There are two words which instantly bond two people.
Speaking these two words opens up a deeper level of intimacy and understanding rapidly moving a relationship forwards.
What are those two words? Me too.
When a woman shares about fighting breast cancer and another woman says “me too”...
When a man says he’s an alcoholic and another man says “me too”...
Bonds form and hope emerges when we discover we are not alone.
However, those two words aren’t the only words which change our world. In fact, there are two other words which not only change our relationships on earth, but also change our eternal experience. This second pair of words are present throughout the Bible and they form the title of Sean Curran’s newest song.
RELATED CONTENT: Sean Curran Relies on Generations of God’s Faithfulness to Fuel His Present on ‘Same Jesus’
“Same Jesus” invites us to consider the consistency of Jesus and His powerful work in the lives of His people throughout history. Citing the story of the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14 and the rescue of Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego in Daniel 3, Curran opens “Same Jesus” by connecting those miraculous moments to our modern adversities.
“We're not the first to feel this way
All those who came before us
Had their demons, their deserts, their Jerichos
But they could trust in who You are”
I’ve been chewing on those words “we’re not the first to feel this way” ever since I first heard “Same Jesus” on Air1. It is so easy to allow our feelings to overwhelm us and drive all of our decisions. It is also super easy to convince ourselves that we’re the only ones battling these feelings or fears. “Same Jesus” points us back to the Scriptures, where we see that we’re not the first ones to feel this way or face these fears. In considering the stories of those who have gone before us, we can step back from our feelings and not surrender inappropriate levels of power to them.
Hebrews 11 has functioned as a larger vision of what “Same Jesus” is for many years. Commonly known as the “Hall of Faith,” this chapter chronicles nearly 20 men and women from across the Old Testament who experienced God’s power and faithful presence.
RELATED CONTENT: Album Spotlight: Sean Curran Gets Back to the Heart of Worship on ‘Basic Faith’
After listing these many examples, the writer of Hebrews opens chapter 12 calling the readers to follow this example of faith. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” In chapter 13, the writer echoes a similar sentiment about the faith leaders to whom the readers are directly connected. “Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.”
Over the last two years, I’ve written nearly 100 articles about the faith behind songs like “Same Jesus.” One of the unique strengths of this song is the way Sean Curran is able to draw on the examples of these giants of the faith, while not allowing the focus of the song nor those singing it to deviate from Jesus. Many times when reading Hebrews 11 or singing songs about the heroes of our faith, we allow our focus to shift from God to a great man or woman. As much as we can learn from or admire someone who exhibited great faith or lived with great courage, the only one worthy of our focus and attention is Jesus.
I love how Sean Curran ends “Same Jesus.” After showing how we’re not the first ones to feel the way we feel, nor the first ones to face tremendous adversities in our lives, Curran ensures that our attention lingers on Jesus.
“With just the power of Your name
When impossible odds are all we can see
There will always be Jesus”
Moses did awesome miracles. Noah showed tremendous perseverance. David acted with great faith and courage. But, the one who endures forever and the One worthy of our trust and hope is Jesus. My favorite line in the song is the final one. “At the end of it all we can trust in one thing - There will always be, always be Jesus"
Thank you Sean Curran for the gift of “Same Jesus.” We need to be reminded of these truths in the battles we’re facing today. Personally, I needed to be encouraged that no matter how much more bad news this week brings, there will always be Jesus.
Scott Savage is a pastor, author, and speaker with the best last name in the world. Scott’s writing helps people transform difficult circumstances into places where they can thrive. He leads Cornerstone Church in Prescott, Arizona, and loves watching movies with his wife and three kids. You can begin Scott’s life-changing project, The 21 Day Gratitude Challenge, today.
