Grave Intrigues - lyrics and context

Grave Intrigues

Lyrics

(Verse 1) Ever wary of truth, Sanctimonious elite! How you're zealous to sleuth, With conniving deceit, Spinning tales 'bout the Lamb, Just to scheme some baffling ruse!

(Interlude) With creeds of man that veil the grace of God, Exalt the man, who bears the yoke of pride, Conceal the sacred temple from within.

(Verse 2) Ever wary of truth, Sanctimonious elite! Build your shrines high and smooth, A living temple to compete Spinning tales 'bout the Lamb, How you scheme some baffling ruse!

Theological implications of Lyrics', analysis and interpretation by Helen Savari-Renold

Verse 1 – The first verse refers to the conspiracy plotted by the religious elite as a precautious attempt to stop what they, in turn was considered a 'conspiracy' that the followers of Jesus were up to - to spread false claims of a resurrected Christ after his death and burial. Their restlessness over this matter was partly due to the resurrection having been foretold by prophets of old. When the religious rulers' operation in placing the best guards at the grave failed to keep Jesus dead within the tomb, they retorted to bribery and to spread false speculations against Jesus' disciples of stealing his body to proclaim His resurrection.

Interlude – The grace of God refers to the resurrected Jesus who now dwells in the spiritual temple of God – the body of believers, those humble before God! But man-made religious creeds that center on human merits cause this sacred temple of God to become obscure from human perception.

Verse 2 – Just as the religious rulers of the 1st century and those since then cannot function without their hierarchical roles, neither can they operate without a physical construction that they must appoint as sacred – a temple, a church, a mosque to draw their devout masses to worship in. These sacred constructions are icons that are still in use for political and religious propaganda thickening the plot against Jesus the Christ.

For biblical references see: http://www.myspace.com/renoldsjazzorchestra/blog#ixzz0woEDRjO4

Reply  

The Field of Blood - lyrics and context

The Field of Blood

Lyrics

Where's the potter's field? Once so well appraised, Till his shepherds spurned, Their charge over their flock, Now it's a field of blood, Feasting ground, For birds of prey, There, souls are for sale!

Theological implications of Lyrics', analysis and interpretation by Helen Savari-Renold

1. Judas was so remorseful about his betrayal of Jesus that he tried to return the 'blood money' - 30 pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders in Jerusalem in an effort to retract his actions and responsibility of having Jesus condemned to the cross. 2. But the chief priests and elders were too arrogant thus lacked the capacity for compassion for his remorse or to retrieve the money, insisting that Judas bears that responsibility alone. (see number 7) 3. Judas refuses to keep the money, threw it into the temple but being afflicted by the burden of guilt he also hangs himself. 4. The chief priests and elders correctly acknowledged that this was blood money and thus not fit for the temple treasury. Ironically, in all their hard-heartedness they remained religiously correct and bought the potter's field (perhaps the place where Judas had hanged himself) in his name as the money was still deemed as Judas'. 5. Judas' end was a tragic one that in the attempt to commit suicide or after it, his body fell headlong and burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Thus the field came to be called the Field of Blood. (Judas' tragedy symbolises the forsaken flock of Judah referred in number 8 below.) 6. The field of blood was prophesied as 'the valley of slaughter' in Jeremiah 19: 7-9, and the place where Judas perished, itself becomes a representation of what was going to happen to Jerusalem at 70 AD. 7. Jeremiah's reference to the potter was analogous of how God tried to mould Judah who refused to bend. The potter's field is the place or arena where God set about moulding his people. 8. The clay jar that breaks, impossible to be fixed again, referred to by Jeremiah is a prophecy connected via the potter's field bought by the chief priests, indicating the fall of Jerusalem and devastation of Judah due to the idolatry and unfaithfulness of the people. 9. Zechariah prophesies similarly by himself representing the chief priests and elders of Judah (Jerusalem) sending the most afflicted of the flock to slaughter and by breaking the two pasturing staves called favour and Union successively, depicting Judah's fate from being once favoured by God to being severed from God. He makes it clearer that Judah's fate is a result of the shepherds' self-centred religiosity lacking in compassion and responsibility towards their entrusted flock. As a direct result of that, God also will not have pity on the flock (represented again by Judas' tragedy) that blindly paid their foolish and irresponsible shepherds 30 pieces of silver. 10. Worse consequences are foretold in Zechariah about how after this, God will substitute the foolish shepherds with cruel and selfish ones in future who will not care for the lost, or seek the young, or heal the injured or feed the healthy, but will selfishly eat the meat of choice sheep, cruelly tearing off their hoofs. The shepherds will seek gain from their flock's loss. 11. However such shepherds of the future will naturally see their end too - to lose their power and vision. 12. In Jeremiah 19 the broken clay jar represented Judah and Jerusalem. But Jeremiah 32 has it that although the clay jar is broken into pieces, the deed of purchase that was placed within the jar will still be valid and that God's 'economy'* will still continue. And the deed of purchase represents what Christ had drawn out on the cross that ensures God's 'economy' will be forever for those who do not follow the rebellious footsteps of ancient Israel and Judah.

