True to the Call Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Introduction
"True to the Call" is a powerful and inspiring song by the gospel group, Kingdom Heirs. This song beautifully captures the journey of a man named Johnny who felt called by God to become a preacher and dedicated his life to sharing the message of Jesus Christ. With heartfelt lyrics and a captivating melody, this song encourages believers to stay true to their calling and faithfully serve God, no matter the circumstances.
Meaning of the Song
"True to the Call" speaks to the importance of staying faithful and committed to one's calling in life. It emphasizes the need to be obedient to God's voice and to follow His leading, even when faced with challenges and obstacles. The song reminds us that serving God is not always easy, but it is a calling that should be embraced and pursued with passion and dedication.
Inspiration and Story Behind the Song
While the specific inspiration or story behind "True to the Call" is not readily available, the lyrics of the song paint a vivid picture of a young boy named Johnny who felt a strong calling to become a preacher. The song takes us through Johnny's journey from his childhood days of playing church with his friends to his ultimate decision to answer God's call and become a preacher.
The lyrics suggest that Johnny's calling was confirmed during a summer revival when he was just sixteen years old. While the exact details are not provided, it is implied that Johnny had a powerful encounter with God during this revival, leading him to make a commitment to serve and preach the Gospel. The song also highlights the sacrifices and challenges Johnny faced throughout his ministry, but he remained faithful to his calling until the end.
Biblical References
"True to the Call" beautifully aligns with several Bible verses that emphasize the importance of answering God's call and remaining faithful in our service to Him. Here are a few relevant verses:
1. Jeremiah 1:5 - "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." This verse reminds us that God has a specific plan and purpose for each of our lives. Just as Johnny felt called to become a preacher, we too are called to fulfill God's unique purpose for us.
2. Matthew 28:19-20 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." This Great Commission given by Jesus to His disciples encourages believers to go out and spread the Gospel, just as Johnny did. It reminds us of our responsibility to share the love and message of Jesus with others.
3. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 - "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day." These verses highlight the importance of persevering in our calling and remaining faithful to God until the end. Johnny's commitment to preaching the Gospel, despite the challenges he faced, echoes the sentiment of these verses.
Verse Breakdown
The lyrics of "True to the Call" can be divided into two verses. Let's take a closer look at each verse and the message it conveys.
Verse 1
The first verse of the song describes a significant moment in Johnny's life. It takes us back to a hot summer morning in 1963, where a young boy named Johnny is seen playing with his friends. They are pretending to have a church service, singing songs they learned in Sunday school.
Johnny stands at a cardboard pulpit, pretending to preach a sermon on the Golden Rule. The lyrics suggest that even at a young age, Johnny felt a deep connection to God and a desire to share His message with others. The verse also hints at Johnny's realization that preaching is what he wants to do with his life.
Chorus
The chorus of "True to the Call" serves as a reminder of Johnny's commitment to his calling and the impact he had on people's lives. It emphasizes his unwavering dedication to preaching the Gospel and reaching many people for Jesus. The chorus also mentions how Johnny carried his King James Bible and shared the message of Christ with both the great and the small.
The lyrics of the chorus reflect the admiration and respect the songwriter has for Johnny's faithfulness to his calling. It echoes the sentiment that Johnny loved and cared for people more than they would ever know.
Verse 2
The second verse of the song fast-forwards to a later period in Johnny's life. It begins with a Sunday morning, where the news of Johnny's passing is shared. The lyrics convey that Johnny had preached until his last days, faithfully proclaiming the true Gospel.
The verse acknowledges that Johnny's journey was not always easy. He faced challenges and hardships along the way. However, the lyrics also highlight his unwavering commitment to remaining true to his calling, never compromising his faith. The verse acknowledges that Johnny always remembered what he learned in his childhood and remained faithful to the call of God on his life until the end.
The verse concludes with a reflection on Johnny's legacy, comparing it to the biblical account of Timothy, who learned from the apostle Paul. It implies that Johnny's ministry impacted many lives, just as Timothy's ministry did.
Conclusion
"True to the Call" is a beautiful and inspiring song that encourages believers to stay faithful to their calling, just as Johnny did. Through its heartfelt lyrics and captivating melody, the song reminds us of the importance of answering God's call and remaining steadfast in our service to Him. It calls us to persevere through challenges and obstacles, knowing that our obedience to God's voice will make an eternal impact in the lives of others.
As we listen to "True to the Call," may we be inspired to follow Johnny's example and faithfully serve God in whatever calling He has placed on our lives. Let us remember the biblical references that align with this song, recognizing that God has a unique plan and purpose for each of us. And may we, like Johnny, be true to the call until the end, knowing that our faithfulness will be rewarded by our loving Heavenly Father.
