Read John 1:4-5
ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this'” (John 11:25-26 NLT)?
There’s a vibrant energy in the hymn “Lord of the Dance” that mirrors the boundless joy and life found in Jesus Christ. The lyrics take us through the life of Jesus, from birth to resurrection, illustrating his unwavering call to join him in a divine dance. It’s a dance of creation, redemption, and eternal life—a dance where light triumphs over darkness.
Imagine a community festival at the heart of a small town. The streets are filled with people, music, and laughter. Children are twirling, couples are swaying, and elders are clapping along. There’s a magnetic pull to the center where the music is most lively. This scene captures the essence of “Lord of the Dance.” Just as everyone is drawn to the joy and rhythm of the festival, we are invited to join Jesus in the dance of life.
John 1:4-5 tells us about the light that shines in the darkness, a light that the darkness cannot overcome. Jesus, the light of the world, brings life to all humanity. This light is not just a beacon of hope but an active force dispelling shadows and guiding us toward the fullness of life in him. The hymn’s chorus, “Dance, then, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance, said he,” echoes this call to live vibrantly in his light.
In John 11:25-26, Jesus reveals to Martha a profound truth: he is the resurrection and the life. His declaration is not only a promise of eternal life but also an invitation to experience a resurrected life now. Just as Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, he calls us out of our spiritual graves. When we accept his invitation, we join him in a dance that transcends death and sorrow.
The lyrics of “Lord of the Dance” chronicle Jesus’s journey from his birth, through His ministry, to his crucifixion and resurrection. Each verse reflects a step in the divine dance, inviting us to follow. Jesus danced for the scribes and Pharisees, even though they wouldn’t follow him. He danced on the Sabbath, breaking chains of legalism to bring freedom. His ultimate dance was on the cross, a moment that seemed like defeat but turned into the greatest victory through his resurrection.
However some have not always appreciated this hymn. “Lord of the Dance” has sparked controversy, particularly for concerns that some of its lyrics might be perceived as anti-Semitic. Critics argue that phrases such as “the holy people said it was a shame” could be interpreted as blaming Jewish people for Jesus’s suffering. This interpretation has made the hymn appear insensitive and inappropriate to some, who feel it detracts from the solemnity and inclusivity that worship should embody.
Yet, it’s crucial to grasp that despite any controversies surrounding the hymn, its purpose remains focused on celebrating Jesus’s triumph and the joy he embodies. The dance depicted in the hymn symbolizes the dynamic and transformative power of Jesus’s presence in our lives. Much like King David danced before the Lord with all his might, this hymn encourages us to express our faith with exuberance.
To dance with Jesus means to embrace his teachings and allow his life to illuminate ours. It requires us to step out of the darkness of sin and despair and into the light of his grace and love. This isn’t always easy. The world often feels like a dark place, full of pain, loss, and confusion. But Jesus’s light is a persistent, unquenchable flame that guides us through our darkest moments.
Trusting in his promises assures us that even in death, we have hope. Our faith in him brings eternal life and transforms our present circumstances. Allow Jesus’s teachings to guide your decisions and actions. Seek to reflect his love, kindness, and truth in your daily interactions. Worship and rejoice in the Lord, even in difficult times. Let his joy be your strength and his peace your comfort. Share the light of Jesus with those around you. Be a beacon of his love and hope, encouraging others to join in the divine dance.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Join the dance of life with Jesus, for in His light, darkness fades, and joy abounds.PRAYER
Lord of the Dance, help us to follow Your lead and live in Your light. May we reflect Your joy and love in all we do. Amen.
Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.
“Lord of the Dance” says that the Jews killed Jesus. But they didn’t, and the lie that says they did was the foundation for two thousand years of Christian antisemitism. Let’s look at the lyrics:
I danced on the Sabbath and I cured the lame
The holy people said it was a shame
They whipped and they stripped and they hung me high
And they left me there on a cross to die
“The holy people” – that’s the Jews (it sure as heck wasn’t the Romans, and no one else was involved).
The only possible antecedent for “they” in lines three and four is “the holy people”. So the song clearly and indisputably says the Jews killed Jesus. Which, they didn’t.
My advice: don’t let ChatGPT write your sermons for you.
Friend, I appreciate your engagement. I’d also kindly encourage you not to make assumptions about the source of the writing based solely on a note of transparency. While I do use ChatGPT as a tool—much like professionals use calculators or spellcheck—all the thoughts, theology, and final words are my own. I’ve been writing these devotions since 2012, long before AI was ever in the picture, and I don’t publish anything I haven’t fully prayed through and endorsed.
As to your critique: you’re absolutely right that the Church has a long and painful history of antisemitism, and I take that seriously. At the same time, “the holy people” in Lord of the Dance need not be read as a blanket condemnation of all Jews, any more than the “crowd” in the Gospels represents all Jews, either. And if we applied that same standard to Scripture, would we avoid preaching on the Gospel of John altogether because of how often it uses the phrase “the Jews”? That would be both irresponsible and unfaithful. There are ways of reframing and educating people without disparaging an entire hymn or text.
The devotion’s focus was a theological reflection on Christ’s passion—not a full critique of every line in the hymn. That said, your comment invites an important conversation, and I’m glad you raised it here. Thanks for reading and for taking the time to engage.