Canadian pop artist Justin Bieber has been vocal about his growing faith for several years. In March 2021, he released Freedom. and now we have an entire EP devoted to songs inspired by his relationship with Jesus. In this devotional, we'll dive into the lyrics of "Where You Go I Follow," a song from the EP, which features Maverick City Music's Chandler Moore, pop artist Pink Sweat$, and the musically-inclined Pastor Judah Smith. These lyrics highlight truth we find Matthew 16:13-28. So, let's compare the song and the scripture in a chat about surrender and what it means to be a follower of Jesus.
Where You go, I follow/You're with me every step of the way/Here in the struggle (struggle, struggle)/Your love's enough to wash it all away
There's nobody like Jesus On the third day, yeah, You rose up/And You beat death once and for all/Once and for all/There's nobody like You/There's nobody like You, Jesus
Matthew 16:15-16 (NLT): "...he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say that the Son of Man is?'...Then he asked them, 'But who do you say I am?' Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.'"
There's nobody like Jesus. You'll hear this theme in the chorus of "Where You Go I Follow," and in Pastor Judah Smith's spoken word at the end of the song. Each of us has to answer the question Jesus asked his disciples: "Who do you say that I am?" Each of us has to come to a place where, through the work of God's spirit in our hearts, we come to personally understand who Jesus is and, personally, experience in our lives the truth that there's no one like Him.
He's the Messiah--God's promised Savior--and He is Lord. He's the son of the Living God, the King who will rule the whole earth. He will be worshiped by the redeemed from every nation. He is the creator and sustainer, not only of this world but of you and me. He's the God who loved us, died, and was raised for us. He's our deliverer who, through His compassion and power, sets us free from the chains that bind us. He's our friend who comforts us and walks with us.
Do you know Jesus? If you've never considered who He is or you don't yet have a relationship with Him, let "Where You Go I Follow" provoke you to start searching out who He is and why you need Him. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you and see what happens.
Wherever you are in your faith journey--a seeker, a new Christian, or a long-time follower of Christ? This song challenges us to consider how to take our curiosity about Jesus or our faith in Jesus a step further. What does it look like to live a life that responds rightly to the truth of who Jesus is? What does it mean to be His disciple?
Surrender Everything to Jesus Oh, I've tried it all/Nothing could fix the damage in my heart/'Til I met Your love/Oh, You gave Your life so I won't fall apart
Matthew 16:24-26 (NLT): Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?
The passages in scripture that I just can't get away from are the ones in the Gospels where Jesus called new disciples to follow Him. You see phrasing like this over and over again: "and they left everything and followed Jesus." The disciples' response parallels what Justin sings about in this song.
There's nobody like Jesus. And, He's worth devoting every part of your life to following Him. To believe in Jesus and become His disciple is to surrender every part of your life to Him and to His message--your thoughts, conduct, time, money, dreams, career, influence, talents, relationships, and reputation. Everything.
Romans 12:1-2 reminds us that life gave fully to glorify, seek and serve Jesus is the appropriate response of love, worship, and gratitude in light of who He is and what He's done for us. This is basic discipleship--Christianity 101--not a lifestyle for "super Christians." Jesus' call to salvation has always been a call to committed discipleship.
Will it require sacrifice sometimes? Absolutely. The early disciples left behind lives of sin, familiarity and comfort, financial security, and more to follow Jesus and His purpose for them as said in Mark 10:28-31. As disciples today, you and I will lay some things down for the sake of Christ, too. But, wholly following Christ leads to unimaginable joy and deep friendship with Jesus, which is more fulfilling and valuable than anything.
Final Thoughts God Almighty, my safety/You're my end, You're my new beginning/You're my home, The One I confide in/You're the very air I breathe/The reason that I sing
Has your heart genuinely cried out this prayer to Jesus: "Where You go I follow, no matter what I have to surrender. What I gain in You, Jesus is so much better." Ask Him to do that work in your heart for the first time or to renew your passion. Jesus receives your life of devoted discipleship as an act of love for Him, as said in John 14:21. It pleases His heart and brings praise to His name.
Find "Where You Go I Follow" on Justin Bieber's latest EP, Freedom. Listen to Apple Music or Spotify. Read the full lyrics of "Where You Go I Follow" here.
NRT contributor Jasmin Patterson is a lifelong fan of Christian music who is passionate about helping others connect with Christ. She lives in Kansas City where she serves in college ministry and runs a blog to help seekers and believers discover and live biblical Christianity.
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