What’s Going On?

It is amazing to me over the course of life listening to the wonder of musical artists and the lyrics they write. When we listen closely we witness many of these artists who may be referred to as Modern Prophets.

Many years ago the late Marvin Gaye penned the song “What’s Going On”. The song is told from the point of view of a Vietnam veteran returning to his home country to witness hatred, suffering, and injustice. In many ways, we can think of a Jew who spoke a different message only to suffer hatred, injustice and finally death. Here are few words from Gaye’s, “What’s Going On”.

Mother, mother, There’s too many of you crying
Brother, brother, brother, There’s far too many of you dying
You know we’ve got to find a way, To bring some lovin’ here today.

Father, father, We don’t need to escalate
You see, war is not the answer, For only “love” can conquer hate
You know we’ve got to find a way, To bring some lovin’ here today.

Gaye speaks of bringing love into the world. What does the Jew tell us are the two most important things of all… “Love God with all your heart… love your neighbor as yourself”.

Let us find more messages from other modern prophets in our music of the past and today. We can learn to love each other more deeply even as we sing along.

Share a time when you have demonstrated love for another as the result of a favorite lyric. Your share here will bless another and I promise to write you back.

See you next Sunday,

MJ