Disciple - Next Time Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me
because He has anointed me
to preach the gospel to the poor
sent me to heal the brokenhearted
bring freedom to the captives
bring sight to the blind
break the chains of the oppressed
for this is the year of the Lord (Luke 4:18-19)
Pre-Chorus 1
Today this scripture if fulfilled in your ears (Luke 4:21)
but I know you won't believe
and you refuse to see (John 10:26)
physician heal yourself one day you'll say to me (Luke 4:23) While the God you claim to serve
will be the God you hang on a tree (Acts 2:23)
Chorus
The first time that He came they ripped His beard
and beat His back up (Isaiah 52:14, John 19:1)
but the next time that He comes He'll have a
flaming sword with eyes of fire (Revelation 19:12, 15)
The first time that He came they pierced
His hands and His feet and hung Him up (Luke 23:33)
but the next time that He comes He'll be on a
white horse and I'll be with Him (Revelation 19:11)
Verse 2
Oh how I longed to take you under my wing
and hide you in the shadow of My love (Psalm 27:5,
all day long My arms have been open
but you would not come to me,
but you would not come to me (Matthew 23:37)
Pre-Chorus 2
I was like a lamb led to the slaughter
and I did not speak a thing as you insulted Me (Isaiah 53:7) There will come a day when the
Word of God will come down (Revelation 19:13)
and I will strike the nations and consume
them with the breath of My mouth (Revelation 19:15)
Video
Next Time
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on February 25, 2003, as part of the album *Back Again*, Disciple's "Next Time" stands as a profoundly scriptural and hard-hitting examination of Christ's two comings. The song doesn't just narrate biblical events; it pulls back the curtain on the heart of God, contrasting the humble sacrifice of Jesus' first arrival with the formidable majesty of His promised return. It's a powerful wake-up call, urging listeners to grasp the full scope of divine love and justice.
The narrative opens by establishing Jesus’ mission, quoting directly from Luke 4:18-19, where Jesus declares He is anointed to preach good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, free captives, bring sight to the blind, and liberate the oppressed, ushering in the year of the Lord’s favor. This foundation immediately places the song firmly within the framework of grace and redemption, setting the stage for the tender, compassionate aspect of God's character. However, this grace is quickly met with the painful reality of human rejection. The song highlights Jesus' poignant declaration in Luke 4:21, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your ears," immediately followed by the somber recognition that many "won't believe and... refuse to see," as noted in John 10:26. It further alludes to the taunts He would face, "physician heal yourself," from Luke 4:23, and the ultimate paradox that the very God they claimed to serve would be the one they "hang on a tree," a stark reminder from Acts 2:23. This early contrast sets a tone of profound irony and sorrow over humanity's response to divine love.
The chorus then explodes with the song's central message, drawing a vivid distinction between Jesus' two appearances. It recounts the brutal suffering of His first coming, echoing Isaiah 52:14 and John 19:1, where His appearance was marred, His back beaten, and His beard ripped. It recalls the crucifixion, the piercing of His hands and feet as described in Luke 23:33. This image of the suffering servant is immediately juxtaposed with the awe-inspiring vision of His second coming. Here, Disciple paints a picture directly from Revelation 19:12 and 15, depicting Christ with "eyes of fire" and wielding a "flaming sword," returning on a "white horse" as a triumphant warrior King, with believers by His side. This transition from vulnerable lamb to formidable lion serves as a potent reminder that divine mercy does not negate divine justice.
Verse 2 then dives deeper into the emotional heart of God, expressing a longing for His people that resonates with deep biblical lament. Drawing from Psalm 27:5 and Matthew 23:37, it speaks of God's desire to gather humanity "under My wing" and hide them in the "shadow of My love." The sorrowful lines, "all day long My arms have been open but you would not come to me," powerfully convey God's persistent invitation and the pain of unrequited love. This profound yearning underscores that even in the face of rejection, God's love remains steadfast and open, perpetually inviting reconciliation.
The final pre-chorus reinforces this emotional tension, connecting Jesus' passive suffering with His future authoritative judgment. It references Isaiah 53:7, portraying Jesus as "a lamb led to the slaughter" who "did not speak a thing" despite being insulted. This humble endurance sets the stage for the dramatic shift in Revelation 19:13 and 15, where the "Word of God will come down" to "strike the nations and consume them with the breath of My mouth." This imagery vividly contrasts the silent lamb of sacrifice with the all-consuming power of the returning Christ, who will execute righteous judgment. "Next Time" by Disciple is not just a song; it's a theological statement, expertly weaving together prophecies and fulfillments to present a comprehensive portrait of Jesus Christ – first as the humble Savior, and ultimately as the sovereign Judge. It compels a deep reflection on our response to His enduring love and the certainty of His glorious return, encouraging a life lived in anticipation and reverence.