The Lord of Hosts

It is hard for me to articulate just what I experienced tonight. Tonight I had one of the most profound spiritual experiences of my life. There was a point tonight where I felt as if I almost literally connected with eternity, or rather eternity connected with me as God manifested His presence and spoke through His Word. The Word was brought tonight by an intern, an unassuming type of guy who had a talent for understatement so this experience was certainly not through some demagogical manipulation. No God spoke through His Word - His God breathed, Spirit inspired Word. That is the power of revelation where the boundaries of human comprehension end and God illuminates.

"A son honours his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honour? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name." Malachi 1:6


Malachi was communicating God's dissatisfaction at the priests of Israel who were offering blemished sacrifices in the Temple. A blemished animal was no sacrifice at all as it had no value. To offer such an animal to God was an insult to Him as it would not have been fit to give to human authorities let alone the Creator of the universe and the personal deliverer and salvation of Israel. I was convicted of the times when I have been half-hearted in my devotion to God, when I have failed to truly grasp the magnitude and majesty of the holiness of God. Tonight I felt swallowed up by the granduer of God, completely and totally inconsequential compared to the enormity of God. The reality became so grave as I sat there listening to the sermon it blew my mind in the fullest sense of the term. We often misuse words and expressions until they become meaningless but tonight I was in awe of the Lord of Hosts. 


The worship songs afterwards were well chosen and conducive to the praise due God's holy name and I joined in full voice with the choruses of "Hallelujah", very seldom had that word carried with it its fullest connotation before but now that word seemed the only appropriate response to the knowledge and revelation of God tonight, at least as far as human language goes. As I sang the words and reflected on the message from Malachi it was as if time stood still, as if in that moment I was before the throne of God not that I could see it with my eyes, just feel it in my spirit. The words from Isaiah chapter 6 came to my mind and the power of Isaiah's vision became so vivid to me:


"In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory!”

And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!" 

I don't expect people to fully understand my experience tonight, some may dismiss it but I hope that maybe even if only in a small way you may meet with God and fall before His throne giving Him the reverence due His name of the Lord of Hosts.

P.O.D. Lost in Forever review

Four years after the release of their last album, P.O.D. are back with a new logo and a new single. 'Lost in Forever' is the first single off of the band's forthcoming album 'Murdered Love' due to be released on the 19th June. 'Lost in Forever' will feel very familiar to die hard P.O.D. fans; instantly the catchy, anthemic choruses that made P.O.D. so famous back in the era of nu-metal hook the listener with the simple yet rememberable lyrics. Musically the song showcases P.O.D.'s penchant for blending melody with distorted riffs and is a great example of the band's evolution into hard rock that 'When Angels & Serpents Dance' pioneered. After listening to 'Lost in Forever' it is clear that on the band's own personal spectrum this is a very radio friendly song, chosen to give the band as much exposure through radio and media as possible. Indeed this song will appeal to the die hard and casual fan alike.

This single is a statement, on the one hand it is a musical statement that the band is still relevant and still belongs with the current generation of chart music and on the other, a lyrical statement that the band have not forgotten their identity that made them so unique amongst their peers. As in previous P.O.D. singles lead vocalist Sonny Sandoval manages to craft lyrics that will resonate with his audience on several levels, placing his finger upon the crux of the matter, appealing directly to the human condition: "Am I just hanging around all alone in my mindless haze...we live and we die. Given to faith and fear. When my time is over, where do I go from here?"

Long time listeners of P.O.D. will immediately recognise the many sonic elements that define guitarist Marcos and drummer Wuv's distinctive style. Bassist Traa's low end rhythms adds depth to the track and completes the song's accessible yet well crafted sound, while Sonny's vocals exhibit his quirky, hip-hop tinged yet soaring melodies. Overall this song draws listeners in compellingly and opens up their imagination as the music and melodies compliment the lyrical themes giving this song an almost ethereal like quality while remaining firmly accessible to the casual listener.

'Lost in Forever' is available now for download on itunes and expect the music video soon. 

You can listen to the new single on P.O.D.'s website where there is a link to the itunes store.

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Simon's Tale Part 2: Encounter

Simon stared at the ceiling of his room; his wife lay next to him soundly asleep impervious to the thoughts that kept her husband awake. As Simon lay still, horizontally on his mattress he couldn’t help but think of Jesus’ dead body wrapped from neck to toe in his burial cloth laying in that cold, dark, empty tomb. Time passed, slowly but eventually his eyes begun to droop as his eyelids grew heavier and heavier until he fell fast asleep, his body desperate for rest.

