Have you not said
As we pass through water
You will be with us
And You have said
As we walk through fire
We will not be burned
We are not afraid
For You are with us
We will testify
To the honour of Your name
We are witnesses
You have shown us
You are the One who can save
Fill us up and send us out
In the power of Your name
Fill us up and send us out
In the power of Your name
Bring them from the west
Sons and daughters
Call them for Your praise
Gather from the east
All Your children
Coming home again
Bring them from afar
All the nations
From the north and south
Drawing all the peoples in
Corners of the earth
Come to see there's
Only one Saviour and King
Fill Us Up and Send Us Out Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"Fill Us Up and Send Us Out" by Matt Redman is a powerful contemporary Christian song that serves as a call to action for believers, urging them to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to go out into the world to spread the Gospel. The song is rich in biblical imagery and references, creating a deep resonance with the Christian faith and its scriptures. Let's break down the song's lyrics and explore the biblical references that it alludes to.
### Verse 1: A Call for God's Presence in Trials
The song begins with an acknowledgment of God's promise to be with His people during trials, referencing the imagery of passing through water and fire without being harmed. This is a direct allusion to Isaiah 43:2, which says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." This verse sets the tone of trust and faith in God's presence and protection, encouraging believers to not fear despite the challenges they may face.
### Chorus: The Prayer for Empowerment and Mission
The chorus is a prayer asking God to fill the believers with His Spirit and send them out in His name. This reflects the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands His disciples, "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." The request to be filled up before being sent out also echoes Ephesians 5:18, which instructs, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit."
### Bridge: A Vision of Global Evangelism
The bridge of the song paints a picture of global evangelism, calling sons and daughters from the west, the east, afar, and all nations to come together in praise of God. This imagery draws from Isaiah 43:5-6, where God declares, "Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.'" It's a vision of unity and the gathering of God's people from all corners of the earth, underscoring the universal call to salvation and the mission of the church to reach every nation.
### Conclusion
"Fill Us Up and Send Us Out" by Matt Redman is a song that encapsulates the essence of Christian mission and the believer's reliance on God's presence and empowerment. Through its lyrics, the song invites reflection on the biblical call to be witnesses of Christ's love and to engage in the mission of spreading the Gospel to all nations. By integrating scriptural references throughout, Redman provides not just a musical experience but also a theological reflection that encourages and challenges listeners to live out their faith actively.
