My wife and I just came from a Matisyahu concert in Tarrytown, NY.
It was fantastic! A true artist!
If you've never heard his stuff, check it out!
He's not a Christian, but a Hasidic Jew who's music sounds more Christian than many Christian bands out there! Very deep and insightful.
...Just thought I'd share.
Replies
"I say lets pray (earnestly) for matisyahu."
Indeed!
Here is a man of gentle spirit who loves his Father, who knows his Scriptures, who uses his gifts to serve his God, and awaits and longs for Messiah!
But where as he believes the Messiah's coming will be His first, we know it is His second!
Lord, open this man's eyes! Open his heart!
Thanks, D.L.
I say lets pray (earnestly) for matisyahu. At be trusting that the Holy Spirit will minister to his heart. That matisyahu will have a definitive moment where Christ is revealed to him. And in that moment that matisyahu will choose Christ. And that chooses to make music that glorifies his wonderful Hebrew heritage and the Majesty of our risen Savior. But this is the reason God gave us our talents to use for His kingdom. I pray over all of you that God will empower you with the opportunity, creativity, resources and will to serve him through your artistic skill. I pray that our will be bent to God's will and our souls yielding to the Holy Spirit in that our prayers and artwork create the change in hearts, minds and souls so that we will be instruments in preaching/spreading the Gospel through our creative works. Though this I believe that we can truly be empowered to reach those who need Christ. (wow, I sound like those prayer warrior types at my church who are always praying that people get saved...never thought I would be 'that guy'. God is changing me everyday.)
Found this one I like this one.
It is true, much of his music does seem "more Christian" than much of the modern Christian music out there. There are enough shared values between his Judiasm and my Christianity where I can draw a deep meaning from much of his lyrics. (And with the amount of music he has recorded there is LOTS to choose from.)
But, that being said, if you don't like his stuff for whatever reason, then that's cool.
I just thought I'd share.
>>But, so did John Singer Sargent, John Buscema, and Akira Kurosawa for all I know. When I recommend that people enjoy their work, I am not recommending that people adhere to their worldviews.<<
Steve, If you or anyone ever refer to any of the above men's work as "more Christian than....", I'll have the same concern. When you said that about Matisyahu's music, it sounded like more than an endorsement of craftsmanship. If that's a misinterpretation on my part, I apologize, but it seems there's some sort of pointing to the message as being "Christian" (or "more Christian"). This can be confusing to some people.
Also, I feel genuine compassion for Matisyahu, just from the small amount of exposure I've had to him truggered by your post. I read...and listened -- to both his songs and a few interviews. I think it's good thing to be clear where he is for the purpose of praying for him, as well. I would love nothing more than to one day call him my brother in Maschiyach.
God bless--
Lee
True, he rejects Christ.
But, so did John Singer Sargent, John Buscema, and Akira Kurosawa for all I know. When I recommend that people enjoy their work, I am not recommending that people adhere to their worldviews.
So, Matisyahu is not a Christian. True, but how does this negate the quality of his craft? How does this diminish his music? ...His message is not a Christian message, but that it is a positive message, that he hopes to affect the world for good cannot be denied.
We listen to his music at home, along with Cab Calloway, Leon Redbone, Shonen Knife, and a whole host of non-Christian artists who, by using their God given talents, make the world a much nicer place.
I just enjoy his sound. Thought I'd share.
But, he rejects Yeshua as Maschiyach, right? Not sure about endorsing even the most sincere follower of the Torah who clearly rejects the One that Torah is all about, Steve. I get a sadness listening to and reading his lyrics. To get so close and not see the Truth is heartbreaking. If I read correctly, the "king" in King Without a Crown is Matisyahu -- not Jesus.
Tight craftsmanship and sincere, but in service of what?
Hopefully, he will continue seeking with an open heart.
God bless--
Lee
Another great Matisyahu song: King Without A Crown.
I will check him out on the web later tonight.