I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. ~ Psalm 40:1-4

This short film came across my transom on FB the other day courtesy of friends Beverly Ross and Dave Waldrup, and documents the friendship between Paul David Hewson (otherwise known as Bono of the band U2) and Eugene Peterson (author of the contemporary-language Bible translation, The Message) revolving around their common interest in the Psalms. Based on interviews conducted by Fuller Seminary faculty member David Taylor and produced in association with Fourth Line Films, the film highlights in particular a conversation on the Psalms that took place between Bono, Peterson, and Taylor at Peterson’s Montana home.

Although their conversation revolves around the totality of the Bible Book of Psalms, and their importance to Christ’s reference to them throughout his ministry, of particular interest is the focus on Psalm 40, the seventh of the sixteen identified Messianic Psalms (see complete list in the end notes below). The book of Psalms takes its title from the Hebrew word Tehillim which means “praises”. The English word is derived from the title given in the Septuagint and refers to the stringed instruments used for worship. Therefore the major theme of the Psalms is “Praise of God in song on stringed instruments”. Dancing is also encouraged, as when David himself danced before the throng. These Messianic Psalms do not stand alone but are accepted and mentioned as such in the New Testament.

With that short introduction, let us go to the video…

So, the Hebrew word Tehillim (praises) and the English word Psalms (the stringed instruments used for worship) coming beautifully together in this rendition of 40, Bono and U2s rendition of Psalm 40 … Following the introduction with Yahweh up to the 3:40 mark, make sure you have Psalm 40 open so that you can read the lyrics along with the band … And get this, in CHICAGO of all places, the murder capital of the United States. It’s truly awesome to see such a huge band boldly proclaiming Christ to the world. Take heed, We The People…

Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. ~ Psalm 40:5-8

I waited patiently for the Lord; He inclined and heard my cry; He brought me up out of the pit; Out of the mire and clay…

I will sing, sing a new song; I will sing, sing a new song; How long to sing this song; How long to sing this song; How long, how long, how long; How long, to sing this song…

He set my feet upon a rock; And made my footsteps firm; Many will see; Many will see and fear; I will sing, sing a new song; I will sing, sing a new song; I will sing, sing a new song; I will sing, sing a new song…

How long to sing this song; How long to sing this song; How long, how long, how long; How long, to sing this song…

Songwriters: ADAM CLAYTON, DAVE EVANS, LARRY MULLEN, PAUL HEWSON

© Universal Music Publishing Group / For non-commercial use only.

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Their Christianity nearly broke up the band after their American “October” Tour back in 1982. It was Paul McGuinness, U2s longtime manager that held them together, stating “The decision of course is yours, but if you break up and become the Lord’s missionaries, you may touch a few hundred people over your lifetimes … But my God man, think of the stage you are building now to spread his word. How many millions could you reach?” 40 was released on their subsequent album “WAR”. U2 are an amazing band, and you gotta love ’em; just like God loves them. Sometimes during their performances, Bono and his buddies definitely remind me of David … So how ’bout you too?!

And David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet .. And they brought in the ark of the Lord, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LordAnd as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts. ~ II Samuel 6:14-15/17-18

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End notes: Full list/content of the Messianic Psalms…

The film is featured exclusively through FULLER studio, a site offering resources—videos, podcasts, reflections, stories—for all who seek deeply formed spiritual lives. Explore these resources, on the Psalms and a myriad of other topics, at Fuller.edu/Studio.

© Fuller Theological Seminary / Fuller Studio / a Fourth Line Films production, in association with Fuller’s Brehm Center Texas and W. David O. Taylor

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Face of Jesus by Richard Hook

Soli Deo Gloria!