Photo by Karsten Würth
There were several requests for this song under various artist names. These include Leeland, Sinach, and Michael W. Smith. The original composer and author is Osinachi Joseph, known commonly as her stage name Sinach.
Sinach currently serves as the senior worship leader of megachurch Christ Embassy in Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria. She primarily writes and sings Gospel music and toured the world in over 50 countries! She released nine albums, including:
- Chapter One (2008)
- I’m Blessed (2010)
- Shout it Loud (2012)
- From Glory to Glory (2012)
- Sinach at Christmas (2013)
- Sinach Live in Concert – The Name of Jesus (2014)
- Waymaker – Live (2016)
- There’s an Overflow (2018)
- Great God (Live in London) (2019)
She has won numerous awards and honors, including:
- LIMA Songwriter of the Decade Award (2016)
- Groove Awards Western Africa Artist Of The Year (2016)
- African Achievers’ Award for Global Excellence (2016)
- Top 100 Influential Christians in Nigeria (2017)
- Bethlehem Hall of Fame inductee (2017)
- LIMA Song of the Year (2019)
Her hit song Waymaker has been covered by Leeland and Michael. W. Smith, both of which helped popularize her song. On March 7, 2019, it passed the 100 million views mark, making her the first Gospel singer to achieve this feat.
Lyrics can be found at https://genius.com/Sinach-way-maker-lyrics.
Note to new users: This is a different kind of review site! Read About the Berean Test and Evaluation Criteria prior to reading this review.
1. What message does the song communicate?
God moves through the earth via the Holy Spirit living in us, He reaches out to mankind, provides for all our needs, makes a way for us, performs miracles, keeps His promises, and defeats darkness with His light. He will one day wipe all tears from believers’ eyes when we enter His Heavenly Kingdom.
The term “way maker” is the central theme given its prominence as the song’s title. Merriam-Webster defines this as “one that makes a road”. What way did God make? Christians will no doubt reference the cross and Christ crucified. Jesus made a way that removed our sins that obedience to the Law could not accomplish The Old Testament sacrifices merely covered over sins. It did not remove them. This is the best explanation for this statement.
Side Note: In terms of repetition, Sinach may have used Psalm 136 as a basis for formatting each Verse. The Roman Catholic Church has a similar format during Mass. For example, during its intercessory portion, the church responds, “Lord, hear our prayer” after each prayer is offered. It’s also a common liturgical form that is put to music. In Sinach’s song, the phrase “I worship You” is the response to each statement she makes, with each prior statement adding evidence to why she praises Him. Finally, the song’s structure is almost traditionally formatted, with the Chorus repeating after a few Verses and the Bridge.
Score: 10/10
2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?
All of it is consistent with God’s inspired Word.
[Verse 1]
Lines 1 and 2: Chorus sets the context of “You” as “God”. He moves through believers via Holy Spirit living inside us (Acts 6:5, Romans 8:9-11, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:16-19, Galatians 4:6, Ephesians 5:18, and 2 Timothy 1:14). Sinach responds in worship.
Lines 3 and 4: Essentially repeats ideas in lines 1 and 2.
Lines 5-8: Repeats lines 1-4.
[Chorus]
Lines 1-3: Sinach lists four characteristics of God:
- He makes a way. This is probably a reference to Matthew 19:26, which itself foreshadows Christ’s sacrifice.
- He does miracles.
- He keeps all His promises (Joshua 21:45, Joshua 23:14, 1 Kings 8:56, Romans 4:21, 2 Corinthians 1:20, Hebrews 10:23, and 2 Peter 3:9).
- He is the light that defeats darkness (Psalm 107:10-16, Luke 1:79, John 1:1-13, John 12:46, Ephesians 5:8, Colossians 1:13, and 1 Peter 2:9).
Lines 4-6: Repeats lines 1-3.
[Verse 2]
Line 1: Though God indeed interacts with His creation, we must understand that not everyone will experience His healing power. For example, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened by God rather than positively touched (Exodus 4:21, Exodus 7:3, Exodus 9:12, Exodus 10:1, Exodus 10:20, Exodus 10:27, and Exodus 11:10). There is a high likelihood that some unbelievers who are present when God moves “in our midst” and “in this place” with untouched hearts. Yet, in examples such as Matthew 2:3, where it’s unlikely that “all” Israel heard what the wise men said, or 2 Chronicles 9:23, where there were probably some kings who didn’t hear Solomon. Thus, the artist is saying “many” when using the word “all” here.
Line 2: Repeats Verse 1, line 2.
Line 3: See commentary on line 1.
Line 4: Repeats Verse 1, line 2.
[Verse 3]
Line 1: God’s desire is for all to repent (Ezekiel 18:23, Ezekiel 18:32, Ezekiel 33:11, John 3:15-17, 1 Timothy 2:3-4, 1 Timothy 2:25, and 2 Peter 3:9).
Line 2: Repeats Verse 1, line 2.
Line 3: See commentary on Verse 2, line 1
Line 4: Repeats Verse 1, line 2.
[Bridge]
Line 1a: Revelation 21:4 sets the context as believers only.
Line 1b: God is in the business of giving rest to the weary, healing their broken hearts (Matthew 11:28-30).
Line 2: Jesus is the only way to the Father (John 14:6).
Line 3: Repeats line 1.
Line 4: Essentially repeats line 2.
[Verse 4]
Line 1: See commentary on Verse 2, line 1.
Line 2: Repeats Verse 1, line 2.
Line 3: God supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).
Line 4: Repeats Verse 1, line 2.
Score: 10/10
3. How would an outsider interpret the song?
The combination of Sinach’s repeated statement “I worship you”, four attributes of God mentioned in Chorus, using God’s name in connection with those attributes, the works of the Almighty, and the use of everyday language eases outsider interpretation as an exclusively Christian song. It’s hard to say if unbelievers will pick up on the “all” statements are literal or as “most” or “many” sort of statements, but many will likely interpret it as an invitation to receive God. This has a Gospel element to it.
Score: 9/10
4. What does this song glorify?
It glorifies God when describing why we praise God, that He heals, makes a way, and saves.
Score: 9/10
Closing Comments
Sinach’s Way Maker is a good song. TIt accurately portrays God as One who acts among us, works miracles, and moves in our midst, defeats darkness, and makes salvation possible. These glorify God. Those outside the camp of Christ will find interpretation easy.
I highly recommend this song for corporate worship.
Final Score: 9.5/10
Artist Info
Track: Way Maker (Studio) (listen to the song)
Artist: Sinach
Album: Way Maker (Live)
Genre: Gospel
Release Year: 2016
Duration: 5:06
Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.
Updates:
03/20/2022 – Updated “all” criticism to align with other reviews. This raised this song’s score from 9/10 to 9.5/10, with a recommend for corporate worship.
03/15/2021 – Updated per repetition announcement, relegating commentary as a side note.
07/29/2020 – In light of some prayer and discussion offline, I’ve come to the conclusion that these “all” statements, though technically incorrect, are slight objections. Therefore, I significantly raised its score from 7/10 to 9/10 and added a recommendation to address my issues in a corporate setting.
