Together with my wife, one of my daughter’s and son-in-law, I went to see U2 at Wembley Stadium. They happened to be supported by one of my other favourite bands, Elbow. What an amazing evening in an awesome venue. The whole evening was captivating – not just because of the outstanding bands but the whole sound, lighting and visual experience was just incredible. Certain members of our church staff team have been going back for more!

 

I generally find listening to live music a deeply moving and emotional experience – especially when you can ‘connect’ with the songs and lyrics. Music and song are powerful and can touch the depth of our ‘being.’ It’s brilliant how Bono is able to weave in a challenge to a cause that is close to his and the band’s heart.

 

The 360 degree tour is a great success. Many of the songs from the new album “No Line on the Horizon” were performed and some connected massively with the emotional and spiritual parts of me. As a Christian it’s easy to worship God as “Magnificent” reverberates around you. When I think of God’s passion for His Kingdom (together with all it’s justice, righteousness and life-bearing values) to come in our lives and communities, the title track “No Line on the Horizon” speaks to me about the time when the kingdom and our world can merge so much that God’s presence is simply rich everywhere.

 

The track “Moment of Surrender” really does me in! The evening fittingly (for me!) finished with this song. For our lives to discover what it is to experience newness or re-birth, there has to be a moment of surrender. This incorporates the initial response to God’s love as it has been expressed through Jesus or indeed when we fail and mess up. Repentance is about surrender.

 

Acknowledging we’ve done wrong and maybe hurt ourselves and others. Maybe those close to us.

 

When we surrender God can deliver His kindness, grace and love deep into our hearts and minds.

 

Have you surrendered recently?

 

There’s a line in the song – Vision over visibility. We are disposed to acting and reacting to what we see, feel, hear and touch. God opens up the possibility of seeing beyond our visibility. We need this. In our church we are close to the place where we must bounce through into the vision God is opening before us. He’s orchestrating things for such a time and our visibility must give way to His vision. Ultimately His vision includes the saving of many lives – as many as will respond to being “saved.”

 

Where is your vision now?

 

Are you focused on the seen or the unseen? Do you walk by faith or by sight?

 

Take the time to come to the moment of surrender and let God open your eyes to the possibilities, vision and destiny He Has already placed in your heart.

 

 

Steve Prince