                 

The next morning Simon awoke, it was the Sabbath and the day of the Passover festival. All the preparation had been done the day before and all that was left was to partake of the meal. “I can’t believe you got involved in that man’s execution!” rebuked his wife; “how come the Romans chose you?” she said disapprovingly. “I don’t know…” replied Simon his voice somewhat distant as he reflected on the bizarre turn of events: “Maybe they didn’t? Maybe it was the Lord?” “The Lord?! Don’t speak foolishly Simon; the man was a condemned criminal.” “Condemned yes, but a criminal? I’m not so sure; you didn’t see him didn’t look into his eyes – you were not there at the end like I was…” Simon’s wife gave him a searching look trying to comprehend her husband’s strange attitude. Rufus and Alexander ran to the table eager to hear their father’s story. “You carried his cross-beam papa? Why did they kill that man?” Simon stroked Alexander’s hair affectionately; “Why didn’t he carry his cross-beam papa?” Rufus asked naively. “He couldn’t carry his cross-beam Rufus because he was too weak, you see the Romans are a very cruel people and they treat criminals without any mercy. He was flogged many times before being executed so his body was already hurting.” Alexander’s eyes lit up in astonishment and shock. “And they killed him dear Alexander because he said many things that angered the Chief Priests and the Pharisees.” Alexander scratched his head unable to understand why anyone would be killed over mere words. “What was his name?” “Jesus, his name was Jesus” replied Simon reverently, and then smiling and gesturing towards the kitchen encouraged his sons: “now go and help your mother the meal is nearly ready!”

                

The family sat around the table and gave thanks to God for the meal and for rescuing their ancestors from Egypt; as they began to eat Rufus commented “Jesus… that is a common name; what was so special about this man?” Simon startled by the question stopped chewing and reflected, there had been something special about this man but what was it? After giving it some thought he gave an answer hoping it would abate his young son’s curiosity: “well this Jesus had a sign above his head that read ‘King of the Jews’ it was commissioned by Pilate, the Governor of Jerusalem so this man must have got into trouble with the Romans.” Rufus seemed content with his father’s answer although it had triggered a train of thought in his father that he was unaware of. Seeing her husband’s vacant look, Simon’s wife interrupted her husband’s musings: “let us not forget why we are in Jerusalem and what we are celebrating this day! We are remembering Adonai’s mercy to us in sparing the first born sons of our ancestors from the angel of death!” Simon nodded in agreement and smiled as he finished his lamb. “Adonai is good and faithful my dear; we are eternally indebted to the Lord for all the kindness He shows”. Simon had no sooner responded to his wife than he realized the symbolism of Jesus’ crucifixion. “You know the name Jesus means ‘Adonai saves’ –like in the Passover, when Adonai saved our ancestors by the blood of lambs as a substitute. This Jesus, well what if he was the King of the Jews…what if he was the Messiah foretold long ago?” His wife looked at him thoroughly annoyed by now at her husband’s constant speculation, “the Messiah is meant to free our people; this man died a criminal – you carried his cross-beam yourself! Be reasonable Simon how could he possibly be the Messiah!?”

                 

The next day Simon awoke to hear the sound of animated voices and the sound of many feet hurriedly running to and fro outside. He propped himself up on his elbows, his eyes half shut and still blurry “wh…what is going on?” His wife rubbed her eyes and listened just as perplexed as Simon. Simon got up out of bed and put on his sandals and went outside. Grabbing the person closest to him he asked what the commotion was all about, “they say he’s risen! The man Jesus whom they executed just three days ago, apparently he’s alive again!” Simon let go of the stranger’s arm and with a puzzled expression on his face looked down the street as if he half expected to find Jesus walking along it in his direction. In the distance Simon could hear many voices: “Have you seen him yet?” “His tomb is completely empty!” “Apparently there were angels”, he went inside to find his wife looking worriedly at him: “how can this be? It is impossible!” Simon shrugged his shoulders; “I don’t know my love…could it be true?” Then all of a sudden behind his wife he saw a man clothed in white, beautiful and fair. Turning to see what her husband was staring at Simon’s wife gasped in astonishment as the man raised his hands to reveal the holes the nails had left and simply said “Simon”.

