Radical Reality

If you have not heard John Mark McMillan's "How He Loves," go listen to it now:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0luHiWwi08

I have to write about this song.  I have experienced it in worship services 3 times now (and listened to it a hundred more), and every time I hear it, it transports me to another place (figuratively speaking).  It touches me, or the Lord touches me through it, in a very deep place where the scars of my life have only regenerated in the strength, hope and love of Jesus Christ.  If you know this song, then you have probably heard the story behind it, which may or may not make it more real for you.  I have not heard the story, and wanted to write my thoughts about it before I do. 

The first time I really encountered this song was listening to John Mark McMillan's (from here on, JMM) original studio recording (referenced above).  It floored me, and has continued to draw me as close to Jesus as I've ever been.  I could get lost in this song for easily twice or three times its length.

There is obviously a very raw emotional place from which this song originated.  You only need to hear JMM sing it once to know that.  The metaphoric language that JMM uses to describe God's love is absolutely "over-the-top" and absolutely "spot-on."  This song is about letting in this radical reality of God's love for us.

Verse 1

"He is jealous for me."
So simple, but a departure from the more often heard negative connotation of God's jealousy wherein He is jealous because you are bad.  No, He is jealous because He wants you back. 

"Loves like a hurricane,"
What?!  This line has to make you do a double take.  Really, John?  You think God's love for us is violent and messy, destructive even?... Yes, I think that's what he means.  God's love is powerful beyond your ability to comprehend it, and no, you can't handle it.  Can a tree handle a hurricane?  Does this statement take God out of your "box?"  It should.  It obliterates my box.

"I am a tree bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy."
So, this violent love of God is heavy and forceful?  I thought I was supposed to feel happy, light and cheery.  I thought God's love was nice.  Oh, that's right John, thanks for reminding me: I am utterly helpless without His mercy, aren't I?  His love is wrecking me, and I can't bear the weight of it. 

"When all of a sudden I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory."
This line speaks about the reality of God's presence.  Jesus is not just an idea.  He is a person.  His tangible presence (through the Holy Spirit) will change the way you perceive everything.  If you have ever experienced His presence, then you know exactly what this line is talking about.  This moment of "eclipse" that JMM references is one of the reasons I love worship.  It's where I know everything is going to be okay.

"And I realize just how beautiful you are and how great your affections are for me."
I realize.  Reality becomes clear.  And here's a place where I don't mind the use of the word "beautiful," as overused as it is these days.  I don't mind because JMM is saying that the presence of this God whose love is so violent toward us is really the ultimate place of peace and safety.  And I love (excuse the overused term), love the word "affection."  Do you view God, the supreme creator of the universe, to be affectionate toward you?  Now we're talking about getting into your "personal space."  Are you comfortable letting God there?  Many of us have been hurt such that we've closed ourselves off to allowing other people to be affectionate with us.  I think in some ways we are losing the normalcy of affection toward each other in our culture.  But when God removes fear and replaces it with His love, affection is only natural. 

Well, I've written this much while taking a break or two to sob over it.  Hopefully, I can finish writing about the rest soon.

To be continued...