King of Kings: Song by Hillsong Music

The Gospel (a.k.a. the good news concerning Jesus Christ) is simple. Thankfully so. That is part of its beauty. Nonetheless, we need to return to it continually, so that we keep our bearings as we journey through life as pilgrims in this world. A world full of distractions, confusion, division, stresses, competition, opposition, traps, hardships, suffering, and many other troubles.

King of Kings recounts the Gospel through scripturally based lyrics that are combined with a catchy and memorable melody that helps us to remember the words and internalize them. With that, we can meditate on the gospel long after we last sang or heard the song. A powerful technique that every Christian should use to draw closer to the Lord!

Let’s look at the Gospel as presented through this song (video here).

It starts with our need:

In the darkness we were waiting
Without hope, without light

Echoing scriptures like Isaiah 9:2

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

Then launches into God’s response:

'Til from Heaven You came running

A blending of Galatians 4:4

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law

With a recasting of the Father in the parable of the prodigal son, Luke 15:20:

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

Revealing God’s intention and heart for us:

There was mercy in Your eyes

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.  Psalms 103:8 (ESV)

While upholding all righteousness:

To fulfill the law and prophets 
To a virgin came the word

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. Matthew 5:17

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, Isaiah 7:14

Choosing astonishing humility:

From a throne of endless glory 
To a cradle in the dirt

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12

Accomplishing God’s purpose:

To reveal the kingdom coming
And to reconcile the lost
To redeem the whole creation

“... the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, Matthew 13:11

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17

Demonstrating God’s love for us:

You did not despise the cross
For even in your suffering
You saw to the other side
Knowing this was our salvation
Jesus for our sake you died

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Proclaiming Jesus’ resurrection:

And the morning that You rose
All of Heaven held its breath
'Til that stone was moved for good
For the Lamb had conquered death

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” Matthew 28:6

Displaying unequaled, irreversible, miraculous power:

And the dead rose from their tombs
And the angels stood in awe
For the souls of all who'd come
To the Father are restored

and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. Matthew 27:52

Spreading like an unquenchable fire:

And the church of Christ was born
Then the Spirit lit the flame
Now this gospel truth of old
Shall not kneel, shall not faint

Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.  They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.  All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit ... Acts 2:2-4

Leading to the resurrection of all who believe:

By His blood and in His name
In His freedom I am free
For the love of Jesus Christ
Who has resurrected me

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.  John 8:36

 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;  and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.  John 11:25=26

The Gospel displays God’s unbridled passion for His creation and, especially, for us.

Isn’t only appropriate that we should respond in passionate praise?

Praise the Father, praise the Son
Praise the Spirit, three in one
God of glory, Majesty
Praise forever to the King of Kings

Amen.