A beer with Jesus...

When I first heard this song on the radio as I was flipping through the channels last year, it caught me by surprise.

"If I could have a beer with Jesus" or also known as "Beer with Jesus"

I've heard snippets of it on the radio, but I've not listened to it in full.  So, I decided to listen to the entire song and check out the lyrics.  Thomas Rhett sings it.  He wrote it, along with Rick Huckaby and Lance Miller.  It was released in 2012.

I realize that there are some people that might not appreciate the song and beyond non-appreciation, the song will likely go against their beliefs.  That's okay.

I'm not attempting to get into a discussion of anyone's beliefs to change them, but rather I am personally reflecting on the idea of joining Jesus (or rather Jesus joining us) in the everyday, ordinary life of many people. 

As I listen to the song and watch the video of Thomas Rhett singing, what I hear is the longing for someone to spend time in conversation with Jesus.  Quality time.  Unrushed.  To listen.  To ask questions.  To share.  It's about fellowship and relationship.

If the beer is a stumbling block for you, replace "beer" with "coffee" or "soda" (soft drink, pop, Coca-Cola, etc.).  Even if beer is a stumbling block, try to watch the video and listen to the song with an open mind and heart, at least once.  Click here to watch a version of the song and video.

What do you hear in the song?  Is there a connection in your spirit?  If so, what is that connection?

I think of Jesus and the table fellowship he had with his friends and family.  He went to tax collector Matthew's party.  He went into many homes and ate and drank with others.   Jesus had picnics with folks on the hillsides and seashores.    There was an early morning campfire involving fish. 

Jesus met people where they were.  He shared life with them.  He journeyed along life's path with them.  He taught, he prayed, he laughed, he cried, he loved.

As you listen to the song, check out the lyrics below.  Again, if you need to replace the word "beer" with something else, do so.  Don't let a word cause you to miss the message.

Lyrics:

If I could have a beer with Jesus
Heaven knows I'd sip it nice and slow
I'd try to pick a place that ain't too crowded
Or gladly go wherever he wants to go

You can bet I'd order up a couple tall ones
Tell the waitress put 'em on my tab
I'd be sure to let him do the talkin'
Careful when I got the chance to ask

How'd you turn the other cheek
To save a sorry soul like me
Do you hear the prayers I send
What happens when life ends
And when you think you're comin' back again
I'd tell everyone, but no one would believe it
If I could have a beer with Jesus

If I could have a beer with Jesus
I'd put my whole paycheck in that jukebox
Fill it up with nothing but the good stuff
Sit somewhere we couldn't see a clock
Ask him how'd you turn the other cheek
To save a sorry soul like me
Have you been there from the start
How'd you change a sinner's heart
And is heaven really just beyond the stars
I'd tell everyone, but no one would believe it
If I could have a beer with Jesus
He can probably only stay, for just a couple rounds
But I hope and pray he's stayin' till we shut the whole place down
Ask him how'd you turn the other cheek
To save a sorry soul like me
What's on the other side?
Is mom and daddy alright?
And if it ain't no trouble tell them I said hi
I'd tell everyone but no one would believe it
If I could have a beer with Jesus
I'd tell everyone but no one would believe it
If I could have a beer with Jesus

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Has there been controversy over this song?  Of course.  There will always be controversy when you mention the name Jesus, especially in the context in which it was mentioned in the song.  In this article by Gayle Thompson in "The Boot", Rhett reports that he has heard stories where his song has inspired, encouraged, and ministered to people.  It was even used at a funeral. 

The song has opened up an opportunity for dialogue.  That is probably the most powerful thing about it.  By setting aside opinions and disagreements over the title and the word "beer", hopefully we can get to a place of fellowship and relationship with Jesus and others in the ordinary life.

At least, that is the deeper message that resonates within me. 

Blessings on your journey,

Debra