Matt Maher - Picket Sign Lyrics

Picket Sign Video

Picket Sign Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Introduction

The song titled "Picket Sign" by Matt Maher is a powerful and thought-provoking anthem that speaks to the heart of the Christian faith. Through its lyrics, it presents a message of standing up for justice, love, and the oppressed, echoing the teachings of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, we will critically analyze if the song aligns with Biblical teachings by referencing relevant scripture passages.

Verse 1: A Cry for Justice

The song begins with the lines, "This is Your protest, this is Your stand / Your blood poured out for the blood on our hands." These powerful words highlight the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, who gave His life as a ransom for our sins. The reference to "Your protest" and "Your stand" signifies Jesus' mission to bring justice and redemption to humanity.

The next line, "For the accused and all the oppressed," emphasizes Jesus' compassion for the marginalized and downtrodden. Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently spoke up for those who were oppressed, including the poor, the sick, and the socially outcast. This verse sets the stage for the song's central theme of advocating for justice and standing up for those in need.

Chorus 1: The Cross as a Symbol of Love and Protest

The chorus of the song declares, "The cross leapt in like a picket sign / You carried the weight for all mankind / You gave Your life just to give me mine / Your love leapt in like a picket sign." These lines beautifully depict the cross as a symbol of both love and protest. The cross, where Jesus willingly laid down His life, represents His radical love for humanity and His ultimate sacrifice.

The image of the cross as a "picket sign" evokes the idea of Jesus' mission to challenge the status quo and bring about transformation. Just as a picket sign is used to protest and demand justice, the cross serves as a powerful symbol of Jesus' rebellion against the injustice and sinfulness of the world. It also highlights the radical nature of His love, which was willing to stand up for what is right, even in the face of opposition and suffering.

Verse 2: Carrying Jesus' Message of Justice

The second verse of the song emphasizes the role of Christians in carrying forward Jesus' message of justice. It states, "You are the voice for those who can't speak / You march for love, You walk with the weak / You call for justice, Your kingdom come / In Jesus' name, our chains are undone." These lines call believers to action, urging them to be the voice for the voiceless, to stand up for love, and to advocate for justice.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to walk in His footsteps and embody His teachings. Jesus' ministry was characterized by compassion, justice, and mercy, and we are called to continue His work in the world. The mention of "Your kingdom come" reminds us of the ultimate goal of ushering in God's kingdom on earth, where justice and righteousness reign.

Bridge and Chorus 2: Proclaiming Amen to God's Justice

The bridge of the song declares, "Amen, amen, amen, amen," emphasizing our agreement and affirmation of God's justice and love. It is a call to unite in solidarity and stand firm in our conviction that justice will prevail. The repetition of "amen" serves as a declaration of faith and trust in God's ultimate plan and purpose.

The second chorus reinforces the message of the first chorus, highlighting the transformative power of Jesus' love and sacrifice. It speaks of both arms reaching for the other side, symbolizing the all-encompassing nature of God's love and His desire for reconciliation and restoration.

Meaning and Inspiration

The song "Picket Sign" carries a powerful message of justice, love, and standing up for the oppressed. It calls Christians to action, reminding them of their responsibility to be the voice for the voiceless and to advocate for justice in a world that is plagued by injustice and inequality.

While the specific inspiration or story behind the song is not explicitly mentioned, it is clear that the lyrics draw from the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. The song reflects Jesus' mission to bring about justice and redemption, His love for the marginalized and oppressed, and His call for His followers to continue His work in the world.

Is the Song Biblical?

When analyzing whether a song aligns with Biblical teachings, it is important to examine the lyrics in light of scripture. In the case of "Picket Sign," the song strongly resonates with several key Biblical themes and teachings.

One of the central messages of the song is the importance of justice. The Bible consistently emphasizes the call for believers to seek justice and defend the rights of the oppressed. In Isaiah 1:17, it says, "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." Additionally, Micah 6:8 states, "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." The song echoes these teachings by calling Christians to be the voice for the voiceless and to march for love and justice.

Furthermore, the song highlights the sacrificial love of Jesus and His willingness to lay down His life for the sake of humanity. This aligns with the central message of the Gospel, as John 15:13 states, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." The chorus of the song beautifully portrays the cross as a symbol of love and protest, echoing Jesus' radical love and His mission to challenge the broken systems of the world.

In conclusion, "Picket Sign" by Matt Maher is a powerful and Biblically-inspired song that speaks to the heart of the Christian faith. Its messages of justice, love, and standing up for the oppressed align with the teachings of Jesus Christ and the call for believers to continue His work in the world. Through its lyrics, the song encourages Christians to be the voice for the voiceless, to march for love, and to advocate for justice.