My Monday Morning Cup | Uncovering the Forgotten Gospel Songs of Bob Dylan

In the early 1990s, my favorite “gospel” song was the Guns and Roses cover of the Dylan classic “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.” That tidbit paints an accurate picture of where I found myself spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically.

In recent weeks, I began a trip rediscovering Bob Dylan. It’s a journey that I am certain is far from complete. In particular, I found myself diving into what afficiando’s refer to as Dylan’s Christian era. That’s odd, in many ways, because to the best of my knowledge, Dylan continues to a man of faith and follower of Jesus Christ. In her recent article, “The Incredible Faith of Bob Dylan,” writer Lesli White shares insights from longtime Dylan friend Al Kasha, a Messianic Jew who reportedly led Dylan to Christ. Citing an interview from another source, White reports that Kasha contends that while Dylan’s spiritual songs have been less prevelant in a number of years, in no way has Dylan forsaken Christianity. According to the story, Kasha believes Dylan remains strong in his steadfast belief in Jesus.

This adventure delving into the music of Dylan found its seeds in a spiritual writing course I took earlier this Summer. In the weeks since, this dive into the spiritual songs of Dylan, combined with a refresher of his whole body of work, has proved to be truly encouraging to me during a period that I have felt discouraged and disappointed at times.

I think that this is part of the fight that comes with the territory, as the Apostle Paul makes clear in his letter to the Ephesians. If you and I live our life as Christians, fulfilling our calling and purpose in accordance with the will and word of God, then it is impossible for us to escape the attacks of Satan. But even though we face many battles, we can rest with the confidence of knowing that the will and word of God are on our side and that victory is ours in Christ Jesus. The will of God isn’t going to forsake us. The word of God isn’t going to fail us.

Saved

Bob Dylan

I was blinded by the devil,
Born already ruined,
Stone-cold dead
As I stepped out of the womb.
By His grace I have been touched,
By His word I have been healed,
By His hand I’ve been delivered,
By His spirit I’ve been sealed.

I’ve been saved
By the blood of the lamb,
Saved
By the blood of the lamb,
Saved,
Saved,
And I’m so glad.
Yes, I’m so glad,
I’m so glad,
So glad,
I want to thank You, Lord,
I just want to thank You, Lord,
Thank You, Lord.

By His truth I can be upright,
By His strength I do endure,
By His power I’ve been lifted,
In His love I am secure.
He bought me with a price,
Freed me from the pit,
Full of emptiness and wrath
And the fire that burns in it.

I’ve been saved
By the blood of the lamb,
Saved
By the blood of the lamb,
Saved,
Saved,
And I’m so glad.
Yes, I’m so glad,
I’m so glad,
So glad,
I want to thank You, Lord,
I just want to thank You, Lord,
Thank You, Lord.

Nobody to rescue me,
Nobody would dare,
I was going down for the last time,
But by His mercy I’ve been spared.
Not by works,
But by faith in Him who called,
For so long I’ve been hindered,
For so long I’ve been stalled.

I’ve been saved
By the blood of the lamb,
Saved
By the blood of the lamb,
Saved,
Saved,
And I’m so glad.
Yes, I’m so glad, I’m so glad,
So glad, I want to thank You, Lord,
I just want to thank You, Lord,
Thank You, Lord.

In the weeks ahead, I hope to share more of what I’ve learned about the faith and Bob Dylan. I’m hoping that this exploration of Dylan and his music will serve as an encouragement for you as well, especially during these COVID times and during this season of great unrest.

Yes, the Enemy is working overtime. But you know what? God is always at work, too.

For sure, I’m a different man today than I was when GNR served as my source of spiritual music. That’s because God is a good God who loves us so much so that through the atoning offering of His son, Jesus Christ, you and I can change. Indeed, we can be transformed.

Know that you are loved!

Blessings,

The Devotional Guy™

More of Him, Less of me

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