For more biblical references see: http://www.myspace.com/renoldsjazzorchestra/blog#ixzz0woBrlfUU

Reply  

Let This Blood Be On Us - lyrics and context

Let This Blood Be On Us

Lyrics

Well, try, as you will, Plot and think that you've got the power to kill, Try, as much as you dread, Simply wash your hands off the blood that you shed, You cry, at the top of the voice, Crucify! Crucify! Crucify! Baffled? Though a sentence you deserve, Instead, an atoning blood is upon you!

Theological implications of Lyrics', analysis and interpretation by Helen Savari-Renold

1. One is equally guilty if he avoids his responsibility in making a judgment upon another that results in the compromise of justice and righteousness. 'The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis: Dante Alighieri' 2. The blind and naive mass lets itself be swayed by its selfish, politically motivated religious leaders to bear the blood of the innocent upon their heads. 3. Leaders who are motivated by personal gain or envy lead a whole line up of guilty parties to further their unjust cause. 4. Thus the conspirator, the neutral judge and the masses are equally guilty when an innocent is sacrificed as a consequence of their joint decisions. 5. However, the irony in this case was that although all three parties imagined that they had complete control in passing the judgment on Jesus, it is indicated in the biblical texts that his innocent blood that they spilled was intended by God all along to be the atonement for all their unrighteousness!

For biblical references see: http://www.myspace.com/renoldsjazzorchestra/blog#ixzz0woBA2Nvs

Reply  

The Rooster crows - lyrics and context

The Rooster crows

Lyrics

The Rooster Crows

Chorus & Verse 1 Eager and bold, Passionate fold, Never to be cajoled, 'Even if I, with you must die, 'Tis you I'll not deny!'

Now that you're alone, and you're chilled to the bone, Play another role just near the fire.

Though you said, 'Even if I, with you must die, 'Tis you I'll not deny!'

Chorus & Verse 2 Eager and bold, Passion Passionate fold, Never to be cajoled, 'Even if I, with you must die, 'Tis you I'll not deny!'

See a scattered flock in disguise round the clock, Hiding from accusing glares undue,

And they sing, 'Even if I, with you must die, 'Tis you I'll not deny!'

Chorus & Verse 3 Eager and bold, Passionate fold, Never to be cajoled, 'Even if I, with you must die, 'Tis you I'll not deny!'

But you compromise as a rule, You're street wise, in a frenzy for prosperity…

And you sing, 'Even if I, with you must die, 'Tis you I'll not deny!'

Theological implications of Lyrics', analysis and interpretation by Helen Savari-Renold

In John 18 the scenario depicts Peter's spiritual struggle with his innate human nature that reacts within its characteristic parameters that are completely opposed to his heart's intentions.

Implications for Christianity in general Peter's struggle in John 18 illustrates the inner conflict every sincere Christian must come to terms with in him/herself about the reality of self-gratifying motivations in being merely religious. Duality is common in every individual and is also in those professing to be followers of Jesus. One is blindly deceived by one's own noble intentions of the heart while all along one's action is steered primarily by the fleshly nature that succumbs to the fear of man. Most often, Christians are given to be in denial of their fear of man and therefore also denying the true Christ while claiming him as Lord. This can occur within the frames of organised religion as well as outside it. A common sign for Christians caught in a dual identity is observable in their naive pursuit of wealth and comfort like the rest of the world around them, unmindful that the world's system is wired to function in opposition to the way of the cross, which is death to self!

