I tend to like songs with rich lyrics. Not painfully verbose songs, mind you; but songs that take time to say something true, say it poetically, and carry it well with a good tune.
But I've gotta admit: Sometimes, simple is effective.
This week's "Song of the Week" is Fernando Ortega's "Give Me Jesus." In very simple "heart-cry" expressions, it reminds me of the message of John Piper's book, God is the Gospel - namely, that the good news of the Gospel is not merely that we can be forgiven, given a clean conscience, experience peace, or even "go to heaven," but rather that we get God himself. The good news, ultimately, is that we get to enjoy the sovereign, redeeming, triune God for all eternity.
In that vein, Ortega's arrangement of this traditional spiritual exudes a deep longing for Jesus himself. "When I rise... When I am alone... When I come to die... You can have all this world, but give me Jesus." Listen to him perform it live, and if you like, you can purchase his Hymns of Worship album from Amazon or iTunes.
Give Me Jesus
by Fernando Ortega
In the morning, when I rise, give me Jesus
Give me Jesus, Give me Jesus,
You can have all this world, But give me Jesus
When I am alone, give me Jesus
Give me Jesus, Give me Jesus,
You can have all this world, But give me Jesus
When I come to die, give me Jesus
Give me Jesus, Give Me Jesus,
You can have all this world, But give me Jesus
