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October 22, 2013
March 21, 2024

He is Here - Theology of the Song


A careful reading of Genesis chapters 1-3 reveals the degree of “very good” that once existed between man and God. It also reveals the degree in which our condition as sinful creatures is marred. Because of mankind’s rebellion, our relationship with God, our relationship with self, and our relationship with others is broken beyond repair. (Gen. 1-3, Rom. 1:19-23)

Lovely, gracious Jesus, Son of God and Man
Our cross He bore, the veil was torn, our earthen hearts to mend.

But Genesis also uncovers hope in a future offspring of woman. (Gen. 3:15) Isaiah tells us this child, a son, would bring restoration to mankind’s relationship with God and one another. (Isaiah 9:6) Man could again experience the Father’s love and goodness as his dearly loved children. (John 1:12) God himself would become man, take on flesh and dwell among us, allowing us to see His grace and truth in the person of Jesus Christ. (John 1:14)

Humble, sinless Savior, God Emmanuel
He left His place, oh gift of grace, with us to always dwell.

Try to imagine the eternal, all-powerful, un-contained Ruler of the Universe submitting to time and space, locating Himself with you and me! Promising to walk beside us, living in us, caring for us “…though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:6-8)

Hallelujah, He is here!
The Word of God made flesh appeared
My wayward soul Christ has reclaimed
And forever He will reign…

Even though God went to this unimaginable extent to demonstrate His love and grace to us, as broken men we still forget His act of incarnation. We forget what God has done. We forget that God is with us – Emmanuel! (Isaiah 7:14) He is Here! Therefore we need to rehearse our belief in this truth through our worship.

Have you ever felt alone? When you are overwhelmed with work responsibilities, or troubles or hurt, who do you long for? I need someone to come alongside me, understand me, work with me, to help me. I cry for God. I need to be reminded of the doctrine that He is with me.

I will not leave you as orphans… (John 14:18)
I am with you to the end of the age… (Matt. 28:20)
I will never leave you or forsake you… (Heb. 13:5)
I go to prepare a place for you – that where I am you may be also… (John 14:2-3)
Where shall I flee from your presence? (Ps. 139:7)

I need to rehearse and remember that He is Here!

Behold our gracious promise, Messiah, Prince of Peace.
We bow our hearts and worship here, the Christ our risen King.

How does that make you feel? What does that make you think? What does that lead you to do? How should you live since He is Here?

Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.

You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:9-11, ESV

Article Details

Author
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Larry Cotton
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Austin Stone Creative
Tags
music
songwriting
lyrics
albums
songs
theology
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