                 

Jesus’ voice was loving and kind but carried with it a sense of authority. Simon and his wife bowed upon their knees, their faces to the ground in fear. Kneeling beside them Jesus placed his hand on Simon’s shoulder and commanded “arise”. Simon and his wife slowly got to their feet and cuddled each other for support. Tears began to stream down Simon’s face as he was filled with remorse for his involvement in Jesus’ execution. “Do not cry Simon, for there was no hatred in your heart as you bore my burden. I have come to thank you for helping me to fulfil my destiny, for my hour had come and everything that transpired that day was ordained by my Father.” “Your…your Father?” asked Simon timidly full of amazement that there was no anger in Jesus. “Yes my Father who is in Heaven” replied Jesus his eyes bright and glowing. Simon let go of his wife and walked towards Jesus a huge smile appearing on his face: “you’re not dead!” he began to say gleefully, full of relief that his doubts about Jesus’ innocence had been proven true. Jesus laughed with Simon and nodded his arms open wide as if to receive him, “that’s right Simon; I’m not dead but have been brought back to life. I will shortly return to my Father in Heaven and you will no longer see me. I want you to follow me Simon, you and your whole family. I want you to return to Cyrene and tell people there of me. I am the Son of God, your Messiah and one day I will return.” “My Lord” Simon replied full of admiration and reverence. Simon’s wife trembled with guilt: “forgive me Lord for I did not know, I…” before she could finish her sentence Jesus interjected but without any condemnation in his voice: “all is forgiven. Have faith my child and teach your two sons of my teachings. Go find my Disciples, seek out the eleven, they will teach you all you need to know.” With these words Jesus left them.

                 

Simon and his wife praised God and began singing joyfully at meeting the true King of Israel. Alexander and Rufus came through to find out the cause of their parents’ happiness and were picked up into their parents’ arms. “We have seen Adonai!” cried Simon in excitement and the four continued giving thanks and praise to God. From that day forth, Simon and his family became disciples of Jesus and took the message of the Gospel back to Cyrene where they shared their testimony with all the people.

Simon's Tale Part 1: Cross Bearer

“Look Papa is that...?” “Jerusalem! Yes Rufus that is where we are headed.” Rufus ran on ahead of his younger brother Alexander in excitement. “Why are we going to Jerusalem Papa? Why couldn’t we stay at home in Cyrene?” questioned Alexander wearily, his little legs practically hopping to keep up with his father’s. “We are going to Jerusalem to observe the Passover my boy” replied Simon, Alexander looked at his father quizzically, not fully comprehending the significance of this city. Their mother laughed empathetically, full of affection for her two sons. Simon gave his wife a loving glance and then explained to his bewildered son: “Jerusalem is the Holy city, dear Alexander; it is where Herod’s Temple lies and in Herod’s Temple, behind the curtain in the Holy of Holies is where Adonai – G_d himself lives.” Alexander’s eyes widened in amazement and exclaimed “Adonai!” before summoning the energy to chase after his brother, “Rufus wait for me!”

                 

When the family got to Jerusalem there was a large angry crowd making its way down to the Gennath Gate; Roman soldiers were busy whipping three criminals carrying their crosses and keeping the rabid crowd at bay. One of the men looked particularly bloodied, scourged no doubt for his crime, so Simon thought. This sight was not uncommon though the crowd were especially vitriolic on this occasion. “This is no place for two young boys” Simon’s wife said in the direction of her husband though her words were faint to him as he stared at the three condemned men. “Simon!” Snapping out of his gaze he turned to his exacerbated wife: “No, you’re right take the children on ahead to the inn we have booked, I will follow you shortly.” With these instructions his wife hurried away with her two sons trying to shield their vision from the grotesque display of public justice.

                

 Simon followed these men becoming ever more fascinated by the one wearing a crown of thorns – he was unlike the other two and seemed to bear the brunt of the crowd’s animosity. Suddenly this mysterious stranger collapsed on the road, staining the pavement with his blood. The man lay lifeless on the floor and at first Simon thought he was dead, it was not unusual for a person to die from the scourging alone. Then the fallen man groaned in agony and clenched his teeth, writhing in pain. “Someone just put him out of his misery” thought Simon to himself as he recoiled from the mangled body of the criminal. But before Simon could leave to rejoin his family a Roman soldier came over to him and forcibly wrenched him from the crowd and shoved him in the direction of the man’s cross beam. In a gruff and unfeeling voice he barked an order at Simon: “He can’t carry it any further, take it for him!” “B..But...” before Simon could finish his sentence he stopped realizing all protest was useless. Simon lifted the cross beam and bore the weight of it upon his shoulders. The beam was broad and heavy but silently he walked behind the haggard figure of the man whose cross beam it was. As he walked, the cross-beam becoming ever heavier he watched in compassion as this man was continued to be whipped and then dragged where his legs failed him. Simon’s back began to ache under the weight of the cross-beam he felt like throwing it down and refusing to carry it any further but when he looked at the man beaten and maimed he was filled with conviction – “I can carry this cross if this man can bear the shame and torment of this judgement”.

