How could you say no?

I heard a new song today.  I guess it isn’t really new, but it was new to me.  It is a song written by Billy Sprague who was a christian singer in the 1980’s called, “How could you say no to this man?”.  So much of the “christian music” today is 7-11 music (7 words repeated 11 times).  Don’t get me wrong, I think that all praise music has its place and I enjoy getting lost in it sometimes.  But, I also appreciate the songs that are so deep that they make you stop and think.

Many of the old hymns are this way.  Granted they have their share of Thou’s and Thee’s (or should it be Thee’s and Thou’s?), but the words take you deeper and, when you stop to pay attention to what they are saying, they cause you to look at things a different way.  A mighty fortress is our God.  Onward christian soldiers. Peace like a river. I walk through the garden alone. There are so many…

This song of the Jesus Movement era is one that has those kind of words, that stop you in your tracks and make you want to give thanks.

Here are the lyrics:

Thorns on his head spear in his side
Yet it was a heartache that made him cry
He gave his life so you would understand
Is there any way you could say no to this man

If Christ himself were standing here
Face full of glory and eyes full of tears
And he held out his arms and his nail printed hands
Is there any way you could say no to this man

How could you look in his tear stained eyes
Knowing it’s you he’s thinking of
Could you tell him you’re not ready to give him your life
Could you say you don’t think you need his love

Jesus is here with his arms open wide
You can see him with your heart if you’ll stop looking with your eyes
He’s left it up to you, he’s done all that he can
Is there any way you could say no to this man

How could you look in his tear stained eyes
Knowing it’s you he’s thinking of
Could you tell him you’re not ready to give him your life
Could you say you don’t think you need his love

Thorns on his head your life in his hands
Is there any way you could say no to this man
Is there any way you could say no to this man