This piece of music and its texts simply assume the role of the rooster – maybe someone might become aware of the duality within his/her consciousness.

For biblical references see: http://www.myspace.com/renoldsjazzorchestra/blog#ixzz0woAT9PWV

Reply  

Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? - lyrics and context

Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?

Lyrics

We heard of the darkest afternoon, When your heart broke and how your soul was doomed, Your body, now weak and frail, And void of Spirit divine!

But can a cruel word sting your soul? That you'd cry like that in despair! Were there straying feet that went too far? That you could not forgive!

We heard that you donned our sin, On that cross, to your own chagrin, Exiled from your Father's gaze, So we may enter in.

Theological implications of Lyrics', analysis and interpretation by Helen Savari-Renold

In his lifetime on earth Jesus did not fit into man's religious concepts or expectations but exceeded them. He did not desire Man's testimony or publicity or acceptance. His own rejected him, but because Jesus wasn't self-oriented, their rejection could not hurt or offend his feelings, thus he could graciously pray for their forgiveness, saying that, 'they know not what they do'.

Jesus embodied the fullness of God throughout until a certain point on the cross. It must be noted, the biblical concept that God and Sin can never have fellowship together. Although Jesus never sinned, He became SIN on the cross. The sin that every person before, during and after that moment ever committed was personified by Jesus and was crucified with Him, along with the Law that accuses a sinner of sin. This is the very reason that this sacrifice is able to save the sinner.

As God and Sin have no fellowship with one another, the fullness of God was removed from Jesus who was now accursed as Sin and now without any spiritual power for bearing it either. The Father's presence completely left the Son leaving him merely a weak and frail scapegoat of a man. It can be viewed that God's abandonment of Him at such a time led Jesus to cry out, 'Father, why did you forsake me?' This part of the suffering must have been more horrifying than the terrible physical torture and humiliation experienced on the cross. (For reference compare Jesus' despair with the kind of death experienced by the first Christian martyr, Stephen. He was able to rejoice while they stoned him to death because of the spiritual strength and vision that was awarded to him by God to bear such pain and humiliation.)

For biblical references see: http://www.myspace.com/renoldsjazzorchestra/blog#ixzz0woACloJe

Reply  

Resurrection - lyrics and context

Resurrection

Lyrics

Verse A The man of sorrows, he laid down his life, For them who slumber and them that betray, To choose the way of affliction and disgrace, In death, a meaning to convey, Though buried to rest, there's no decay, For death had passed away!

Verse A1 The man of sorrows, he laid down his life, For them who slumber and them that betray, For them that strive, yea, for them who go astray! Verse B1 The whole creation groans and waits, Together the Soul moans and anticipates, Redemption from our bodies and decay!

Interlude Come drink with the Man of Sorrows, Go down to the end of Self, And rise up with Him to Life!

Verse B2 The Man of sorrows, He has been raised! Far above all rule and power, He's to be praised, They rule with Him, who drink that bitter cup!

Riff Resurrection, Resurrection, Oh for a resurrection!

Theological implications of Lyrics', analysis and interpretation by Helen Savari-Renold

Jesus declared that he had come to seek and save the lost. Nearing the moment of truth, Jesus did struggle with embracing the way of the cross but his aversion to drink that bitter cup faded and he accepted the will of God with zeal as he saw the blatant slumbering, disillusioned and betraying truth seekers before him who needed more than anything else the ultimate solution found at the cross. This spiritual principle of the cross has been manifested physically in nature and through the cycle of life and death throughout time. Like a seed that must first die, before it is transformed into a new life, the path to a spiritually resurrected life is by way of surrendering to the death to Self and to let the life of Christ be resurrected in the believer. God demonstrated physically the power of the way of the cross where resurrection is an inevitable reality by raising Jesus from the dead. This is victory over death. Reigning with Christ is the spiritually resurrected condition that denotes serving like him or simply becoming God's tool for good works in continuing Christ's cause in seeking and saving the lost.

It is promised that the initial spiritual resurrection experienced by believers will also be manifested physically in everything created in an age yet to come, when Christ will finally fill everything.