07/27/2020 – Othniell is correct. It doesn’t make sense to include universalism when the scope of Sinach’s song is, in fact, not everyone. I’ve removed all references to it in my review. This does not alter my score.
06/08/2020 – After examining Dan Dan’s comments, I agree with part of his conclusion, that the scope of Sinach’s “every” statements is not all mankind. However, it still has universalism application given the high likelihood of unbelievers who will walk away unchanged. Therefore, I did not update my score.
06/03/2020 – After some discussion in the comments from Gbenga and Tom penner, I updated section 1, paragraph 2. I also forgot to list the other two attributes described in Chorus!
02/21/2020 – Upon reviewing Val’s commentary, I removed all references to physical healing and replaced them with univeralism thinking. This did not affect my rating.
Comments
Andi Fels
I would argue that, whilst healing doesn’t necessarily come on earth, it will eventually come. God will heal everyone, even if some people are only healed after death. So I think as long as that is made clear to people hearing the song, there is no danger of misrepresenting God here.
Vince Wright
Andi,
Thank you for your comment! I have a question. What about the unsaved? Will they eventually be healed if they do not accept Christ after they die?
-Vince Wright
Michael Guerrero
As much as I like this song, I have to agree with you on the “healing every heart” line. That has potential to promote universalism. Thank you for your review.
Vince Wright
Michael,
My pleasure!
-Vince Wright
Lavern Battle
I totally disagree with your review of this song. You must seek God, you must believe in him and believe that Jesus is his son and that he died and was raised from the dead. Once you receive Jesus Christ he will reveal him self to you. Now here comes the part that is not said in the song. Jesus says come into me All who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. He says to cast your cares upon him. You have to really know your scripture to get this song. This song is Brilliant. It’s as if the hand of God wrote it. Lastly you must have a personal relationship with him, walk with him, talk with him and seek his face. He is not a genie in a bottle. He heals the broken heart of all those who believes in him. There is nothing universal about those lyrics. Just taste and see that the Lord is good and take the time to get to know him.
Vince Wright
Lavern,
Thank you for your expression of disapproval! I appreciate that you took the time to read my review and comment.
I believe that what you expressed is what Sinach meant to say; However, her lyrics do not say “He heals the broken heart of all those who believe in Him.” I would have been happy to see this as it clearly identifies the sub-set group of individuals whose hearts are healed, namely, believers. Yet, that is not what Sinach’s lyrics state. She says “touching every heart” or “healing every heart”, which are false statements. Not every heart receives the touch or healing of God. Universalism teaches that, eventually, all hearts will be restored into God’s Kingdom. This is consistent with Sinach’s expression, even if she didn’t intend it this way.
EDIT: Corrected the pronoun “he” to “she” in reference to Sinach.
-Vince Wright
Nelson Chiedozie Iwejua
Vince I have not seen any reason why the song did not receive 9.5 in your review.
I guess u were very strict in awarding your marks.
Secondly how do you consider the encounter between Jesus Christ and the two thieves crucified in the calvary cross?
‘Today u will be with me in paradise ” he said to the one who acknowledged him in the final hour of the thieves terrestrial life. God has always been in the business of healing hearts and making ways even before the physical arrival of Jesus Christ to the planet earth.
Finally don’t forget that it’s the duty of kings to discover the secret things of God. There must first be a willing heart and a desire because the children food cannot be thrown to dogs. The very reason that the woman who argued that even the crumbs that falls from the masters table can be eaten by the dogs received a miracle.
Thanks for your good work.
Vince Wright
Nelson,
Thank you for your comments!
First, it is the combination of universalism statements and massive repetition that took away points.
Second, I agree that God is in the business of healing hearts. I’m not discounting that point. My issue is that statements such as “healing every heart” are false. God wants to heal every heart, that’s what 2 Peter 3:9 teaches us. yet, Matthew 7:13-14 and Matthew 7:21-23 tells us that not all hearts will be healed. Many will die eternally separated from God. Few will enter into eternal life. “Healing every heart” means that eventually, everyone will be saved. That’s what universalism teaches and it’s wrong.
Finally, I agree that gentiles can desire God and come to Him for healing. That isn’t the problem. The issue is that statements such as “healing every heart” unwittingly teach that eventually, everyone will be saved. It would have been better to say “healing hearts” or “touching hearts. These statements tell us that God is in the business of healing/touching hearts. It does not communicate that every heart will find healing in God.
-Vince Wright
Gbenga
Thanks for your review, though I disagree with the fact that you assumed the eriter of the song intended ‘universalism’ because she says “God heals every heart”. God indeed heals every heart that comes to him. He turns no one away. You can’t just assume the writer intended otherwise, knowing that songs are composed with lyrics in mind.
And just for your information, Sinachi happens to be a woman – noticed you kept using the pronoun ‘he’.
Vince Wright
Gbenga,
Thank you for your comment! In the interest of not repeating myself (again), I’ll simply point to the other comments where I addressed this. As for the pronoun “He”, the antecedent in God, not Sinach.
-Vince Wright
Tom Penner
Vince in your post to Lavern above (5 posts up) it seems that the antecedent of “he” is Sinach rather than God on 3 occasions. The lyrics are Sinach’s, not God’s. Looks like a goof to me; and I have made enough goofs to be an expert. : > )
Regarding the debate about “every heart” I agree with you that “healing hearts” and “touching hearts” would be preferable over “healing every heart” and “touching every heart” which suggests universalism. However, in defense of the original words, I would point out that 1) hyperbole is a literary device seemingly employed even in the Bible. In what sense had the gospel “been proclaimed to every creature under heaven” when Col 1:23 was written. 2) Closely related to hyperbole I think “all” is sometimes used in a limited sense, meaning something like “all (in the particularly group I am speaking about). Having said all that I think your suggestions are good improvements that would remove the suggestion of universalism which is so prevalent in human thought.
God bless
Vince Wright
Tom,
Thank you for your comments!
Regarding antecedent, I did a page search for the word “he” throughout my review. Although I capitalized the word “He” in section 1, paragraph 2 to indicate God I can see why it reads like I’m calling Sinach a “he”! It makes more sense to use the name “God” to avoid confusion. You’ll have to specify the other two occasions because I could not find them.
Regarding universalism, you make a good point about hyperbole; However, as you said, my improvements would be beneficial.
-Vince Wright
Dung Guga
Vince,
I believe that the comment above is the one that suggested you thought Sinach was a man. Judging by your response to Gbenga’s and Tom’s comments (below) on that, you don’t seem to have found the lines they were referring to. They’re right above this comment. I thought to bring them to your attention.
Vince Wright
Dung,
Thank you so much! Now I finally understood what others were talking about. I corrected it.
-Vince Wright
Othniell
Well, I thought it was a great review Vince, although I didn’t quite grasp what you meant at first with “Healing every heart”.
Reading your reply to Lavern just now, I think you might have erred in your interpretation.
I think Sinach sets the tone for this quite early in the song.
“You are here
Moving in our midst
We worship you …
She sets a time, and a location.(yes, God is everywhere at all times, but she expresses our engagement with him, in worship, through that song and at that time.
