Easter ends 40 days of preparation this morning, and in many churches, it will begin with early Sunrise services, or as they are often titled, Son-Rise services. After Friday, and making it through the Day of Decision, we are now to the morning of what was predicted. What you had Faith in would be renewed: is it the world of men that had killed, dominated, and crushed a rebellion, leaving fear and trembling by all those who had seen it. Or could your Faith be in something else, something unseen, requiring deep belief in something that seems impossible…
The band had reached the end of recording War, an exhausting effort that had left them all completely spent, leaving everything they had on the tape. Their producer had to push them through the ordeal, to the point that Bono’s throat was bleeding. As they were listening to the playback, it suddenly became clear that they were one song short of an album. Now what? And, it was midnight with their time in the studio ending at 6 am… Could they pull one more out of the air?
This video is from much later – but shows the staying power of this seemingly simple song. Notice as Edge and Adam switch guitars. This is a holdover from the way it was recorded. Adam had stepped out of the studio, so after laying down a simple guitar track, grabbed the bass and played another very gentle, and of course I would say, amazing bass line. And watch also as Bono takes the light and shines it up and towards all of those in the upper stands… with Ephesians 5:8 on the screen “… now you are light in our Lord. Walk as children of Light”.
The lyrics are from Psalm 40 with a call back to Sunday Bloody Sunday that starts the album: “How long to sing this song?” Bono said of the song, “ I really love that song. I’ve seen some incredible scenes, I’ve seen some extraordinary sights, through it.” Edge said it was a testament to U2, created in an instant, capturing perfectly the feeling that would close the album on an optimistic note. It would become a fan favorite also, closing almost every show that U2 would play, including this one in Chicago in 2005.
Psalm 40 in the Bible is titled – “For the Director of Music”…seems to be about right for this post on Easter morning. David’s words show you that Faith always requires a choice. It is not based on proofs… or evidence. That will get you to a point, but always leave a gap….slightly out of reach… to the other side. Leaders are on the other side, calling us to hear their words and insights. And maybe you are the leader on the other side – wanting to get your team to that new reality that you are already seeing. Either way, action requires having Faith enough to move towards something that you now believe, and renew you.
As Spring is arriving here in the mountains, the flowers are starting to push through the earth, demonstrating they have made it through the winter and are ready for the Sun… and the Son. You? Take a listen to the end of the album, and the end of Lent, and the band that is comfortable with their own Faith stance: a Hymn of celebration of Faith renewed: 40.
I waited patiently for the Lord
He inclined and heard my cry
He lift me up out of the pits
Out of the miry clay
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
How long, how long, how long
How long to sing this song?
He set my feet upon a rock
And made my footsteps firm
Many will see
Many will see and hear
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
(Sing it!)
How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
How long, how long, how long
How long to sing this song?
