The Freedom of the Spirit
I was due to take some holiday recently, obviously getting away wasn't possible but I was encouraged to take the time off anyway. One of the things that I did was to explore the music of Vicky Beeching.
Vicky is a Christian song writer and former worship leader. Three of her songs are in "Singing the Faith" (the current Methodist Church hymn book). After Vicky came out as gay she was sadly rejected by some parts of the Christian Church.
I watched a moving interview with Vicky on You Tube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_3f0bNsB4s&t=5s
There is also an interview with her for BBC Hard Talk:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b319T7w2DgI&t=372s
The song of hers which spoke to me most is one called "Deliverer". You can also listen to it on You Tube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLJsERBLd0A
This song, words below, seem very appropriate to this time between Ascension Day (this last Thursday) and Pentecost (next Sunday - 31st May). Many people are spending time in prayer at this time using the "Thy Kingdom Come" materials. We are encouraged to pray for our friends to find faith.
The song is based on a verse from Paul's 2nd Letter to the Corinthians "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (2 Corinthians chapter 3, verse 17).
One of the Churches I used to preach at in Southport had these words clearly displayed near the pulpit. I took this to mean that the Holy Spirit gave me the freedom to preach whatever I believed God was saying to me through the Bible. I was free from my own shyness and fear of how the congregation might react. The words also reminded me that the purpose of preaching was to enable people to be set free by Jesus.
The song speaks of chains being broken and reminds us that for this to happen we have to surrender to God's will. When we come to Jesus seeking freedom we must be prepared to do what he tells us to.
The song makes a connection with healing - "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is healing". When God sets us free in whatever way, that is a healing experience. Having the new life of the risen Jesus within us heals us spiritually and in some situations physical healing also follows.
In the repeat of the chorus the song says "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is hope". At this time of Corona virus we all need hope. As the weeks become months we need to believe that there will be an end. When we know God we are given reasons to never give up hope. We have hope to offer those who are falling into despair.
I like the words about mountains being moved, oceans and stars being in awe of God. Many of us have regained a sense of awe at creation during this time. The space has allowed us to notice the blue skies and hear the songs of the birds. Creation is a gift of God, and he is all powerful. The power of God in creation reminds us that he can change our lives. The Bible passage in 2 Corinthians goes on to speak about us being changed to be like Jesus.
At the end of the song the link is made to the cross, where Jesus overcame sin. That's how Jesus's blood breaks the chains. There is a continuity from Jesus death, through his resurrection and Ascension to Pentecost. Through the Holy Spirit, all that Jesus has done can become real in our lives.
I hope that all of us will know the freedom of the Holy Spirit even at this time when we are confined to our homes, to a different rhythm of life or to a period of illness and loss.
I am reading Vicky Beeching's story in her book "Undivided", which is available on Amazon and elsewhere.
Vicky is a Christian song writer and former worship leader. Three of her songs are in "Singing the Faith" (the current Methodist Church hymn book). After Vicky came out as gay she was sadly rejected by some parts of the Christian Church.
I watched a moving interview with Vicky on You Tube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_3f0bNsB4s&t=5s
There is also an interview with her for BBC Hard Talk:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b319T7w2DgI&t=372s
The song of hers which spoke to me most is one called "Deliverer". You can also listen to it on You Tube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLJsERBLd0A
This song, words below, seem very appropriate to this time between Ascension Day (this last Thursday) and Pentecost (next Sunday - 31st May). Many people are spending time in prayer at this time using the "Thy Kingdom Come" materials. We are encouraged to pray for our friends to find faith.
The song is based on a verse from Paul's 2nd Letter to the Corinthians "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (2 Corinthians chapter 3, verse 17).
One of the Churches I used to preach at in Southport had these words clearly displayed near the pulpit. I took this to mean that the Holy Spirit gave me the freedom to preach whatever I believed God was saying to me through the Bible. I was free from my own shyness and fear of how the congregation might react. The words also reminded me that the purpose of preaching was to enable people to be set free by Jesus.
The song speaks of chains being broken and reminds us that for this to happen we have to surrender to God's will. When we come to Jesus seeking freedom we must be prepared to do what he tells us to.
The song makes a connection with healing - "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is healing". When God sets us free in whatever way, that is a healing experience. Having the new life of the risen Jesus within us heals us spiritually and in some situations physical healing also follows.
In the repeat of the chorus the song says "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is hope". At this time of Corona virus we all need hope. As the weeks become months we need to believe that there will be an end. When we know God we are given reasons to never give up hope. We have hope to offer those who are falling into despair.
I like the words about mountains being moved, oceans and stars being in awe of God. Many of us have regained a sense of awe at creation during this time. The space has allowed us to notice the blue skies and hear the songs of the birds. Creation is a gift of God, and he is all powerful. The power of God in creation reminds us that he can change our lives. The Bible passage in 2 Corinthians goes on to speak about us being changed to be like Jesus.
At the end of the song the link is made to the cross, where Jesus overcame sin. That's how Jesus's blood breaks the chains. There is a continuity from Jesus death, through his resurrection and Ascension to Pentecost. Through the Holy Spirit, all that Jesus has done can become real in our lives.
I hope that all of us will know the freedom of the Holy Spirit even at this time when we are confined to our homes, to a different rhythm of life or to a period of illness and loss.
I am reading Vicky Beeching's story in her book "Undivided", which is available on Amazon and elsewhere.
Deliverer, come set
me free, Break every chain holding me
Deliverer, come have Your way, I surrender to Your rule and reign
Deliverer, come have Your way, I surrender to Your rule and reign
Where the Spirit of
the Lord is, There is freedom
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, There is healing
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, There is healing
You say the word
and mountains are moved
Oceans and stars stand in awe of You
Just say the word and I will be changed
We'll see Your face and we will not be the same
Oceans and stars stand in awe of You
Just say the word and I will be changed
We'll see Your face and we will not be the same
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, There is freedom
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, There is hope
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, There is healing
And Your blood is enough to
break every chain
Thank you again for your words Peter. Very sobering. For some reason, some Christians are obsessed with gender and sexuality and I feel for those who are Christians and gay. Jesus was clear we are not to judge and love our neighbour as ourselves. The Spirit is supposed to bring us freedom, not enslavement. Freedom, Hope; Healing. Wonderful words of comfort.
ReplyDeletethank you, Peter. Music and poetry can touch the soul. Andy Gillespie
ReplyDelete