And that’s the first stanza. That’s the part where she leads us into the song.
It falls to reason that everything else that came after is set in that time and place. She always cued in with “You are here”, before “mending very heart” etc…
I do not believe people stood up in that song to gawk and didn’t have sth to table before the Lord. Jesus said “Come onto me, all ye who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”
“My peace have I given unto you, not as the world gives…”
So I fail to see how you construed her as including every one on the face of the earth. Or as being Universalist.
Now this isn’t some clever defence or anything, it’s just what I’ve always construed this song to mean. I grew up with this song in Nigeria. She recorded it in 2015 and it resonated with me and millions others then as it does now.
I think its a common trap we fall into these days to overanalyze, in a bid to find sth wrong.
I do reviews a lot too, and one thing I realize is that criticism always finds sth even if it really is nothing.
I didn’t exactly take to the “Jesus genie parallels either. That just seemed to me to be teetering on the slippery slope of “extra-ness”.
I know healing a heart is a walk in the park for my Jesus.
And if you knew genie lore, you’d know that asking for emotional relief in any way is asking for disaster… and a sick twist.
Vince Wright
Othniell,
Thank you for your comment!
Dan Dan made a similar argument, although it wasn’t nearly as detailed. I’ve already addressed all these points elsewhere, except for two.
First, given the reduced scope, I should have taken the word “universalism” off the table. I updated my review to avoid using this word.
Second, overanalyzing is something I must avoid in my reviews. I was reminded recently to avoid straining gnats and swallowing camels (Matthew 23:24) when it comes to examining theological differences. The same can be applied to Berean Test reviews: I must interpret charitably.
In this case, I happen to think that the word “all” has the potential to include unbelievers, even in an intimate setting such as a church gathering. In logic, a single counterexample is all that is required to show that an “all” statement is incorrect, much less five.
-Vince Wright
Meesh
Hi Vince
I think you have made a point here in your reply that actually reveals a contradiction of sorts. You state that not every heart RECEIVES the touch or healing of God. That’s true but the statement that He is touching every heart and healing is available is true and that’s what Sinach is stating. Also this is a worship song. Only the righteous can worship God in spirit and in truth. A worship song is not written for unbelievers so it cannot be universalist. The ‘here’ is the place where the believer is. It is not written for every person of every creed and background. There are Christian artists who sing songs that are aimed for unbelievers but a worship song can never have the unbeliever in mind. The focus of a worship song is to talk to God. It’s not even talking to the Christian like songs that are encouraging ppl through hard times etc or where the artist is singing about some life experience. A worship song will put the Christians focus on God but primarily its not written for man. Therefore to review it like its a pop song or the question how will unbelievers interpret it is I think incorrect. Doesn’t matter how popular the song is. If the song was played on a radio in a backstreet bar in a red light district doesn’t mean the manifested presence of God would suddenly be seen. I think the review is great but taken out of context
Vince Wright
Meesh,
Thank you for your comment!
First, given that there are 70+ comments in response to this song and other commenters (including mine), and I’ve changed my mind on numerous occasions (see the end of my article with updates), it’s not difficult to find discrepancies in my prior commentary to my current view/review.
As far ar receive vs. touch, I suppose it depends on how you define “touch”. There is a myriad of definitions to choose! My thinking is that for God to “touch” a heart would be for us to experience God’s Presence (see the third definition listed) or leave a changed person (close to the eighth definition). Even in church service, not everyone experiences this. Available yes, but not experienced.
I’ve removed the word “universalism” from my reviews and previously agreed in a separate comment that Sinach’s context is within the vicinity of a church gathering.
Your commentary about an unbeliever’s interpretation has more to do with my review process than it does this single review. It’s meant to show how an unbeliever might think about or respond to something like this. Churches that are more seeker-sensitive and wish to find songs that they can comprehend find this section helpful. As do friends who want to share songs with unbelievers. It’s part of a comprehensive examination of music.
-Vince Wright
Art Ort
I love this song. It is one of those songs that pierces me to the heart every time.
The only issue, and it isn’t really with the song as such, is that ‘way maker’ in the context of prosperity theology or a desire for our own wants leads to a false sense of hope.
Is ‘way maker’ really who He is? It can sound greedy. We worship not because He is a way maker, but for Who He is.
As pointed out, context is everything. The Way He made was what He accomplished on the cross, not what He does for us in our personal lives. A subtle, but important, distinction so we worship not our of emotion, but out of reverence.
Laura
I totally agree with Meesh! This a powerful worship song and I was at the return in D.C. and I will never forget worshiping together with this song! Thank you for the history and scripture references that’s what I was searching for
Rev. Gloria Word
I totally agree with you!
E
Perfectly said, thank you and good job!
Nance Armstrong
Since it was a Christian song writer and singer. Wouldn’t “mending every heart” mean mending every heart of those who accepted Jesus and are worshipping him now? I mean what does God have to do with people who do not accept or acknowledge him?
Lisa C Miller
The song is a song for believers to sing in worship. God’s desire would be that everyone has ultimate healing here on earth. When a person truly turns their will over to Jesus and have faith in His saving grace, there is healing. It is a choice, but those who chose Jesus are healed. And the Truth sets them Spiritually free, even if they have a physical, mental or emotional ailment. So as I understand your opinion that not everyone will have healing if they do not choose the Lord as their Savior, the song offers much hope for those have decided to follow Jesus and live in His Holy presence in the midst of darkness. So there is HOPE for everyone and everyone could truly have healing. So let’s go and bring His Kingdom come.
Vince Wright
Lisa,
Thank you for your comment! What do you mean by “healing”?
-Vince Wright
Keith Dyer
Exactly Vince! It is the “definition of healing” that needs to be clarified in Lisa’s comment. However, I get her point as well. The problem with many of your ratings that I have read, and in all fairness those of anybody rating a song, is that as humans we are always going to fall short in some way in how we represent the gospel, in music or otherwise. I don’t think there is a song that perfectly does that. Certainly not to the point where in our feeble human minds there is absolutely no way for a lyric or a concept, to be misinterpreted. God’s truth is truth regardless of how we interpret, or misinterpret it.
Vince Wright
Keith,
Thank you for your comment!
I agree with your point and the same can be said about my reviews also. I’m not a perfect human being either and the vast number of updates on my reviews reflect that. It also shows that I am willing to change my mind if there’s good reason to do so. My evaluation page also reflects your ideas, that God can use a song regardless of my rating.
-Vince Wright
Keith Dyer
Well said sir!
Angie
For me, when thoughts come in that are pulling my away from God’s truth the best thing to do is go straight to Worship to comebate the lies of the enemy. This song reminds me of what God has already done for me, he has healed me more than once, performed many miracles in different seasons of my life and so it gives me Hope in Him that the work He has started in me, He will finish. I forget so easily what he has done when I’m dealing with something new. This is how I view the song. Also, when it came on the radio, my 7 yr old was singing it and it touched my heart. I remember songs from my childhood that come from no where to sing when I’m going through something and it turns my focus to Him.
