Wood and Nails Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Wood and Nails: A Song of Faith and Labor
Wood and Nails is a powerful and moving song performed by The Porter's Gate, Audrey Assad, and Josh Garrels. With its heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melody, this song resonates deeply with listeners, reminding them of the humble and sacrificial nature of Jesus Christ and the call to live a life of faith and labor.
Let's dive into the depths of this beautiful composition and discover its significance in our Christian walk.
1. The Meaning of Wood and Nails
Wood and Nails is a song that beautifully captures the essence of Jesus Christ as the humble carpenter who labored with wood and nails. The lyrics speak of the desire for Christ to dwell in our lives, to be the foundation upon which we build our spiritual house.
The imagery of wood and nails symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus, where He was nailed to the wooden cross. It reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice He made for our salvation and the love He displayed through His suffering.
The song also emphasizes the importance of laboring alongside Christ, using our own hands and skills to build His kingdom. It encourages us to join Him in His work, trusting that we are instruments in His hands.
2. The Inspiration or Story Behind Wood and Nails
The Bible tells us that Jesus, before His ministry, worked as a carpenter in Nazareth (Mark 6:3). This occupation would have involved handling wood and nails, laying the groundwork for the imagery used in the song.
The song's inspiration may have also stemmed from the desire to emphasize the connection between Christ's earthly labor and His eternal purpose. By highlighting the significance of wood and nails, the song draws attention to the profound impact of Jesus' crucifixion on humanity's redemption.
3. Bible Verses Related to Wood and Nails
Wood and Nails draws from biblical truths and teachings, reflecting the depth of the Christian faith. Here are some Bible verses that relate to the message of the song:
a) 1 Peter 2:24 (ESV):
"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds, you have been healed."
This verse alludes to the crucifixion of Jesus, where He bore the weight of our sins on the wooden cross. It reminds us of the transformative power of His sacrifice and the healing that comes through His wounds.
b) Matthew 16:24 (ESV):
"Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'"
In this verse, Jesus teaches His disciples about the cost of discipleship. Taking up the cross symbolizes embracing the sacrificial life of following Christ. It echoes the call in Wood and Nails to join Christ in His work and labor alongside Him.
c) Ephesians 2:10 (ESV):
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
This verse reminds us that we are God's handiwork, created to do good works in Christ Jesus. It echoes the sentiment in Wood and Nails of being instruments in God's hands, trusting in His plan for our lives and laboring for His kingdom.
d) Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV):
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
These verses encourage believers to approach their work with diligence and wholeheartedness, recognizing that they are ultimately serving the Lord. They emphasize the importance of laboring for God's glory, which aligns with the themes in Wood and Nails.
4. The Lyrical Beauty of Wood and Nails
Wood and Nails is a lyrical masterpiece, beautifully combining poetic imagery with profound spiritual truths. The song's composition and arrangement, coupled with the heartfelt performances by The Porter's Gate, Audrey Assad, and Josh Garrels, create a captivating and moving listening experience.
The repeated line, "The work was done with nothing but wood and nails in Your scar-borne hands," captures the essence of Jesus' sacrificial labor on the cross. It reminds us of the power of His scars and the redemption that flows from His wounds.
The chorus, with its powerful declaration, "The kingdom's come and built upon wood and nails," paints a vivid picture of the triumph of the Kingdom of God through the crucifixion of Jesus. It reminds us that through His sacrificial work, we are invited to participate in building God's kingdom on earth.
5. The Significance of Wood and Nails in Our Christian Walk
Wood and Nails serves as a poignant reminder of the humility, sacrifice, and labor that characterize the life of a follower of Christ. The song invites us to reflect on the depth of Jesus' love for us and the call to live out our faith in tangible ways.
As Christians, we are called to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus. Wood and Nails reminds us that this entails a commitment to labor alongside Him, using our God-given talents and skills to further His kingdom.
The song encourages us to view our work, whether in our careers or in serving others, as an opportunity to glorify God. It reminds us that our labor, when done in faith and with a humble heart, can bear eternal fruit and contribute to the building of God's kingdom.
Conclusion
Wood and Nails is a profoundly moving song that encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith. Its lyrical beauty, coupled with its powerful message, draws listeners into a deeper understanding of Jesus' sacrificial love and the call to labor alongside Him.
As we reflect on the meaning of Wood and Nails, let us be reminded of the significance of Jesus' crucifixion and the transformative power of His sacrifice. May we embrace the call to labor for His kingdom, using our gifts and talents to further His purposes and bring glory to His name.
Let Wood and Nails be a constant reminder of the profound love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who labored with wood and nails to bring us salvation. May it inspire us to live a life of faith, labor, and service, knowing that we are instruments in the hands of our loving Creator.
