Kirk Franklin - Kingdom Book Two Interlude Lyrics
Lyrics
Spoken: Kirk Franklin
Coming from a family, uh, of some so many relatives that had been incarcerated, I know what it's like when people make mistakes
And they are just written off by society
Um, that's something I know personally and so
The grace and mercy that is needed to be able to give people another chance and have patience with them
And to also realize that but by the grace of God, that could have been me
That is the memory that I'll always keep with me
Having a chance to worship at the Everglades
Outro: Naomi Raine
He's got the whole word in His hands
He's got the whole wide world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
Video
Kingdom Book Two Interlude
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on 2022-07-22 as a poignant addition to Kirk Franklin’s *Kingdom Book One (Deluxe)*, "Kingdom Book Two Interlude" serves as far more than a musical pause; it is a profound spoken and sung meditation that anchors the listener in the core truths of faith: grace, mercy, and the steadfast sovereignty of God. This interlude, while brief, carries immense weight, drawing from Franklin's deeply personal experiences to articulate a universal spiritual message.
The essence of the piece unfolds through Kirk Franklin's heartfelt spoken word, where he openly shares his intimate connection to the pain of societal judgment. He recounts having relatives who faced incarceration, a reality that illuminated for him the harshness of being "written off" by the world. This raw honesty immediately establishes a relatable foundation, inviting reflection on how readily we, as individuals and as a society, dismiss those who stumble. From this personal crucible, Franklin champions the absolute necessity of grace and mercy, advocating for the imperative to offer second chances and cultivate patience. His powerful declaration, "but by the grace of God, that could have been me," resonates with a profound humility, mirroring the sentiment of Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:10, where the apostle acknowledges his own existence as a testament to divine favor. This statement is a profound spiritual exercise, forcing us to recognize our shared humanity and our collective reliance on God’s unmerited kindness, compelling us to approach others with the same compassion we ourselves need, as Christ exemplified in John 8:7 when he challenged the accusers to examine their own blamelessness before casting stones. It is a potent reminder that judgment belongs to God alone, and our calling is to extend the love and understanding that reflect His character.
Following Franklin's evocative reflection, the interlude transitions seamlessly into the comforting and timeless declaration sung by Naomi Raine: "He's got the whole world in His hands." This refrain, a staple of spiritual tradition, is not merely a comforting melody but a theological anchor, especially potent after Franklin’s somber yet hopeful narrative. It speaks directly to God's omnipotence and unwavering control over all creation, including the lives of those who have made mistakes and those striving to offer forgiveness. It’s an affirmation that even in moments of profound human brokenness, societal condemnation, or personal struggle, God's grasp is absolute. This truth offers immense solace, assuring that no life is beyond His reach, no mistake too great for His redemptive power. It calls to mind verses like Psalm 24:1, which affirms "The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it," and Colossians 1:17, declaring that "in Him all things hold together." The song serves as a divine reassurance, reminding us that the same God who offers grace to the "written off" is also the one sovereignly orchestrating all things, providing both the capacity for mercy within us and the ultimate hope for all.
Ultimately, "Kingdom Book Two Interlude" functions as a powerful spiritual call to action, urging us to embody the very grace and mercy we have received. It transforms Kirk Franklin's personal narrative into a universal lesson on empathy, forgiveness, and the steadfastness of divine love. This segment is an essential piece of the *Kingdom Book One (Deluxe)* tapestry, reinforcing the profound truth that God's hands hold not only the vast cosmos but also every individual life within it, offering boundless compassion and endless opportunities for redemption. It is an inspiring prompt for self-reflection and a powerful encouragement to extend the transformative power of grace, understanding that our own standing is fundamentally "by the grace of God."