Tim
Thank You!! as Christians…we are the only ones who bury our wounded! Anyone who comes and accepts Christ..and hears this song is NOT going to say..”oh this isn’t Biblical Berean correct ! So I wont accept him. Poverty, crime..people dying..and a thread on the what someone thinks is not totallly Biblical correct ! Many of the hymns were Pub songs…back in 1700 and 1800 hundreds… Sometimes I think we need to really get over ourselves…
Jonel Abengania
Thank you for this review. Now I am able to widen my knowledge if the song can be used in corporate worship or not. I’m expecting for more of this.
Lizzie.B
Hi Vince, Sinach, a believer, wrote the song after the Lord spoke to her about her ” moving to a new level in her ministry” She explains that she was comfortable and did’nt want change. After hearing Sinach’s story behind the song which can be found on youtube, her explanation blows all over analysis and universalism out of the review for me. This song has impacted millions of believers around the world. It has been an anthem of hope during a very difficult time and a mighty declaration of who God is.
Thank you and Bless you.
Tim Smyth
Hi, thanks for the review. My opinion is that I understand what some commenters have said and I understand what the reviewer has taken from the song, but, I interpret this as the following: we know that God has the ability to save ‘every’, but also know that not everyone will want or choose to know God. So the songs reference to ‘every’ covers every person who chooses to come to Christ. We also know that He (God) is waiting behind every person’s metaphorical door, ready for them to reach out and open it to allow Him into their life. They will then be saved and become one of the ‘every’ in the song. Hope this makes sense! Thanks
Anthony Noronha
Well balanced rating based on scripture, main point is the song advocates universalism, which is far from Christian teaching.
Vince Wright
Anthony,
Thank you, much appreciated!
-Vince Wright
Karl Moreno
I also think that to an outsider listening, it may sound like God’s primary being is centered to fulfill all of our desires like a “genie”.
Vince Wright
Karl,
Thank you for your comment! The “Jesus genie” is a great succinct way to put my commentary. I agree with you.
-Vince Wright
Val Khieya
Hello!
I agree that this song has potential to be misunderstood.
But I dont think the lyrics are saying that (for example) every one in the world is being touched, because those lines are preceded by the words “you are here”. Therefore I understand that the people Sinach is referring to as being touched, healed, etc are the ones present in the service for example.
This is quite a shaky defence of the lyrics though.
After reading the lyrics once more, i also find that Sinach only refers to healing of the heart, so the topic of physical healing is not addressed in the song. Sinach also does not mention how God is healing every heart.
While the Bible says in Isaiah 53:4,5 that Jesus has borne our sorrows and psalms 147:3 says that God heals the brokenhearted, I think we can agree that God does not force His power and touch on the unwilling and hard of heart.
I had not fully realized the problems with this song until your review brought it up. Thank you for that! 🙂
Vince Wright
Val,
Thank you for your comment!
Upon re-examination, I am forced to agree with you. The context is about “heart” and not necessarily the human body. I also agree that God doesn’t force those who are hard-hearted. Rather He woos.
I’ve updated my review and added references to universalism to replace my commentary on physical healing.
-Vince Wright
Stephanie Owen
Thank you for your insight Val & Vince! Your discernment is super helpful to me.
Vince Wright
Stephanie,
My pleasure!
-Vince Wright
Miriam
Interesting. I first heard this song in Spanish and in those lyrics it says “tocando mi corazon” – touching my heart. So it’s good to go in spanish, right?
Vince Wright
Miriam,
Yes, that would be a truthful statement!
-Vince Wright
James
Hi Vince,
Thank you for this commentary; it was interesting and I loved your desire to avert from the danger of universalism. This, I would agree with you, is a theological heresy.
However, I do not feel Way Maker promotes this. In fact, I believe the song is hugely powerful because of the declarations it makes and repeats, the lyrics are greatly prophetic and there is power in declaring what God is doing. I would encourage, therefore singing it in corporate gatherings.
Now, as for “touching every heart” I believe this ties in with prophetic declaration and is a better alternative to “touching my heart”. Indeed, I’m sure the lyricist thought very carefully about the nuances. I agree that God does not force Himself onto people, but touch does not imply this. What do you think about the idea that God touched Pharaoh’s heart and Pharaoh (in his sin), rejected and recoiled from it. For those “here” because it clearly is not speaking about the world’s population, for those in the gathering, how beautiful when God does touch every heart!
Vis a vis “healing every heart” I think this is prophetic and true for those who sing it and mean it. Just as we sing that God is a good Father or has never let go of us, this is readily understood for believers but might be difficult for non-believers. For every heart that believes the lines of this song and seeks to glorify God through it, I believe they will encounter some form of healing. I can envision your response highlighting problem with the word “every” but I believe that refers to “here”, ie: in God’s presence. Just as singing something like “you have seated me in heavenly places” will be untrue for those not agreeing with God or accepting what He has done, so too is it with “healing every heart”. For God does heal EVERY heart that turns to him, and this is powerful. It shows God has no favourites.
Vince Wright
James,
Thank you for your comments!
1) I appreciate your commentary and acknowledge your disagreement regarding universalism in this song.
2) I think in terms of logic. One of the things I think about are absolutist terms such as “all” and “every”, as if there are no exceptions. My presentation of God hardening Pharaoh’s heart is my attempt to demonstrate that God does not heal every heart. If pharaoh wanted his heart touched by God, surely he would have chosen differently?
In hindsight, I could have gone the Matthew 7:13-14 route to show that those entering the wide gate did not have healed hearts. Nonetheless, I agree that those who want their hearts healed by God will not be disappointed!
3) I both agree and disagree that God does not force Himself on people. I agree in the sense that God does not force us to love Him. I disagree in the sense that His judgments as a “forcing Himself” onto His creation. If they do not choose Him, they will be forcibly removed from His Presence, cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).
I hope this explains my reasoning.
-Vince Wright
Justin James Ware
I’m a regular reader of your site and have always found it helpful in adding thoughts to my own discernment. Interestingly I came here to read your thoughts on the line “You never stop working” as this line irks my theology more than the healing every heart line, particularly because it is repeated so many times (especially in the Bethel Worship version).
While I recognise that the songwriter may be emphasising John 5:16, and encouraging the listener to rest in God as he is always working on our behalf, I feel it contradicts Genesis 2 where God instituted the Sabbath, blessing the seventh day and making it Holy by resting from all his work.
I’d love to hear peoples thoughts on this!
Thanks in advance.
Vince Wright
Justin,
Thank you for your thoughts! I am glad that I gave you a reason to come back! 🙂
Perhaps this is just a small thought, but I don’t see anywhere else in Scripture where God rested aside from the opening of Genesis 2 and other Scripture that references that singular event. I think we can both agree that He wasn’t resting due to fatigue, but to give the Israelite people an example to follow. If what I say is true, then my question is: how would God working today contradict Genesis 2? I don’t get the sense that God rests every Saturday!
-Vince Wright
Don H.
