This is an archive of the old Stones Cry Out site. For the current site, click here.

« What is the point again? | Main | Hurricane Dennis Is Growing Up and So Am I »

July 08, 2005

Sufjan Stevens

I've been listening to the new Sufjan Stevens record a lot lately. He's got this amazing ability to pinpoint the Truth without being overly preachy. The album is titled Illinois, with all the songs about, well, the state of Illinois. The one song that has packed the most punch thus far is a subtlely beautiful tune about the serial killer John Wayne Gacy.

Witness this:

And in my best behavior

I am really just like him

Look beneath the floor boards

For the secrets I have hid

That stings, and it stings deep. But it's true, is it not? When our Lord hung upon the cross, it was as much for my own white lies and quick glances at the waitress as it was for the sick murders committed by Gacy. It's a sobering thought. The Lord of all creation died for every angry word just as surely as he died for genocide. What a scandal. It's almost too much to believe, but I'm so grateful that, by grace, it's not. And I think, though it's difficult, that the more we understand our own depravity, the greater we can comprehend the joy of grace and forgiveness.

What a thrill.

Posted by Matt at July 8, 2005 11:23 PM

Trackback Pings

Comments

Thanks for this. I had that same thought just yesterday when I was angry that someone got away with something. I was reminded of all the things that I have done. Not so bad, but wrong just the same. And Jesus died for thoses as surly as he dies for the more serious wrongs of others. It is sobering and I am thankful

Posted by: Rosemary at July 9, 2005 06:12 AM