In The Name Of Love
Born in 1960, few
knew that Paul David Hewson, today recognized by his stage name “Bono Vox,”
would reach the international acclaim he has gained with his group U2. Born of a Protestant father and a
Catholic mother, there was something about his upbringing that would later mold
his music and message. Since the 1980’s,
U2 has remained in the forefront of both the charts and popularity around the
world.
While a case could be made to promote some favorites of bygone eras
including the Mills Brothers, the Drifters, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones,
Creed, Matchbox 20, or any others you might mention; like few others, U2 has
used its prowess to intervene in famines in Africa to endorse world peace.
Greater still, Bono not only takes an unconventional approach
on subjects, he carries an unusual message as to how people’s lives are
changed.
In his book Bono:
In Conversation with Michka Assaya, the lead singer and songwriter for the
rock group makes an explicit confession of faith. While many may argue nuances and minutia,
there is a grasp of truth.
“It’s a mind-blowing
concept that the God who created the universe might be looking for company, a
real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the
difference between grace and karma.”
Since saying that the
idea of karma is central to all religions, Bono explained, “What you put out comes back to you: an eye
for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics - in physical laws - every action
is met by an equal or an opposite one.
It’s clear to me that karma is at the very heart of the universe.
I’m absolutely sure of
it. And yet, along comes this idea
called grace to upend all that ‘as you reap, so you will sow’ stuff. Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the
consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed,
because I’ve done a lot of stupid stuff…
It doesn’t excuse my
mistakes, but I’m holding out for grace.
I’m holding out that Jesus took my sins upon the cross, because I know
who I am, and I hope I don’t have to depend on my own religiosity.”
To whatever degree
you appreciate today’s music and bands, you have to value Bono’s definition
of grace that supersedes the world’s idea of karma. Over 200 years ago, another music
legend, John Newton, shared the timeless idea of God’s “Amazing Grace” that is
available to each person.
Then almost 2000 years ago, Paul wrote, “For by grace
are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God,
not of works; so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2;8,9
(NIV). That’s great news…from
the sacrifice of One Man who came in the name of love.
Terry Risser
Reflections:
1) What
impacts you about this definition of grace?
2) What
mistakes have you made that God wants to offer fresh grace for today?
Consider reading the Word today:
Copyright 2014- Terry Risser
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