Maybe this will help on the Genesis 2 passage. From the NET Bible on Genesis 2:5 – “The Hebrew term ‘Shabbat’ can be translated ‘to rest’ (and he rested) but it basically means ‘to cease.’ This is not a rest from exhaustion; it is the cessation of the work of creation.” Therefore, God was not “resting” per se but had simply ceased his creation after 6 days.
Vince Wright
Don,
Thank you for the assist! I learned something today.
-Vince Wright
A.Roby
I just wanted to pop on here and say that
1. I’m new to this site ☺️
2. I too was bothered by the declaration that God “never stops working”.
The preface here is that this is new for me. It been a very very long time since I have encountered a worship song lyric that bothers me. This is perhaps because I am really drawn to scripture out to music + our church family is incredibly biblically sound. Since this is out of ordinary for me I have paid attention and been trying to learn and figure out why this specific line bothers me.
Knowing that the original 2016 version of the song does not contain this specific phrase also makes me extra curious.
I think for me the phrase that God NEVER stops working just reads as untrue…because He did “stop” didn’t He? As referenced before, the creation story in Genesis states that He stopped, or rested, or ceased. I understand what is trying to be conveyed, but again, it’s new for me to be sensitive to lyrics like this so when it happened Indecided to pay attention and do some investigating.
I think all in all I just wish that different wording was used to express the same sentiment.
Or, I wish that our songwriters would have left the song alone and covered it as written.
Anyway, I’m definitely not trying to prove a point or change others minds! 🙂 I’ve merely been searching online and having conversations with friends to see if anyone else resonates with this line being bothersome. I’m here to say “it bothers me to!” And the above ramblings are my attempt to process out my current understandings of why this might bother me.
I think I’ll enjoy the original, unaltered version from now on 🙂
Onyinye Ekpunobi
I believe “God never stop working” in this lyrics means that God has not stop being God, He still performing miracles, He still answers prayers, He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Donald LeRoy
I agree with your comments for the most part, however I don’t agree with your universalism interpretation. It is true that God will not save every person because they don’t believe or receive His gift. But the way I’ve always viewed the song is in a corporate worship setting – that He is here in our midst (Matt 18:20) and He will touch every heart…but again a person has to be open and responsive to His touch. In that worship setting the idea is that a person is not there unless they want to be touched by God (although we know this isn’t always the case).
So I do see how you can view this as universalism, but I don’t believe that is the intent. It’s similar to singing the old hymn “Jesus saves, Jesus saves.” Yes, He does save – but everyone will not be saved.
Vince Wright
Donald,
Thank you for your thoughts! I see your point and I think that was Sinah’s intent. It just didn’t come across that way to me.
-Vince Wright
Robert P Sombe
‘All’ or ‘every’, simply means whoever is presents himself/herself to God regardless of race, language, geographical location, or background, will receive God’s touch of favour and mercy. All did not necessarily present the element of universalism
Teniola Awokoya
Your assessment over the highly erroneous, saying God only heals those are His, God is not a nepotic God, He gave Jesus Christ to the entire world and not to certain people called Christians. He doesn’t matter if you are a Christian or not if only you believe that Jesus has the capacity to save you then so be it.
There is no where in the scripture that states Jesus only own, remember what Jesus told that woman that the Children’s bread cannot be given to dogs and she said she would be more than willing to eat from the crumbs that fell from the table.
The only thing Jesus was stressing out there is that everyone is entitled to healing power so long you believe.
That exactly is what the song is talking about, Jesus heals everyone irrespective of your tribe, your religion or what have you, if only you believe he has the power save you then salvation is yours.
Vince Wright
Teniola,
Thank you for your challenge! My point is not that God doesn’t heal those who are not His. Rather, it is the expectation that He will heal every heart. Yes, He desires for all to repent and have a relationship with Him (2 Peter 3:9); However, the reality is that most will not (Matthew 7:13-14). My belief is that Sinach sets unrealistic expectations by saying things like every heart is healed when it’s not. This does not diminish God’s ability to heal every heart. It would have been better to say something like “God desires to heal every heart” because it’s true, He does. But to say “God heals every heart” when He doesn’t is something that should be avoided.
-Vince Wright
Onyinye
I agree with you Teniola
Sebastian
Could you suggest an alternate rendition for the “every heart” lines?
And, thank you for your work! It has been an inspiration for our team to aim for better theology in our worship songs.
Vince Wright
Sebastian,
Great question! “Hearts” would be a fine alternative. It’s not as strong a claim as “every heart”, but it’s a true statement: He changes hearts.
I am humbled, thank you for your kind words!
-Vince Wright
Dave
Well there is always Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;.
I dont see any qualification on what brokenhearted people that he came to bind up. So it would seem (to me) that the singer is taking God at His Word.
I can live with that.
Vince Wright
Dave,
Thank you for your comments!
A general “God heals the brokenhearted” is fine, but not what the singer stated. The singer’s claim is much stronger than that and one that, insofar as I am aware, is not supported in Scripture. The claim is that every heart will be healed. As I stated to another commenter, removing the word “every” would bring it in line with Scripture.
I hope this explains the difference.
-Vince Wright
Christian Meguel Villanueva
I totally agree upon that danger of universalism. In fact, I’ve just noticed that there are so much unnecessary repetitions there as if it is some oracle of pagans.
Matthew 6:7, KJV
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking
So here we see a plain rebuke by the Lord. So this does not only apply to prayers but even singing of praises/hymns as it is in a way, a form of worship and prayer unto the Lord. It is very clear that half of this song is merely just vain repetitions.
Another point:
Way maker? GOD didn’t make the way but has given…
John 14:6, KJV
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Jesus is the way and He is not made but given to us.
John 1:3, KJV
“ALL THINGS WERE MADE BY HIM; and without him was not any thing made that was made.”
John 3:16, KJV
” For God so loved the world, that he GAVE his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Another one:
Miracle worker
I don’t know if it’s just me, but it sounds to me like they make it seem as if GOD is our servant and we are His masters. As if He is the one who is subdued to us. It must not be that way.
Be careful, my dear friends. The enemy could counterfeit the works of GOD. The enemy will counterfeit the way, which is Jesus, the Word of God…
Proverbs 14:12
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
Vince Wright
Christian,
Thank you for your comments!
I see your point about making a way vs. becoming the way; However, in this case, Merriam-Webster wins the day.
Miracle worker is an accurate description as to some of what God does. Your caution is warranted, that we ought not to treat God as merely a worker of miracles. Some may wish to love God the same way that a farmer might love a cow: not for what it is, but for the milk and cheese it provides. I don’t see it inherit in the lyrics; However, it’s an appropriate warning to those who listen.
-Vince Wright
Mike Montague
Are you keeping this song in context? Consider this song in isolation you could conclude universalism. Way Maker is a song for Christians. In context it is like Psalm 103:1-3
Bless the Lord , O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord , O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,
Psalm 103:1-3 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.103.1-3.ESV
Vince Wright
Mike,
Great question!
Let’s talk about the difference between objective and subjective claims. Subjective claims are statements that depend on the individual to evaluate is truthfulness. For example, if I were to say “Strawberry is my favorite flavor of ice cream”, this statement is true or false, depending on the person who states it. If I say it, then I make a true claim. If my wife says it, then it’s false as her favorite flavor is chocolate!
