view, but concerned about their pets starving to death in their raptured absence… my favorite though was the pregnant woman concerned what would happen to her baby if she was raptured before it was born… you can only guess the speculation that goes on.
Neil
August 14th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
At least they were funny…
August 14th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Chad - you are familiar with my view of Acts as a foundational source of church doctrine. However, there is only one way to salvation and that is through Christ. Of course God, as Hebrews 1:1 reveals, communicated that way in a mystery in the OT but now face to face.
God winked at the understandable ignorance of the Incarnation and the cross itself in times past, but now the gospel is preached in its fulness. Sinners must believe on Christ for salvation with at a minimum his name and His sacrifice and resurrection.
I think you “third way” is still part of the “only way”.
August 14th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Neil,
Thanks. Those are great lyrics and fit well with the thread. (hint, hint…)
jerry
August 14th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Amy-
You say:
Sadly, this is a product of the liberalism of the early-mid 20th century, not Duke Divinity. You will find many academics in that age range who fit that very mold you describe, especially if they have not kept up with the trends.
I am happy to say that Duke Div. is nothing like that today (nor has it been for many years). Just as you have shared your personal experience I am joyful to be able to share countless examples of Duke grads today (many are close friends of mine) who weep when they hear scripture read not because they miss a child-like faith long lost but because it resonates so deeply within their souls. Since being at Duke I have been astounded at the spiritual vitality and the way orthodoxy is married with orthopraxy on so many levels.
But I thank you for your concern
On a lighter note: Blessings on your friends and their family! Adoption is something very close to my heart (and the heart of our (all of us here) Daddy’s!).
grace and peace.
August 14th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
As are many of the Psalms, and the epistles, etc… Seriously Chris P., I’m beginning to think your attitude is a false-front - can anyone be that judgmental and angry over everything?
Neil
August 14th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
I absolutely love the spirit of a person when he insists God receives his way of worship and not yours. It reveals the humility God is looking for.
August 14th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Agreed.
Phil -
I have 1 dog and 1 cat. Please sign me up. However, in the event that I am not raptured and can still carry on the duties of feeding them myself do I still have to pay? I don’t want to be bound to some contract.
thanks.
August 14th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
I have a 115 lb. German Shepherd (Frueh is German). His name is “Rudy” (Notre Dame). He is coming with me in the rapture because I planted a seed faith gift!!
August 14th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
…and so the title of the OP was called what, again?
(your welcome, Jerry).
August 14th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Chad - I happen to believe in free will, deal with it! (plus Marino isn’t here to tattle!)
August 14th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Not if he’s a Notre Dame fan…
August 14th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
lol Rick. Perhaps you missed my veiled attempt at humor (the seed-faith gift is akin to “A beautiful letdown”)?
I will try harder next time.
August 14th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
OK - I get it.
August 14th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Phil - Notre Dame is the only college to unashamedly place a picture of Christ near the stadium. Everyone else is embarrassed about their faith!!
Mary will be on a rampage this fall!
August 14th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Does the service cover pet rocks?
August 14th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
*waits with baited breath for the customary “papist” slur from
his holinessChris P*August 14th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Depends on whether they are round rocks or 5-pointers.
August 14th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
So I don’t completely contribute to the thread jacking I figured I should post my thoughts on this song…
For me the main message I get out of this song is that God works His best through the weakest. It’s in this where God is shown to be so powerful, and so merciful to the weak and lame, in working through them. It’s about God giving grace to the humble and resisting the proud. It’s about Jesus saying “My strength is perfected in weakness”. I was pathetic, and I’m still pretty darn pathetic, but JESUS is faaantastic. This sums it up for me:
Amen.
Joe
PS…Chad…aww play nice with the 5-pointers :), they get picked on a lot (but that WAS funny lol).
August 14th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Chris P said, “blah, blah, blah” as usual…
Only to cause division and strive.
I think if we want to get biblical here… we need avoid such men as the bible teaches.
iggy
August 14th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
iggy,
hmmmm…you may have a point. that is precisely why i am ignoring his blathering nonsense.
jerry
ps–rick, this has nothing to do with the thread, but since you missed it elsewhere: Notre Dame
suckssucketh.August 14th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Jerry - you are on the verge of apostacy, but I will give you a one time indulgence.
August 14th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Rick, be careful. Afterall, he did quote from the Authorized Version. It it was good enough for Paul…
August 14th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
From September thru January I only read the Vulgate!
August 15th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
This thought just came to me:
Chris P., wrote:
“On the other hand, all I see here is Switchfoot, Wright, Sara McLachlan.
Does anyone teach or sing the Bible anymore?”
Yes. Switchfoot, Wright, Sara McLachlan…et al.
jerry