Jimmy Needham - Fence Riders Lyrics

Fence Riders

Fence Riders Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Fence Riders: Exploring the Message and Biblical Analysis of Jimmy Needham's Song

Introduction:

Fence Riders is a thought-provoking song by Christian artist Jimmy Needham. Fence Riders is a powerful and convicting song that challenges listeners to examine their faith and commitment to following Jesus Christ.

Explaining the Main Key Messages:

To understand the main key messages of the song, let's analyze the lyrics chronologically, line by line:

1. "Am I foolishness to you, and is it laughable the things I do?"
The song starts by addressing those who may find the Christian faith and its teachings foolish or laughable. It acknowledges the potential ridicule faced by believers and questions whether their commitment is seen as foolishness.

2. "Can your calloused minds see past yourselves to His divine?"
This line challenges listeners to look beyond their own self-centeredness and open their minds to recognize the divinity of God. It encourages them to consider the ultimate truth and purpose that lies beyond their own understanding.

3. "Can I sing about my Maker and have you not roll your eyes?"
Here, the artist expresses the desire to freely worship and praise God without being met with skepticism or mockery. It highlights the importance of genuine worship and the acceptance of different forms of expression in celebrating one's faith.

4. "Can I weep about my Maker and the way He died?"
This line emphasizes the emotional connection believers have with God and the deep impact of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. It challenges the notion that expressing emotions or vulnerability in relation to one's faith is a sign of weakness.

5. "I know it don't make sense to those who ride the fence, but I'm so out to cry."
This line speaks to the struggle faced by believers who wholeheartedly embrace their faith while encountering others who are indifferent or undecided. It acknowledges that the commitment to follow Jesus may seem illogical or irrational to those who are indecisive or lukewarm in their faith.

6. "You call it loosening up, I call it spiraling down, only one thing's the same, Jesus, Jesus."
Here, the artist draws a contrast between those who consider following Jesus as "loosening up" and his perspective that it is actually a transformative journey that leads to a deeper understanding and connection with Jesus. The repetition of Jesus' name emphasizes that He is the constant and unchanging factor amidst differing opinions and perspectives.

The Meaning and Inspiration of the Song:

While the specific inspiration or story behind Fence Riders is not provided, the song's lyrics reflect a universal struggle faced by many Christians. The song addresses the challenges of living out one's faith in a world that may not understand or accept it fully. It speaks to the tension between embracing the truth of the gospel and the pressure to conform or remain neutral.

Fence Riders calls believers to examine their own commitment and challenge the indifference and skepticism they may encounter. It encourages open worship, emotional connection, and a willingness to embrace the "foolishness" of the gospel, regardless of popular opinion.

Biblical Analysis:

To critically analyze the biblical foundations of Fence Riders, let's explore relevant passages and themes:

1. Matthew 7:13-14 - "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
This verse echoes the theme of Fence Riders, highlighting the importance of making a definitive choice to follow Jesus rather than remaining on the fence. It emphasizes the narrow path of faith and the potential consequences of indecision or lukewarmness.

2. Revelation 3:15-16 - "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth."
Fence Riders challenges the idea of being lukewarm in one's faith by calling out those who ride the fence. This verse from Revelation reinforces the importance of wholehearted commitment to Jesus and warns against a tepid or indifferent approach.

3. 1 Corinthians 1:18 - "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
The song acknowledges that the message of the cross may seem foolish to those who do not believe, but it affirms the power and significance of the gospel for believers. It aligns with the biblical understanding that the gospel may appear foolish or illogical to the world, but it holds the power of salvation.

Conclusion:

Fence Riders by Jimmy Needham is a compelling song that challenges listeners to examine their commitment to following Jesus in a world that may find the Christian faith foolish or laughable. It encourages believers to worship and express their emotions freely, while also calling out those who ride the fence or remain lukewarm. The song's message aligns with biblical themes of wholehearted commitment, the narrow path of faith, and the transformative power of the gospel. Fence Riders serves as a reminder for believers to stand firm in their faith and not be swayed by popular opinion or indifference.