Objective claims are statements that are true or false, regardless of who says it. For example, if I were to say “2 + 2 = 4”, this is a true statement. It doesn’t matter if I say it or my wife does. It’s a true statement. Conversely, if I said “5 + 4 = 10”, then I made a false claim. It doesn’t how much I want to believe it’s true or insist that it’s correct or if my wife says it’s true. This is false.
The Psalm you referenced uses a pronoun that includes a single individual in its communication, namely, the personal pronoun “me”. The context is the person who sings it. This is a dead giveaway of a subjective claim. I, as a follower of Jesus, would say (or sing) this and it’s true. I’ve not forgotten His benefits. He’s healed all my diseases! Yet, it someone else, another Christ-follower whose going through leukemia, reads it, they may come to it as prophetic. They believe God will heal them, but it hasn’t happened yet. Another person, an unbeliever, might read this and reject it. They die from cancer a week later, unconverted and unsaved. Did God “heal all their diseases”? Of course not! He did not heal them of cancer. Therefore, this is a subjective claim.
When Sincah says “You are here, touching every heart”, he is not making a subjective claim. God exists everywhere, whether it’s in a church service, a revival, or an atheist rally. This makes it difficult to interpret “here” as subjective or that “every heart” would only include believers. My opinion on the matter is that Sinach makes an objective claim. God touches every heart. God heals every heart. God mends every heart. These are not statements dependent on the person who makes the claim. They are either true or false, regardless of who states it. It is my opinion that they are false statements.
I hope this helps explain my position and why Psalm 103:1-3 doesn’t challenge my views.
-Vince Wright
Mike Montague
Thank you for explaining that.
“When Sincah says “You are here, touching every heart”, he is not making a subjective claim. ”
I take this as a worship song not an evangalist’s plea. She (not he) wrote it for worship!
Travis
Mike Montague got it right. This song is intended for the believer in the context of worship, affirming what God is doing among them. There is ample evidence in scripture, throughout the psalms and elsewhere, that God does indeed work in every heart of those that call Him Lord, reconciling them to himself.
Vince, its OK to admit that you missed the context of this part of the song and were viewing from a more universal view, and especially the view of the non-Christian, and commenting (judging) it in that light. If this song were meant to be a song of evangelism, to be heard and understood by the seeker or non-believer, then I would agree with you. However…it’s clearly not.
Vince Wright
Travis,
Thank you for your comment!
I don’t disagree that the intention is believers and that there’s Biblical support that believers can receive healing/touch/etc; However, Sinach could have made this more clear. Perhaps, for example, “every heart who believes” or “every heart who calls upon the Lord”, some sort of modifier that clarifies the statement. I’m still not convinced that Sinach’s execution communicates this intent.
-Vince Wright
Gloria
I also appreciate you for Reviewing this song and I have taken time to read through your response to the comments so far. This is what I am convinced of. It’s not everything I mean to say that I will say
And I can’t say it all. It is the work of the HolySpirit to interpret God’s Word to others who listen or read what I am trying to pass across. I’m sure you know that Sinach wrote that part of song you call unscripturally wrong as ALL who believe in Him(Jesus/God). You know. But it seems you are even more concerned (than God). It is the HolySpirit that will minister to the hearts of people what a song really means. You shouldn’t be too concerned about how others may likely hear the song. The song is very powerful and that includes all it’s lyrics.
Vince Wright
Gloria,
Thank you for your thoughts!
One of the reasons that I’m concerned about an unbeliever’s interpretation is to avoid stumbling blocks that prevent them from coming to Jesus. You are correct, that the Holy Spirit can direct people’s hearts despite any criticism that I offer; However, that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t express concern when one thinks it’s warranted. God can bring unbelievers to Christ through Joel Olsteen; However, that doesn’t absolve him from criticism regarding his questionable teachings.
-Vince Wright
Phillip D. Vaughn
I believe the intent of “healing every heart” is healing every heart that will come to Him. I strongly agree that every heart will not be healed, in fact Matthew 7 indicates that few will go the narrow way and therefore be saved (or healed). The song of worship is not intended to be a thesis on soteriology. Less there be misunderstanding there should be clear teaching on the subject accompanying the song’s use. Many songs that are written for the ‘church’ to worship, could also be picked apart in like fashion. The first time I heard it in our congregational worship service, I melted before God. It gave me fresh hope for those that I had been praying for. I found new faith for those specific people, believing that the Holy Spirit could break through their objections and cause light to shine in the darkness of their hearts and bring them to salvation. Nothing is too difficult for Him. PTL!
Peggy Williams
YES!
Peggy Williams
One comment that I have when we dissect any worship song is, “We don’t do that with the Psalmist. They are writing and singing worship songs to God, and often they seem a little off.” Such as, Psalm 103:1-3 …”Who heals all your diseases…”. There are many such phrases in the Psalms, worship songs. The true word of God. Should we be doing this to worship songs? I am not even sure of the answer.
Vince Wright
Peggy,
Thank you for your comment! This is more a question about if The Berean Test should exist than a review about a single song. Of course, it’s irreverent to apply The Berean Test to Psalms because, as you stated, they are the Word of God. I think for me, I don’t consider songs not in Scripture to be the “Word of God”, even if they might be inspired by God. Thus, they are subject to criticism based on what Scripture states.
As for Psalm 103:3, I always took this to mean the disease of sin, not physical diseases.
-Vince Wright
Dan Dan
You say~ “ …its inaccuracy regarding God’s healing of all mankind’s hearts puts a wet blanket over it. “
No where does this Worship song state this…
The Verses of this song are the singers personal observation and experience…
You are here…
…moving in our midst
…working in this place”
This does not denote “…all mankind”
You are here…
…touching every heart
…healing every heart
…turning lives around
…mending every heart
This does not denote “…all mankind”
The Key words are “here, our midst, and in this place”
Its the personal observation and experience of the singer…
Vince Wright
Dan,
Thank you for your comment! I see your point, that Sinach lowers the scope from mankind to “this place”. Could “this place” include unbelievers whose hearts were never touched, healed, or mended? Sure. It’s still universalism, but on a smaller scale.
I’ve amended my review.
-Vince Wright
brightegwuogu
I stopped reading at the critic of “healing/mending every heart”. You’ve missed the point. Question, when the Holy Spirit spoke through prophet Joel that in the last days, God will pour our his Spirit on ALL flesh, was he lying? Does it mean he was a false prophet since apparently the Spirit is not poured out on literally ALL flesh? I’d gladly love to hear your answer on this.
Vince Wright
brightegwuogu,
Great question!
First, it’s ok to use my name! It’s Vince Wright.
Second, yes, Joel’s use of the word “all” is not literally all people. There is a scope in timeframe and people included in this prophecy, that is, “the last days” and “Even on my servants, both men and women”. This contexualizes “all people” as the servants of God during the last days.
