“I Was There”

Although I am a member of Baptist Church of the Redeemer, I am in a small group/Bible study with some friends who attend Second Baptist Church. I went to Second for a meeting about the small groups, and decided to stay afterward for the “Logos” service that they have on Sunday nights. Although the preaching is not quite as good, imo (which I recently learned means “in my opinion”), it is Biblical and an enormous improvement from the sermon on Swiss Army Knives I heard last Sunday night. I had been to the Logos service twice before and mainly went to hear preaching of the Word of God.
So, I almost left when I found that there was a concert in the place of the usual Logos service.
I decided to stay for at least a couple of songs, and ended up staying the entire time. I am very glad that I did, and the concert was definitely a blessing. The singer was Nathan Tasker, an Australian who currently resides in Nashville, TN. He had a very unique sound that was great, and his lyrics were inspiring. I hope saying this does not devalue the rest of his songs, but my favorite was a song called “I Was There.”
I have posted the lyrics below. I was also encouraged by Nathan to sponsor a child through “Compassion,” a Christian child ministry program. Best-spent $40 of my life (32/kid and 8 for unsponsored kids), and Lord willing I will continue to support little Ashlyn Zoan Rodriguez Barrientos as long as the Lord blesses me with the means to be able to do so.
Nathan said he did the math, and it comes down to 2 grande mochas a week at Starbucks. With all of the stupid stuff I spend money on these days, it is great to know that at least some good will come out of the money that I work for.
I would encourage you, if you are able, to check out www.compassion.com and sponsor your own little Ashlyn.
Nonetheless, I hope you will enjoy these words, along with the quote Nathan gave before singing this song: (I don’t remember the exact wording, but the gist is this) Only those who accept their blame for the cross can receive the grace that flows out from it.

“I Was There”
–Nathan Tasker

“I’d like to think if I was there
In the garden as you prayed and cried
I would have stayed awake for you
So you were not alone at that time
But in truth I can see,
although I stand here now,
a part of me

Was there in the garden
Asleep on the ground
When you needed companions
And there was no one around
And I’m sorry I left you
To the anguish and pain
And but for the grace of God
I’d fall asleep again

I’d like to think if I was there
As the crowd demanded crucify
I would have been a louder voice
Calling out to them “what is his crime?”
But in truth I can see,
although I stand here now,
a part of me

Was there in the rabble
When your crime was declared
And I cried out for your life
Let Barabbas be spared
And I’m sorry I left you
To the mocking and scorn
And but for the grace of God
I hear my angry voice alone

Were you there, when they crucified the Lord?
Were you there, when they crucified the Lord?

I’d like to think if I was there
Watching as you took your final breath
I’d have known you’d rise again
I would’ve remembered all the words you’d said
But in truth I can see,
although I stand here now,
a part of me

Was scared and embarrassed
As I watched you die
I believed you were king
But you did not even fight
And I’m sorry I forgot
All you’d said and done
And but for the grace of God
I’d turn away and run.

I was there, when they crucified my Lord
I was there, when they crucified my Lord”