Graham Kendrick - Open The Gates Lyrics

Open The Gates Video

Open The Gates Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Open the Gates: A Song of Worship and Invitation

Introduction:

Graham Kendrick's song "Open the Gates" is a powerful worship anthem that invites believers to prepare the way for the King of Kings. With its uplifting melody and heartfelt lyrics, the song has become a favorite in churches around the world.

I. Verse 1: Open the gates for the King of Kings

The opening lines of the song set the stage for the central theme - preparing the way for the arrival of the King of Kings. The call to "open the gates" symbolizes opening our hearts and lives to receive Jesus, the ultimate King. This resonates with biblical imagery found in Psalm 24:7-10, which speaks of the gates being lifted up to allow the King of glory to come in. The song emphasizes the anticipation and excitement that should fill our hearts as we welcome the presence of God into our lives.

II. Chorus: Prepare the way of the Lord

The chorus reinforces the message of the song by echoing the words of John the Baptist in Matthew 3:3, "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." This biblical reference reminds us of the importance of repentance and making our hearts ready for the coming of Jesus. By preparing the way, we align ourselves with God's will and invite His presence to dwell among us.

III. Verse 2: Hosanna - Praise to the King

The second verse of the song focuses on praising the King of Kings with exuberance and joy. The word "Hosanna" is a Hebrew expression used to cry out in adoration and praise. It was famously shouted by the crowds as Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:9). By including this word in the song, Kendrick invites believers to join in the age-old tradition of praising the King with all their hearts.

IV. Bridge: I Got a Bone to Pick

The bridge of the song introduces a slightly different tone, with the lyrics "I got a bone to pick." This phrase may initially seem out of place in a worship song, but it serves to emphasize our need to address any areas of spiritual complacency or apathy in our lives. It reminds us that we should not settle for a lukewarm faith but rather strive to grow closer to God and passionately pursue His kingdom.

V. Meaning and Inspiration

The meaning of "Open the Gates" is rooted in the biblical concept of preparing our hearts and lives for the arrival of Jesus. It serves as a reminder to believers to continually seek God, repent of our sins, and make room for Him to work in our lives. The inspiration for the song likely comes from various biblical passages, including the imagery of the gates being opened to receive the King of glory (Psalm 24:7-10) and the call to prepare the way of the Lord (Matthew 3:3).

VI. Biblical Analysis

In analyzing the biblical foundations of "Open the Gates," it is evident that the song draws heavily on Scripture. The call to open the gates aligns with Psalm 24:7-10, which speaks of the King of glory entering the gates. The chorus echoes the words of John the Baptist in preparing the way for the Lord (Matthew 3:3). Furthermore, the use of "Hosanna" reflects the adoration given to Jesus during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9).

The bridge's lyrics, "I got a bone to pick," may not have a direct biblical reference, but it serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing any spiritual complacency or lukewarmness in our lives. This aligns with the biblical exhortation in Revelation 3:16, where Jesus warns against being lukewarm and calls for wholehearted devotion.

Overall, "Open the Gates" maintains a strong biblical foundation, drawing from key passages that emphasize the preparation of our hearts and the praise and adoration due to the King of Kings.

Conclusion:

Graham Kendrick's "Open the Gates" is a powerful worship song that invites believers to prepare the way for the King of Kings. Its biblical foundations and heartfelt lyrics align with the call to open our hearts, repent, and praise God with all our being. By engaging with the song's key messages and analyzing its biblical references, we can deepen our understanding and appreciation for this impactful worship anthem. As we sing "Open the Gates," may our hearts be stirred to welcome the presence of the King into our lives and worship Him with reverence and joy.