MercyMe – Word of God Speak

MercyMe is well-known as the artist behind I Can Only Imagine, originally intended to be Amy Grant’s comeback song.  MercyMe released a jaw-dropping 18 albums, including:

• Pleased to Meet You (1995)
• Traces of Rain (1997)
• Traces of Rain Volume II (1998)
• The Need (1999)
• The Worship Project (1999)
• Look (2000)
• Almost There (2001)
• Spoken For (2002)
• Undone (2004)
• The Christmas Sessions (2005)
• Coming Up to Breathe (2006)
• All That Is Within Me (2007)
• The Generous Mr. Lovewell (2010)
• The Hurt & the Healer (2012)
• Welcome to the New (2014)
• MercyMe, It’s Christmas! (2015)
• Lifer (2017)
• Inhale (Exhale) (2021)

They received 12 awards for their work, including 1 Billboard, 8 Doves, 1 ASCAP, and 2 American Music.  They were also mentioned 10 times on Billboard’s magazine Decade (2000–2009).

Also, check out my reviews of Flawless, Happy Dance, I Can Only Imagine, and Even If.

Lyrics can be found at https://genius.com/Mercyme-word-of-god-speak-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?

MercyMe tells us in words about their loss for words.  They bask in the Presence of God without saying anything, experiencing His life-giving majesty and holiness.  They await His Word, quietly waiting to hear from God.

Score: 10/10

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

The entire song accurately portrays concepts found in Scripture,

[Verse 1]

Lines 1-4: MercyMe is in a state of silence.  Chorus and Verse 2 explain in more detail; However, Verse 1 is reminiscent of John 3:30, that our words matter less and His matters more.  MercyMe’s only desire is to hear God’s voice (Psalm 95:7-8, John 10:27-28, Hebrews 3:7-8, and Hebrews 3:15).

[Chorus]

Lines 1-4: MercyMe requests that God’s Word washes over them like rainfall (Ephesians 5:26).

The “washing my eyes” part reminds me of the man born blind, whose eyes were opened when Jesus created mud, poured it over his eyes, and told him to wash it off (John 9:1-11).  It’s a physical reminder of our spiritual blindness, where the Word of God helps us see (2 Kings 6:17, Luke 24:31, John 3:3, John 9:39, Acts 26:12-18, 2 Corinthians 3:12-18, 2 Corinthians 4:6, and Ephesians 1:18).

Lines 5 and 6: That is, to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).  It’s here that MercyMe makes the connection that the Word of God is a person, namely, Jesus (John 1:1 and John 1:14).

Lines 7 and 8: MercyMe wants to enter God’s rest (Psalm 95:6-11, Matthew 11:28-30, Hebrews 3:1-16, and Hebrews 4:1-16).

Line 9: Repeats line 1.

[Verse 2]

Lines 1-5: See Verse 1.

[Outro]

Lines 1 and 2: Repeats Verse 1, lines 1 and 2.

Score: 10/10

3. How would an outsider interpret the song?

MercyMe immerses themselves in the Word of God.  I’m uncertain if unbelievers will bridge the connection between the Word and Jesus or if the “Word of God” is a metaphor for a spiritual experience.  The latter interpretation is on the right track.  I’m more certain that they will conclude it’s deeply religious.  Words like “Word of God” and “holiness” are rooted in religion, if not Christianity.

Score: 7/10

4. What does this song glorify?

It glorifies God that MercyMe wishes to be with God and listen.

Score: 10/10

Closing Comments

MercyMe’s Word of God Speak is excellent.  It shows MercyMe’s desire to listen to God, quiet and waiting for His response.  They plunge headfirst in God’s Presence and holiness, giving us an example to follow.  This glorifies God.  I’m uncertain if unbelievers will know that the Word of God is Jesus.  As for those who do not, they will likely think this song spiritual, if not religious.

It might be worth considering for corporate worship;  However, I find it more beneficial to sing alone than corporately.

Score: 9.5/10

Artist Info

Track: Word of God Speak (listen to the song)

Artist: MercyMe

Album: Spoken For

Genre: Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)

Release Year: 2002

Duration: 3:08

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