Big Buts of the Bible

The Doctor Has Been Listening…

The Doctor has a confession to make.

Contrary to rumors circulating through the Department of Conjunctional Studies, his laboratory isn’t always filled with Gregorian chants and hymns from the nineteenth century.

Sometimes… the Doctor likes a little rock-n-roll.

Lately, one particular song has been making regular appearances on the laboratory playlist: “But God” by Brandon Lake.

Now, naturally, any song built around the greatest conjunction in the English language was destined to catch the Doctor’s attention.

The Doctor immediately paused his research, adjusted his bifocals, and declared, “Well… now this deserves further grammatical investigation.”

Turns out, Brandon Lake understands something we’ve been celebrating around here for quite some time.

Those two little words… But God.

They’re some of the most hope-filled words in all of Scripture. Throughout the Bible, they announce a divine interruption.

Human strength runs out…

But God.

Hope disappears…

But God.

The diagnosis comes…

But God.

The chains seem permanent…

But God.

Lake’s song follows that same biblical rhythm. Looking back over his testimony, he imagines where he’d still be apart from God’s intervention.

“I would still be caught up in religion…”

“I would still be high in my addiction…”

“I would still be dying for a living…”

Then come those glorious words:

But God.

The Doctor especially appreciated another lyric:

“Bet death thought He had Him on a Friday… soft serve, he forgot about Sunday.”

Now that’s good theology wrapped inside good songwriting.

The cross looked like defeat. But God had already planned Resurrection Sunday.

The Doctor would also like to offer a musical footnote.

If you’re exploring Brandon Lake’s music, don’t overlook Hard Fought Hallelujah, his collaboration with Jelly Roll. Jelly Roll’s own testimony is another powerful reminder that no life is beyond the reach of two life-changing words: But God.

The Doctor hereby concludes today’s laboratory findings with this observation:

A good conjunction can change a sentence.

But God changes lives.

Laboratory Assignment: What’s playing in your playlist these days? Any songs that point your heart back to Jesus?

—Dr. D. Buttersworth, Chief Conjunction Researcher, Department of Biblical Grammar & Hope Studies