I've waited all my life to meet the man I saw today
I've thought about him many times and practised what I'd say
But when he came I found myself completely lost for words
I thought he'd be a firebrand
But I met the Lamb of God
I'm used to being in control and saying what I mean
I'm not the sort the stand aside while others steal the scene
But Jesus simply came and stood among the surging crowd
Patient, quiet and humble
This is the Lamb of God
I baptise with water but he brings the Spirit's fire
I preach to shame and frighten but he preaches to inspire
I'm herald of the kingdom but he is God's final Word
I must decrease he must increase
(for) he knows the heart of God
He's not pious, he's not bossy, he's not selfish, he's not proud
He's thoughtful and he's prayerful, he's not violent, he's not loud
We expected the Messiah, the anointed Son of God
But though he's not what we expected
Let's follow the Lamb of God.
In this rock'n'roll number John the Baptist debates with himself
about the impression he has formed of Jesus after meeting him at
the Jordan.
We have imagined John as a fiery preacher and pictured his surprise
that Jesus displays more power and charisma than John, but through meekness
and gentle wisdom. They were contrasting personalities, but equally
called and commissioned.
But John's mission was, at least partially, in fulfilment of a
prophecy that Elijah would return as herald of the kingdom of the
Messiah (see Malachi 4:5 and Matthew 11:14). And one of Elijah's
distinctive callings was to anoint kings and a prophet (see 1 Kings 19:15-16).
However, John didn't anoint Jesus, which is where our script leads us to
"The Anointing Song".