The Stories Behind the Songs

Music is a gift from God almighty. This gift is to be expressed as a way of worship and a means to teach. In striving towards this goal, a companion book is scheduled for release with the forthcoming album “Songs of Soteria” by Ryan Habbena. This book, entitled “From the Soul to the CD Player,” will set forth a biblical theology of music. It will also give the listener the “stories behind the songs.” The musical and lyrical meaning behind the songs will be explored and explained. Below is a sampling, from the EP “Battle Cry of the Redeemed.” (Arise O Lord).

Battle Cry of the Redeemed

The symphonic song “Battle Cry of the Redeemed” is written around the cry “Arise O Lord.” Taken from the Psalms, this is a prayer, a plea, for the Lord to “arise and take action.” The song is written through the “lens” of three major events in salvation history – the Exodus, Pentecost, and the Second Coming.

Using language that alludes to the Exodus, the first verse and chorus proclaim our deliverance. We were captives to sin, and in His grace, our God freed us from the bonds. The battle begins inside. Sin is our greatest enemy. So we cry out “Arise O Lord” to secure us continually through the blood of the Lamb.

The second verse and chorus draws on imagery from Pentecost. The Lord is risen – He triumphed over the grave. Through His Spirit, He now sends us as His ambassadors to proclaim the message of the Gospel. Yet, we realize we are weak and we stumble. As soldiers who wield the word of God, we need His strength and sustenance. Therefore, like the early church we pray for power to proclaim the person and work of Jesus.

The third and final section looks forward to the Second Coming. The Serpent declares “War!” upon the saints. The martyrs cry “How Long!” until the Lord intervenes and wages war. The final cry of “Arise O Lord” is a prayer for the return of Christ. We long for the Lion of Judah to return and reign on earth. When He returns, the sky will be ignited as the Lord is revealed in glory.

The “Battle Cry of the Redeemed” is a prayer of thanksgiving, a prayer for strength, and a prayer of anticipation. We echo David’s cry “Arise O Lord” as we await Jesus’ return in glory.

O Captain of My Soul

The acoustic ballad “O Captain of My Soul” is a song about the preserving and protecting power of Jesus Christ. Three images are used in this to convey this: Captain, Shepherd, and Steward.

The song opens with imagery of being at sea. The conditions are bleak; no sight with wearing weather. This imagery speaks of the harsh conditions that may cause despair on our “voyage” to the Kingdom of God. But the light of God’s promises pierce through the darkness, reminding us that Lord is in charge of our vessel. He will preserve us. He is at the helm; controlling the wind and waves, and is certainly the Captain of our souls.

The next verse draws heavily from Psalm 23. Though we may wander through a dangerous valley, though ravenous wolves may surround us, the protective power of our Divine Shepherd comforts us. His rod and staff will ward off those that would prey on us. They also correct us when we wander from the straight and narrow path.

The final verse describes Jesus as the Steward of our souls. A steward is entrusted the care and preservation of a certain entity. Before the foundation of the world, the book of life was written. God the Father entrusted Jesus with the souls of the constituents of the eternal Kingdom of God. Since no one can break the grip of the one who keeps us, our steward, Jesus, keeps and cares for us forever.

Jesus of Nazareth is the Captain, Shepherd, and Steward of our souls.

Sovereign

Sovereign is an up-tempo worship song that celebrates the fact that the “Lord of Hosts,” Yahweh, reigns.

The opening verse sets the tone for the song. This is a song of rejoicing. The fact that our God is sovereign over all things is reason for celebration. There is no one like Him. At His command the hosts of heaven will march. Often the sovereignty of God is seen as a stumbling block. But when He raises His scepter, the figurative emblem of His Kingship over all things, our hearts must bow. We are called to humbly entreat Him to accept our praise.

The second verse focuses on the extent of His Kingship. His Lordship is unlimited. No corner in the entire cosmos is unexposed before the Lord of Hosts. The seas of earth will dance, and stars of the heavens will sing before their Creator. Since His sovereignty extends over all creation, we are called to acknowledge His power and authority.

The final verse gets personal. Though the sovereignty of God is over all, the redeemed are intimately acquainting with His Sovereign redeeming power. His mighty Hand has freed our souls from the clutches of sin. And further, the same grip that holds the world on its axis, will never allow His people to fall. His power and sovereignty will never change. Regardless of what defiant tongues may say, He reigns – forever.