The Chisel

One Summer, my youth minister and others put together a city-wide youth evangelism crusade. It was held at the local high school football field. We brought in professional youth speakers and recording artists. We launched a city-wide marketing campaign and had a pretty good turn out and lots of people responded to the gospel. 

I cannot remember who spoke or what was said but I do remember a couple of the bands/musicians we had. Probably because I was the kid who volunteered to pick them all up from the airport and return them to the airport when it was all over! I remember having the captive audience of a 3 member all-guy group called GABRIEL. I also remember driving this solo guy back to the airport and holding him captive. Why were they my captive audience? Because I was an aspiring Christian songwriter and recording artist and had cassette tapes of my songs that I would ask them to listen to and give feedback on.

I wasn't as successful with GABRIEL as all they seemed to be interested in was my cassette collection of Christian Music by other bands and artists! (chuckle) However, there was this one soloist I returned back to the airport. We had a 3 hour drive...soooooo...his patience was tested I am sure! He was gracious in his responses to my so called music. He was kind and gentle and truthful. I learned a few things about my songwriting in that 3 hour trip.

It is said that "hind sight is 20/20". I wish that I had been less about me and more about Jesus and my travel guests. As a 50 something year old guy, I look back and wish I had heard the story of this song and that song. Each song seems to have a back-story. I would love to have heard all the stories.

One song I remember this solo artist singing was a new song he said had never been shared in public before. So, he was about to sing a brand new song and we were the first audience! Interestingly enough, the song's back-story wasn't really of importance to me once I heard it. It was what it meant in real time to me that hit me. The song became my prayer for me. I wanted to be more like Jesus and wanted to be willing to take the chisel if necessary. When I shared it with my dad he informed me that I "better be careful what  [ I ] ask God for". I was young and "stupid" then and didn't care how dangerous that prayer was. I just wanted to please God. 

Today, I am married and have children. Throughout the years I have mentioned this song to my children. This morning, while taking three of them to school, something prompted this memory and, again, I shared with my kids. Thank God for Spotify! I found it and played it for them. I heard, "wow", "oh man" throughout the song as it was being played. Then I wondered if the writers truly understand just how meaningful that particular song has been to me all these years (30+).  

In those days, I was listening to the likes of Steve Camp, Steven Curtis Chapman, Allies, etc. But I also loved the music of Michael James Murphy. He says his friends call him "Murph". Well, Murph - Thank you for your musical and spiritual influence in my life and the lives of my kids. THE CHISEL  is the song I have been talking about. Written by Bobby Price and Michael James Murphy.

In a day when many in the Church enjoy comfort and make the Christian life what they want it, this song keeps reminding me that I was not made for me. I was made for HIM and my desire should be to be surrendered to God for His purpose and His glory. There is nothing more important in this life than being transformed/conformed into the image of Jesus Christ the Son of God. 

So, I've prayed this for over 30 years and God has been faithful to answer this prayer and I pray afresh today....

The Chisel

Chorus

Bring on the chisel if that's Your desire
If You think I need it I'll go through the fire
If I'll be like Jesus and this is required
Father I want the chisel

Verse 1

I thought that pedestals were for heroes
But I can tell that's not what You've got in mind
From here this looks just like a potter's wheel
I thought I was already designed

Verse 2

But now I see You've just gotten started
A sculpture takes a long time to make
I'm not sure I know what I'm saying
But whatever You must do I will take

Verse 3

I know You're shaping me in Your image
I'm being fashioned by Your hand
Never thought this would be so painful
God this pain is not what I planned

Verse 4

But my desire to be a vessel of honor
Is greater than the suffering I feel
I am the clay and You are the potter
I'll let You do the work of the wheel

CCLI Song # 834794

Bobby Price | Michael James Murphy

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CCLI License # 370973

SKITGUYS has a great Skit that goes with this song well. Watch it HERE