Jesus Jesus

I've been listening to this song by Noah Gundersen a lot lately. I suggest you give it a listen before you read this post...everything will make a whole lot more sense. Warning to sensitive listeners there is one F bomb in the song. If you want to read the lyrics you can get them here.

My heart aches when I listen to this song. It's not because it is sad or melancholy but because it is so obviously borne from true questions and deep living. I admire the honesty and sensitivity...I hope to have as much in my life.

I can't help but wonder how Jesus would respond to such a song. I'm sure that Noah has had well intentioned Christians approach him and try to share their faith with him, and who knows, maybe he knows God already. But these questions stop me cold and I'm not sure how I would respond if he asked me. Not that there aren't well crafted theological answers to the questions he poses but the those answers don't address the hurt that is so real and the desire for it to be right.

This song has me in a bit of a tailspin lately. I have some of these same questions and I wonder what, if anything, do I have to offer in response. I want so badly for him to know that Jesus does hear him and that He, more than anyone, knows the depths of those questions and can reconcile them to himself. Maybe I can't leave this song alone because it reminds me that I don't have the answers and that answering the question is not my primary purpose. Maybe the answer to these questions and hurts and desires is a life in relationship with Jesus.

I think I know now what I would do in response to this song if I was asked for it. I would buy Noah a beer and get to know him. I'd get my life mixed up with his. I'd share his dreams and support him in his pursuit of them. I'd celebrate with him and mourn with him and I'd give him a hug and help him move into a new place. I'd give him a lift to the airport and I'd watch his kids so he could go on a date with his wife. I'd try my damnedest to love him and maybe I could introduce him to Jesus so he they could have a cup of coffee. I think that's about all I could ever do.

I hope you like the song. It sure has knocked me out of my Christian world. And I thank God for it.

I haven't ended with a prayer in a while so I'll do that now.

Jesus, I have lots of questions and my soul aches at what I see in the world. But I know there is more than what I have now and more than what I see before me. And I know that love conquers all. And I trust that you will do what you've promised. But it is hard, Father, and love is not easy. Send me your Spirit and fill me with Hope. Amen.

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