Jeremy Camp – Word of Life

Jeremy Camp has been around since early 2000.  With 14 other albums, multiple ASCAP awards, and 41 radio No. 1’s under his belt, Jeremy, along with songwriters Ed Cash, Scott Cash, Colby Wedgeworth, Ethan Hulse, Josh Silverberg and Jess Cates, this single-turned-album was inspired by conversations about life.  On his website, he says,

The conversations that would come out of these writing sessions were the most incredible conversations I’ve had in a long time. I went in intentionally asking, ‘What’s God teaching you? What’s going on in your life right now?’ I wanted to have a real discussion every time, and many of these conversations turned into deep prayer times where we were literally on the floor, weeping and praying for each other. We had true holy spirit moments.

As he was writing Word of Life, he thought about John 6:60-68.  Particularly, the words of Peter who, in response to Jesus’ inquiry after the events in John 6:16-59, said “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”  This is the inspiration behind this song.

How far does Jeremy stretch this concept?  Let us find out together!

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1. What message does the song communicate?

It is a prayed offered to God.  Jeremy experiences weariness and is asking for strength to contend with the lies of the enemy.  He recognizes that God called him out of his old life of spiritual deadness (the grave).  He also requests to reach deeper places, which take him outside his comfort zone, where he can experience the joy of the Lord.  His desire is to live out a changed life.

Score: 10/10

2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?

All of it!  Lyrics posted with permission.*

[Verse 1]
Word of life

That is, Jesus (1 John 1:1).

Speak to my weary heart
Strengthen my broken parts
Lead me to Your open arms

Jeremy Camp is coming to Jesus in his weariness to find rest for his soul (Matthew 11:28-30).

Word of truth

Given the opening line, this refers to Jesus.  He is the Word (John 1:1) who became flesh (John 1:14) and claimed to be the truth (John 14:6).  Though the Bible refers to Scripture as the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15 and 2 Timothy 3:16) as well as the words of the Father (John 17:17), there is enough information here to support Jesus as the “Word of truth” in the sense that Jeremy is utilizing it.

Illuminate all these lies

The deception of empty words of those in darkness, they will become visible as light (Ephesians 5:6-13) and their deeds will be exposed (John 3:20).

The enemy speaks inside

This could either refer to Satan (John 8:44, 2 Corinthians 11:3, and 1 Peter 5:8-9) or internal warfare (Romans 7:21-25).

In freedom I will rise

We are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us (Romans 8:37).  There is freedom in God’s spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17).

[Chorus]
‘Cause You called me out from the grave

Through the word “grave” could have multiple meanings; however, in this context, it refers to spiritual death, that is, the second death or eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23, Revelation 2:11, Revelation 20:6, Revelation 20:14-15, and Revelation 21:8).

So I can live like I’ve been changed

No longer condemned, we should live our lives free from the patterns of sin (John 8:11, Romans 6:12, 1 John 2:1) and to live a life of holiness (Leviticus 11:44-45, Leviticus 19:2, Leviticus 20:7, Romans 6:1-14, Ephesians 4:1, Colossians 1:10-14, 1 Peter 1:13-16, and 1 Peter 2:16).

There is a new song in my soul

See Psalm 33:3, Psalm 40:3, Psalm 96:1, Psalm 98:1, Psalm 144:9, Psalm 149:1, and Isaiah 42:10.

And it begins when I breathe in
Your word of life

Contextually, this refers to Scripture as the word of life.  We can immerse ourselves into it by reading or listening to it (John 6:68, Philppians 2:14-16, and 2 Timothy 2:15).  Its source ultimately comes from God (2 Timothy 3:16).

[Verse 2]
Spirit of God
Take me to a deeper place
Take me out of what is safe

Most often occurs due to trials and tribulations.  See Psalm 66:8-12, Acts 14:22, Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4, and 1 Peter 1:5-9.

I will not be afraid

Far too many Scriptures to list!

Spirit of God
Fill me with joy again

As one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), we should be filled with joy (Psalm 16:11, John 15:11, Romans 15:13, 1 Peter 1:8-9).

Springing up from within
It cannot be contained

We should follow in the example of Peter and John who could not contain the unfathomable joy that they received from Jesus, even under threat (Acts 4:1-31).

[Bridge]
The old has gone away

See 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Only Your love remains

That is because God is love (1 John 4:16).

I am alive today
‘Cause You called me out, ooh
You called me out, ooh

That is, out of the grave.  See Chorus, line 1.

[Outro]
Hey
The old has gone away
Only Your love remains
I am alive today
‘Cause You called me out

Repeat of Bridge.

Score: 10/10

3. How would an outsider interpret the song?

Given that this song is a prayer to God, it is difficult to assess how an outsider will respond to it or identify with it.  Much of what is written are desires all humans want, such as strength to our weariness, internal warfare, overcoming fear, acquiring joy, and a changed life.  These are attractive qualities that can draw them closer to Christ.

I am curious how they would interpret “called me out from the grave”.  This will likely require some explanation on our part.

Score: 9/10

4. What does this song glorify?

This song is comparable to many of the Psalms from the Old Testament.  It is a brutally honest outcry to God for assistance and praising God for rescuing him from his spiritually dead life.

It is unclear if the purpose of living out his changed life is for his own edification or to expand the Kingdom of God.  In either case, God is glorified.

Score: 10/10

Closing Comments

Jeremy hits it out of the park with this one.  This positive message communicates something that both Christians and unbelievers can appreciate: transformation from internal weariness to outwardly joy.  Armed with biblically accurate lyrics, his praise to God and petition for renewal rejuvenates his soul and glorifies God.

Final Score: 9.5/10

Artist Info

Track: Word of Life (listen to the song)

Artist: Jeremy Camp

Album: The Answer

Genre: Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)

Release Year: 2017

Duration: 3:05

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*Copyright © 2017 Capitol CMG Amplifier (SESAC) Only In You Publishing (SESAC) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com), Fair Trade Music Publishing (ASCAP), Be Essential Songs (BMI), EGH Music Publishing (BMI), Colby Wedgeworth Music (ASCAP) (admin at EssentialMusicPublishing.com). All rights reserved. Used by permission.