                 

Finally they arrived at the sight of his execution, “You’re free to go” said the Roman soldier who had recruited Simon in the first place. Simon carefully placed the cross-beam on the ground and stepped back rubbing his shoulder, which be this time was very sore. Simon lowered his head as they drove the nails into the man’s wrists and feet. Eventually the man was hoisted up and the cross was slotted into its designated position. The other two criminals were raised along with the man bearing the crown of thorns and now Simon could clearly read the sign stating the man’s crime: “King of the Jews”. That’s odd thought Simon, king’s aren’t crucified he must be being executed for blasphemy then. The man’s shoulders slumped and his head hung low facing the ground; his hair was lank with blood and sweat, matted in places. Blood trickled down the thorns piercing his forehead and splattered on the ground. He certainly didn’t look like a king, waning in and out of consciousness, naked on the cross, blood seeping from every wound upon his body. Yet whenever he raised his head and Simon looked into his eyes there was a truth in them, something Simon couldn’t quite grasp but he knew this was no ordinary man, there was a strange air of nobility to him.

                 

One of the criminals began hurling insults at this ‘king of the Jews’ “So you’re the Christ!? Save yourself and us then!” This was more like the behaviour of the average criminal executed, Simon reflected. The Roman soldiers on duty chuckled in agreement, laughing to themselves and joining in with the criminal’s mockery. Simon felt panged by their insults, if this man were truly a blasphemer then he deserved his execution but for some reason Simon couldn’t help but doubt whether the charges were just. The Roman soldiers all dressed in their armour, carrying their spears with swords in their scabbards reeked of imperial power but as they laughed at this mutilated figure of a man they reminded Simon of a pack of animals, like hyenas swarming round a wounded lion. Simon noticed that the Pharisees had also joined in with the insults, vehemently deriding this ‘king of the Jews’, “You said you would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days! Take yourself down from the cross and then we’ll believe you!” Simon stared momentarily at the religious leaders; he had come to Jerusalem for the Passover but was repelled now by their condescension and the barbarism of the whole execution.

                 

This ‘Christ’ as they mocked him, there must be a reason why they called him so? Simon began recalling his knowledge of the ancient prophecies, Moses promised there would come a prophet like him but surely this couldn’t be him – Moses was never humiliated and shamed in such a way. Then the words of Isaiah came to mind: “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter…” Maybe the timing of this whole ordeal was not coincidental; perhaps the manner of this execution and this man’s countenance was not an accident? Simon’s mind began to race as he made the connection between the festival and the messianic prophecy of Isaiah. Darkness shrouded the land and all was black. Simon shuddered as a cold chill ran down his spine. The hairs on his arms stood on end and he rubbed his arms to keep warm. This is no ordinary criminal he thought, even nature has condemned him! The Pharisees retreated to the Temple and slowly but surely the crowds deserted this ‘king of the Jews’. Simon stood there as if his feet were nailed to the ground; who was this man who he had carried his cross-beam? Whether Simon would have chosen it or not he was now connected to this man’s fate, he had played his part in his condemnation even though he had no knowledge of his charges or his guilt.

                 

After what seemed like a lifetime in the bleakest of darkness the man cried aloud, a hair raising, ear piercing cry of despair and words that Simon would never forget for the rest of his life: “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (My God, my God why have you forsaken me?) Simon shivered at the desperation and terror in his voice – was this the Son of God? Simon glanced one last time at the sign above his head and read his name; he would never forget the name Jesus for as long as he lived.

My P.O.D. Easter playlist

P.O.D.’s music has become an intrinsic part of my spirituality – music is powerful and has the potential to be used positively to make a difference in this world. P.O.D. understands that power and true to themselves and their faith has consistently produced positive, life affirming and spiritually uplifting music. This week is Holy week, an important time of reflection and contemplation as we approach Good Friday and remember Jesus’ supreme sacrifice. Here is a list of my particular favourite P.O.D. tracks to help me focus on the meaning of Easter:

  

          Youth of the Nation (album Satellite) – this song was written to address the tragedy of teenage deaths and laments the suffering that young people experience. It’s a song that reminds us of the importance of showing our loved ones just how much they mean to us and that the pain we feel in this life points us to something beyond what we can see. It is also comforting to know that Jesus is a suffering saviour and went to the cross, enduring the torture and humiliation so He can completely relate to our pain.  

