Aftermath

On Thursday night, my family, friends and I went to a Hillsong United concert, part of the tour promoting their new album Aftermath.

It was a worship encounter that rivaled any I've ever experienced. During the final song, I glanced up and saw the massive painted ceiling of the Hammerstein Ballroom, a vision of heaven that brought my spirit right through the roof to the clouds. I sensed the prayers of the people rising up to heaven as incense.



The next morning, I awoke to the news of the tragedy in Japan. My heart is breaking for the loss and suffering over there. And in the days since, the word "aftermath," so often repeated, has taken on new significance.

The album was titled Aftermath because "instead of living in the aftermath of our mistakes and sin, we can live in the aftermath of what Jesus has done for us."

What is the aftermath? According to the dictionary, it is:
af.ter.math - noun
something that results or follows from an event,
especially one of a disastrous or unfortunate nature;
consequence: the aftermath of war; the aftermath of the flood

After natural or man-made disasters, there are the expected devastating consequences.

After the cross, there was and is the unexpected consequence - what appeared to be total destruction and loss one tragic Friday 2000 years ago was complete victory the following Sunday. A victory that is ours today. At the concert, Joel Houston of Hillsong shared, "The cross was a symbol of sin and shame, but Jesus turned it upside down into a symbol of grace and forgiveness and hope."

"A perfect God sent His perfect Son to an imperfect people in order to perfect them through His perfect love." Heb 10:14 (Hillsong U. version)








Aftermath
The skies lay low where You are
On the earth You rest Your feet
Yet the hands that cradle the stars
Are the hands that bled for me

In a moment of glorious surrender
You were broken for all the world to see
Lifted out of the ashes
I am found in the aftermath

Freedom found in Your scars
In Your grace my life redeemed
For You chose to take the sinner's crown
As You placed Your crown on me

In that moment of glorious surrender
Was the moment You broke the chains in me
Lifted out of the ashes
I am found in the aftermath

And in that moment You opened up the heavens
To the broken the beggar and the thief
Lifted out of the wreckage
I find hope in the aftermath

And I know that You're with me
Yes I know that You're with me here
And I know Your love will light the way

Now all I have I count it all as loss
But to know You and to carry the cross
Knowing I'm found
In the light of the aftermath



May you, dear friend, find yourself in the aftermath of His sacrifice and love for you.

7 comments:

Joanne@ Blessed... said...

Wish I could've seen Hillsong! What a fabulous worship experience I'm sure.

Just wanted you to know I haven't forgotten reading thru your articles. I am getting off of a graveyard shift but hope to read thru them tonight. Looking forward to it. xox

Marja Verschoor-Meijers said...

Wow, great lyrics! Awesome song. Just as a sidenote, there was a great earthquake when Jesus died on the cross! So, there is a literal and spiritual meaning to that word aftermath!! Good post, thanks!

North Jersey Christian Writers Group said...

Joanne,
It was awesome! And no rush on the articles. Thanks a million, dear friend.
Susan

Marja,
You are so right!! How could I forget to mention that? I really shouldn't write so late at night lol.
btw - The book is on its way ;)
Susan

Karen Lange said...

What a wonderful way to start the week! Thanks for sharing this. :)
Blessings,
Karen

Cheri Bunch said...

Wow! Thank you! I would have loved to have been there too! I posted the video on my fb page.

I am going to be at She Speaks. Our first grandbaby is due that week. Praying that the Lord will let it all work out so I can do it all! Are you going? I got a private room in case I need to cancel this year. I am hoping not. I really want to go. I hope to see you there!!!

Love ya,
Cheri

Señorita said...

That is so great that you were able to go to a Hillsong concert. I would love to go; I can only imagine how amazing the worship and praise was with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ :)

http://ladyonaroof.blogspot.com/

KelliGirl said...

Susan,
I've heard so much about Hillsong and their concerts. It seems all I heard was true. So glad you had an awesome time of worship. Savor the experience as you listen to the music. I haven't listened to the song yet, but I will.

It seems like I'll have some new music to put on my iPod.

Blessings,
Kelli