Another commenter pointed out that the context of the word “all” is the word “our”, which I corrected recently. What is not clear to me is the scope of the word “our”. Is that only believers or does it also include unbelievers who happen to frequent the vicinity in which Sinach sings this song? I suppose I could have been more generous in my review and assumed that “our” is believers only; However, based on the lyrics presented, it’s possible for unbelievers to be included in the mix, opening the door to universalism. Joel explicitly made that impossible in his prophecy, that “all” would not include unbelievers.
I hope this makes sense.
-Vince Wright
Billy Watson
I would say it’s not a Christian song. Lucifer uses the name ‘Jesus’ while he parades around like an angel of light. He is known as a light to the freemason and more. It’s repetitious which has its roots in witchcraft. This is a secular song that glories satan… not unlike many supposed Christian worship songs. Most people are sheep. They listen to pastors and don’t read their KJV Bible(NIV is catholic garbage) to confirm what they are saying and sing worship and don’t think about what they are singing or bother to try and find out what they believe or teach.
Vince Wright
Billy,
Thank you for your comments!
First, while it is true that Lucifer may use a false Jesus to further his goal, what I haven’t seen from you is how these lyrics are more likely satanic than point to the Scripture that I provided. What evidence do you have to present your case?
Second, if we accept for a moment that repetition of this type has its roots in witchcraft, we have to be careful not to commit the genetic fallacy when examining modern-day context and say that because this type of repetition is rooted in witchcraft, that therefore when Sinach repeats similarly, she is engaging in sorcery. To support your argument, you must demonstrate that the context in this song points to witchcraft and not rely on origins to make the case.
Third, while I agree that pastors should use Scripture to confirm their music (that is what I do on this website, though I am not a pastor), the New International Version (NIV), problematic as it may be, is not a Catholic product. The Roman Catholic Church uses the New American Bible (NAB), which is not the same as the New American Standard Bible (NASB), for official use during the mass. The dead giveaway is to look for books such as Tobit, Judith, 1 and 2 Maccabees, Wisdom, Sirach, and Baruch. Are they included or not? The NIV doesn’t contain these books! Therefore, it cannot be a Catholic product.
Also, just so that you are aware, the very first authorized King James Version (KJV) written in 1611 contained all seven of these books that are accepted by the Roman Catholic Church and not by protestants. SO, I’m not sure if you would consider this first edition to be “catholic garbage” or not. Yet, I too do not wish to commit the genetic fallacy since modern adaptations of the KJV do not include these books.
-Vince Wright
Clark
I just want to say thank you for doing these reviews.
As for your review on this song. I agree that this song should not be used in corporate worship. The God of the Bible is a God of Order and not of confusion. The lyrics of a writer(s) can expose the depth of their knowledge of God and who He is and/or expose their stand on their beliefs on God’s Sovereignty, Man’s freewill and more.
Vince Wright
Clark,
My pleasure!
-Vince Wright
Lorraine Bailey
I see why Michael W. Smith & Leeland chose this song to cover. I disagree with your poor rating. It’s a 10 to me. It is written for believers not the general public. So it’s a praise and worship song for believers. As far as God healing all believer’s broken hearts ~ that is so true. If not completely healed in this world, believers will be totally healed in the next life. 🙌🏼
Lizzie.B
100% agree Lorraine😍
Philip
I think it is important not to overwork something. I think most views are well presented and logically presented. I dare say that in every song you can find something that doesn’t align with a persons theological understanding of God, Jesus, man, salvation, grace, glory, worship, etc. Oops I used the absolutist word every. My bad. I know this He is a Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, and a Light in the darkness. That is just a portion of who He is. How comforting to know that these descriptions are just a portion of His character and identity. Plus I do know that He heals every heart that calls Him Lord. He touches every heart that declares Him King. He heals every life that claims Him as Savior. Every person who honestly and correctly worships Him understand the healing and the touching.
Vince Wright
Philip,
Thank you for your comment!
Unfortunately, you are incorrect about “I dare say that in every song you can find something that doesn’t align with a persons theological understanding of God, Jesus, man, salvation, grace, glory, worship, etc.” At least, when you are speaking of me. There are lots of songs that I rated 10/10 because I found nothing wrong with it.
-Vince Wright
Ekettee weamie
I love love this song!!! I do disagree with the “every” hearts part. In my interpretation, she’s probably referring to God being able to touch the hearts of unbelievers, heal the hearts of Unbelievers and being able to change their hearts from unbelieving. Mending every hearts meaning God is able repair even the blinded of hearts, he’s able to fix the hearts of criminals, and if people will turn from their sins and to him, he’s able to repair a heart that goes through break ups, losing loved ones etc…..he gives them comfort and peace!!
Lyrics Ruminator
I want to thank you again for your ministry. I heard this song for the first time today.
The “touching”, “healing”, and “mending” _every_ heart was the catalyst for me looking for views other than mine.
I appreciate those who respectfully came to offer their views on why in the context of the song the singer should understand the context of “every”. I did not.
It just evokes in me the same feeling as “Your Great Name”, which I see you also gave a 9/10. “All condemned, feel no shame, at the sound of Your great name” – that “All” makes me shiver; unbelievers should feel shame at the sound of His name – someday, every knee will bow and every tongue confess.
Thank you for being here!
Vince Wright
Lyrics Ruminator,
Thank you for your comments and compliments!
I don’t like “all” statements either as a single counter-example will invalidate it. Sometimes they are true though. For example, Romans 3:23 tells us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. That’s true, we all have. But, not everyone will be healed nor will none feel ashamed at the sound of Jesus’ name. Yet, that shame should not stop us from pursuing Him.
-Vince Wright
David Scott Vail jr
I don’t know I don’t know in the Bible where it says in depend on your translation I imagine that he is the way he is the truth he is the life he’s the only one who is who was and is to come and he is the only one who is at any time so has he made a way for us to have salvation just by believing in his whole word yes but to say that he’s made away rather than he is the way is that proper I think it’s he is the way rather than Waymaker because he didn’t make the way he’s always been he has no beginning the Ancient of Days from Everlasting to Everlasting so to me this would imply that that would not be true and let every man be a liar because God is truth he is love he doesn’t make these things he doesn’t have these things he is these things and we reflect those things because we are Made In His Image in Jesus name amen
Vince Wright
David,
Thank you for your comments! I have three things to offer in reply:
1) This would be much easier to read if you included punctuation! It reads like one incredibly unbroken sentence, moving from topic to topic.
2) What you cited at the beginning is from John 14:6 and Revelation 4:8. The point that I made in referencing Matthew 19:26 is that we cannot forge our own path to righteousness. This is impossible for man. It is only possible for God to “make a way” for us to salvation. If we could do it ourselves, then Christ died in vain (Galatians 2:21).
3) Why can’t both be true? He both is the way (as you cited) and made a way (as I cited) for us. After all, we cannot go to the father unless we go through Jesus, and we cannot attain salvation unless Christ sheds His blood for us (Hebrews 9:22).
-Vince Wright
Worshipisnotmusic
As always a very thought provoking review. Is it a song which requires discernment to say it is written to Gods people?