     “There’s gotta be more to life than this; there’s gotta be more to everything I thought exists.”

  

     Change the World (album Payable on Death) – this song is about the power of love and the beauty and simplicity of love. The song is an affirmation of the transformative effects of loving others regardless of race, religion or creed. Jesus’ crucifixion is God’s supreme act of love for humanity (John 3:16); a love that we should seek to emulate.  

    “Imagine a place only your soul can vision. The heart of a child who looks, sees and listens. She paints a picture using every colour and what she sees, she sees it like no other.”

           

 

      Goodbye for Now (album Testify)  – this song looks forward in hope to the blessedness of salvation and eternal life with God. The song was inspired lyrically by Psalm 30. Jesus’ sacrifice brings joy and salvation.  

     “If joy really comes in the morning time then I’ll sit back and wait until the next sunrise.”

          

         Set your eyes to Zion (album the Fundamental Elements of Southtown) – this song is a call to look to Heaven and place our trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sin. The song itself draws heavily from P.O.D.’s love of reggae music and creates an uplifting and chilled out vibe.  

     “I’ve begun to search of one, giver of life, I and I recognize; to be with You, forever I’ll be with You, in paradise, Zion I set my eyes.”

           

      One Day (album B.R.O.W.N) – this song is about the deep need we have for God and the hunger to be filled with God in our lives. It is a song about the spiritual longing to be satisfied and transformed into the people God originally intended us to be. The song is a heartfelt cry to God and is very intimate and personal in tone. When we reflect upon the cross we see our spiritual need that it is by grace alone that we are saved (Ephesians 2:1). 

     “I can’t see the light because it blinds me, try to forget but my past always reminds me. Exposed, looked on by eyes of grace, I’m so ashamed, don’t look at my face... Get up by your strength, I rise up to Thee, but I’ll stay on my face, if You will of me.”

      

      If it wasn’t for You (album Warriors EP II) – this song is a statement of faith. It is direct and straight to the point. It is a confession of everything the band stand for, bold and unashamed. This song is not only spiritually edifying and empowering but it is also an important reminder that life begins and ends with Jesus.  

    “If it wasn’t for you none of this would ever mean a thing.”

          

      Full Color (album B.R.O.W.N) – this song is basically lead vocalist and song writer Sonny Sandoval’s testimony of how he came to faith at the death of his mother, who suffered from terminal cancer when he was a teenager. It is a profoundly personal song that speaks of heartbreak and love as well as hope in the resurrection and being reunited. The title full color refers to the stark reality of death, with which he was confronted with for the very first time through his mother’s passing. It serves as a reminder of the cost of our salvation that Jesus had to die for our sins to be forgiven.  

     “You showed me how strong you could be, if Jesus saved your life, could he do it for me? I’ll lay down my life for you and for Him. Believe God’s promise, I’m gonna see you again.”

           

      Alive (album Satellite) – this song speaks of the joy of salvation and the feeling of being alive in the total sense of the term. It is a positive song that resonates strongly with me, both because it was the first P.O.D. song I ever heard but also because of the wonderful truth that Jesus brings everlasting life.  

     “I, I feel so alive for the very first time; I can’t deny You I feel so alive. I, I feel so alive for the very first time and I think I can fly!”

  

Preach (album B.R.O.W.N) –The song is in defiance to our secular culture that attempts to keep religion in the private sphere away from public life. Easter is a time when the Gospel needs to be shared with people and Christians should proudly declare where their faith lies, as Paul says in Romans 10:17 “Consequently faith comes through hearing the message…”. 

“I ain’t down, you preach too much but if you ask me boy I don’t preach enough!”

      

      Shine with Me (album When Angels & Serpents Dance) – this song is about being light – reflecting the light of Christ in our lives. Ultimately Jesus’ sacrifice leads us into new life and we should take on the characteristics of our saviour as our old life has passed away and we are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). As Paul says in Philippians 2:15 we are to: “shine among them like stars in the night sky.”  

      “And if the heavens should open up, with a vision inside Jah love, the earth and the moon and the sun will align with the voice from the sky above, one love.”

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