John the Revelator

A quick break in the studies for a related blog...

There is an song that I first heard first on the Season 1 finale of the show Sons of Anarchy (FX).

Initially, I liked the song, because it had a cool old southern bluesy gospel feel (think "Soggy Bottom" from "O Brother Where Art Thou?"). I liked it also, because based on the story line of the show, it invokes the feeling of rebellion and standing for what is right and independence and truth.

We bought the Sons of Anarchy CD off iTunes the day it was released (we're mildly obsessed with the AMAZING show). The song, "John the Revelator" was on there :)

I've listened to that song repeatedly since September 8th, and I must admit, that song is about so much more than rebellion and integrity and independence and truth.

Here are the lyrics from Wikipedia

Who's that writin'? [response] John the Revelator
Tell me who's that writin'? John the Revelator
Tell me who's that writin'? John the Revelator

Wrote the book of the seven seals

Who's that writin'? [response] John the Revelator
Tell me who's that writin'? John the Revelator
Well who's that writin'? John the Revelator

Wrote the book of the seven seals

You know God walked down in the cool of the day
Called Adam by his name
But he refused to answer
Because he's naked and ashamed

You know Christ had twelve apostles
And three he led away
He said, "Watch with me one hour,
'till I go yonder and pray."

Christ came on Easter morning
Mary and Martha went down to see
He said, "Go tell my disciples
To meet me in Galilee."


The phrase "John the Revelator" refers to none other than our wonderful Apostle John, St. John, the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved. Remember, he wrote the book of Revelation. He revealed to the world a revelation given unto him by none other than God (see Revelation 1:1-3)

"Seven Seals" See Revelation 5:1

The first verse refers to the fall of man, when Adam tried to hide from God in the Garden of Eden.

The second verse refers to the time in the Garden of Gethsemane when the disciples fell asleep instead of praying with Jesus. (See Passion of the Christ and Agony in the Garden for additional information.)

The third verse refers to the Resurrection of the Christ - the foundation of all things Christianity - our hope and proof in the eternal life.

This Biblically-dense song covers four major aspects of God's story for us - the fall (which got us here in the first place), the crucifixion (which gets us out of the fall), the resurrection (which proves life eternal), and the final revelation of Christ's glory (our eternal life).

How the writer's were able to do it, I will never know. I'm not much of a poet, so I couldn't even try to get that much theology in three verses and a chorus.

I pray that you can find the time to listen to and mediate on this wonderful song that encompasses all things Christ.

For another great song, look up "The Apostle's Creed" by Third Day.