“Above All” – Monday Musical Musings

This week in one of my Bible studies, we’re studying the parable of the landowner and tenants (Matthew 21:33-46). In this parable, Jesus tells the Jewish leaders that because they rejected Jesus, the Gospel would be shared with “a people who will produce its fruit.” (Matthew 21:43 – NIV)

 

0005030206R-849x565While it angered the chief priests and Pharisees, it meant that Jesus’ message of salvation would be opened to the Gentiles…and that includes me.

 

Sometimes it is difficult for me to understand how God could have such love for humanity. But it is even more difficult to understand how God could have such love for me. I know my weaknesses. I know I’m not living day-to-day as He has asked. And yet, He loves me anyway.

 

The song I share today tells of this great love for mankind and for me. Of the vastness of God and His creation. Of the power He possesses. Of His wisdom and ways. And yet, when Jesus was dying for the sins of the world, He thought of me.

 

I wonder, as He hung there bearing the weight of my sin, was it my sin He thought of or did His love for me overshadow the burden of my sin? If my sin were on Jesus’ mind, He might have called those thousands of angels to rescue Him.

 

However, Jesus said it Himself before He went to the cross. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13 – NIV) Love. That’s what Jesus was thinking while He was on the cross.

 

Want more proof? Galatians 2:20 (NIV) says, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

 

And then 1 John 3:16 (NIV) says, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”

 

So as you read through the lyrics of this song and listen to the message, know that Jesus loves you. He gave Himself for you. And He thought of you above all.

 

“Above All”

 

Above all powers, above all kings
Above all nature and all created things
Above all wisdom and all the ways of man
You were here before the world began

Above all kingdoms, above all thrones
Above all wonders the world has ever known
Above all wealth and treasures of the earth
There’s no way to measure what You’re worth

Crucified, laid behind a stone
You lived to die, rejected and alone
Like a rose trampled on the ground
You took the fall and thought of me
Above all[i]

 

Michael W. Smith is one of the artists who has recorded this message. To listen to his version, click here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna



[i] “Above All,” Words and Music by Paul Baloche and Lenny LaBlanc, 1999. Integrity’s Hosana Music.

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