My concern with this song, is not so much the lyrics. The Church she ministers at, was set-up by prosperity preacher Chris Oyakhilome – Christ Embassy (Loveworld). In UK it was in trouble with The Charity commission for illegal payments of £1.8million 🙈
From my understanding it is still promoting this kind of doctrine.
I do not want to support health wealth etc.
Vince Wright
Worshipisnotmusic,
Thank you for your comments! I understand your reasoning for not supporting this song.
-Vince Wright
NP
As concerning the Word of life, Luke 10 section 25-28 says: On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” He answered: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
Luke 18 section 18-25 says: A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good–except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'” “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said. When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth. Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Matthew 5 section 43-48 says: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
In Old Testament, the Jewish people and their ancestors were given the Law to observe. First, What Adam and Eve should observe was that they could not eat the fruits from the tree of wisdom. Then, their son Cain was told that he should not kill. As sins became increased, the laws were also added more. Up to the generation of Moses, the Law in Old Testament was given to Israelites. We know that the Law is good and the Law is used to punish people who commit sins, but people cannot obey the Law because the sinful spirits are in people. Even that we know stealing and giving false testimony are sinful, but greedy and pride spirits in us drive us to do sinful things. So as Old Testament prophesied we need to get rid of our sinful nature from our spirits.
Jeremiah 31 section 31-33 says: “The time is coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
Ezekiel 36 section 24-27 says: “‘For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.
The prophecies are fulfilled when Jesus begins to teach love. The two greatest commandments are ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” Love is above the Law and if people have love they are free from the law of sin and death. People who are full of love will not think about stealing or giving false testimony but are merciful and they feed hungry people or give thirsty people something to drink or invite strangers in or clothe people who need clothes. The Law is for people who commit sins. Nobody will say that he will get reward because he does not steal before. But love is the grace we get. And with love we will get eternal life.
Romans 13 section 8-10 says: Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Luke 17 section 20-21 says: Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say,’ Here it is,’ or ‘ There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.”
John 4 section 23-24 says: Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”
John S.
Hello. I appreciate what you do in analyzing songs, but I would not recommend this song personally, speaking as a pastor. In your analysis, i believe you are reading the bible into the song rather than seeing what the song is about and the original author’s meaning. This is not a song based on biblically theological Truth, but rather on a personal revelation the songwriter believes she received from God. Please check the story behind the song: https://youtu.be/AVENBMg7XVE. Her theology and even the song would be more in line with the current trend of Word of Faith theology or the prosperity Gospel.
A few notes from the very concept of Jesus being a “way maker”, “miracle worker”, and “promise keeper”. First, Jesus states He is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” not that he makes a way. And if you take this song in context of her testimony, she is talking about God making a way for her prosperity. Furthermore, Jesus did not do miracles arbitrarily which the idea of miracle worker comes from. From a biblical standpoint, he did miracles to initiate the kingdom of God and to reveal himself as the King and Messiah that the OT prophets and writings pointed toward. I don’t believe this was on the forefront of the author’s mind when writing the song. And, finally, God is not merely a “promise keeper” where we feel he is promising us some particular blessing or prosperity in this life as the song writer states, but rather he is faithful to his covenant promises that He fulfilled in Christ.
The bottom line is that the very premise of this song is weak theologically and when you take into account the story of the song, it should rate very low on the Berean scale. While there are some biblical truths that this song holds to and it does focus on worshipping God, that worship is very conditional and based on a human centered message rather that Christ centered.
Vince Wright
John S,
Thank you for your comments!
While I understand your concerns and appreciate to hear/see Sinach’s original meaning, in my reviews, I do not take authorial intent into consideration when analyzing songs. This is to allow the lyrics to rise of fall based on their merits, not on what the author intended. This method usually ends up works against the artist, but in this case, I can see that this approach worked in Sinach’s favor. If she meant “way maker” to be about making a way for her prosperity, I don’t see it in the song lyrics.
Having said that, I admit that I did not examine dictionary definitions for “way maker”, “miracle worker” and “promise keeper” when I wrote this review. I thought that these phrases had inherent meaning, that a “way maker” is “one who makes a way” (particularly, referencing salvation), a “miracle worker” is “one who performs miracles”, and a “promise keeper” is “one who keeps promises”. All of these phrases, when understood under these definitions, are accurate descriptions of Jesus’ acts.
For “way maker”, Merraim-Webster, Ofxord English Dictionary, The Free Dictionary, and Your Dictionary all define it as “one who makes a way; precursor”. Merriam-Webster also references an 16th/17th-century English royal official who keeps highways in good repair, but I’m certain that isn’t what these lyrics are talking about. However, it also says that “precursor” is obsolete. However, I tend to lean towards charitibility when it comes to interpreting song lyrics. My charitable interpretation of “way maker” is “Jesus making a way for us to be with Him”, which fits these dictionary definitions.
As for “miracle worker”, Oxford puts a spin of doubt on it, defining it as “A person who seems to be able to perform miracles.”. Merriam-Webster has no entry. Your Dictionary also expresses doubt: “A person who claims or is alleged to perform miracles.” The same with definitions.net. The core of these definitions still fits my initial thinking. It is “one who performs miracles”. However, I can see a case for critiquing this title based on doubt expressed in these definitions. I didn’t see anything mentioned here about randomness.
As for “promise keeper”, the only thing I found was a particular Christian organization. Since there’s no working definition, then “one who keeps promises” would be a charitable reading of this lyric.
Finally, after looking at this again, “that is who you are” is not the best way to summarize these things. Making a way, doing miracles, and keeping promises are actions, they aren’t attributes of God. Thus, it would be more accurate to say “that is what you do”, not “that is who you are”. The fourth one, “light in the darkness”, also fits with my correction, prompting a potential review update. I’ll also pray about how this affects the rest of the song and whether or not another review update is warranted.
EDIT: I discovered that there is Scripture that defines God based on who He is by His acts. For example, it says in Psalm 54:4, Psalm 70:5, and Psalm 118:7 tell us that God is my help and deliverer.
-Vince Wright
Stevie
Thank you for your comment re the phrase ‘that is who You are’. After reading A.W.Tozer’s book ‘The Attributes of God’ this hymn causes a check in my heart as you quite rightly say ‘way maker’, ‘promise keeper’ are actions and by no mean who He is.
I also still struggle with the amount of repetition in the song. For me it does not move forward with a heart of worship
Ross
I was wondering if you could review the other bridge that is (even when I don’t feel it you are working, even when I don’t see it you are working) because this is the version I’ve heard (only found out about the original bridge a fortnight ago) and these words could be problematic, depending on who they are actually taking about.
Vince Wright
Ross,
Thank you for your inquiry!
The whole thing can be summarized by John 5:17, that God and Jesus never stop working. Take a look at Gill’s commentary at https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/john-5-17.html.
-Vince Wright
Paul Woo
Hello,
First off, I love your reviews and consistently check this site for some meaningful conversations about what songs we choose to sing in worship. Just wanted to point out that while you say you highly recommend this song for corporate worship here, it is still labeled as a “Perhaps” in the index.
Vince Wright
Paul Woo,
Thank you for your compliments and for letting me know! I’ll update it at my next convenience, which will likely be this Sunday.
-Vince Wright