For biblical references see: http://www.myspace.com/renoldsjazzorchestra/blog#ixzz0wo9xilmH

Reply  

The Great Commission - lyrics and context

The Great Commission

Lyrics

'Go tell it to the world', He said. 'Go show them what it means to Live! Immersing in the Godhead, You'll have a gospel truth to give!'

Refrain: For this is music to our ears, Now His Spirit does mingle, With the likes of mere mortals, To empower with His Truth

'So go and tell the world', He said, 'Go show them what it's like to live, Escape the slippery slope ahead, Refuse what is illusive.'

Refrain: For this is music to our ears, Now His Spirit does mingle, With the likes of mere mortals, To empower with His Love

Theological implications of Lyrics', analysis and interpretation by Helen Savari-Renold

1. 'to baptise in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit': - Is to plunge into the Godhead for mankind's survival or salvation. God's mode of communication after the cross is via His Spirit, which is the common denominator between the Father and the Son. The 'Father', the 'Son' and the 'Holy Spirit' are different means of communication that God had chosen in His discourse with Mankind.

2. 'no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit' (John 3:5). Probable conclusions - Water is a physical representation of the Spirit of God (John 4:10-13). The necessity of the Spirit of God for mankind to be whole is to be compared to the necessity of water for Mankind to live. - The physical is a manifestation of the spiritual for man's perception of truth. Water and spirit are crucially mingled for the well being of mankind as man is after all both flesh and blood as well as spirit. - Water baptism therefore is shown as a necessary part of entering the Kingdom of God. But being born of the Spirit is the part that makes the symbolism of being born of water so profound. Water baptism explains the meaning of being born of Spirit. The acts of immersing into and rising from the waters of baptism demonstrate what happens when we are baptised into the spirit. The 'death, burial and resurrection' of Christ is to be perpetuated by mankind symbolically and spiritually in the death and burial (putting away) of the ego to be raised as a new creature – a type of Jesus, the son of Man. - One can make disciples, when he is a witness of Christ. To make disciples is also to make witnesses for Christ. The apostles were witnesses to the world about Christ's life, death and resurrection. The power they received was a witness to Christ and His resurrection; this is to validate transformed creatures into types of Jesus, the son of man. With this they could preach repentance and forgiveness of sins to all lineages of people. When people believed, repented and were baptised (into the Godhead), they were empowered to become witnesses to continue preaching Jesus to the nations.

For biblical references see: http://www.myspace.com/renoldsjazzorchestra/blog#ixzz0wo9YZycw

Reply  

’Ascension’ - lyrics & context

Ascension

Lyrics

Son of Man to ascend, For the Counsellor to descend, So His dear ones may be clothed in Christ, To state His victory o'er the prince of this world, To prove a virtue, another kind from above, To show the worth of belief for all to see, And so the Son of Man did ascend, So His Spirit would descend upon Man, Till the fullness of the Christ fills the Universe!

Theological implications of Lyrics', analysis and interpretation by Helen Savari-Renold

1. Jesus ascended after he commissioned His disciples to be his witnesses and promised to send them his Spirit as their counselor. 2. The two men dressed in white (angels) declared that the same Jesus who ascended to heaven would return to earth in the same manner. 3. The disciples could only be witnesses for Jesus, with the empowerment by the Holy Spirit. For the disciples to receive the Holy Spirit, Jesus, in flesh and blood must leave the scene, so that mankind may be empowered to become types of Jesus, the son of man. 4. Jesus promised to be with the disciples forever despite His leaving the earth physically. 5. Good works and wonders are to follow his disciples on account of true belief in contrast to the chaos as a result of the world's unbelief. Christ's righteousness (good works prompted by the Spirit) will be exemplified in the believers against the world's righteousness (good works prompted by self-effort). 6. Christ, through his death and resurrection defeated the ruler of this world. His ascension confirms the judgment that has befallen Satan. Now through the Holy Spirit mankind may be free of Satan's entanglement and continue to defeat him. 7. Jesus ascended to give gifts to man to prepare God's people for works of service until unity is achieved through the attainment of a whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Jesus ascended in order for the whole creation to be filled with his Spirit.

For complete biblical references see: http://www.myspace.com/renoldsjazzorchestra/blog

Reply