Contemporary Christian band We The Kingdom invites listeners into God’s family with the title track from their album Dear Jesus. Known for their infectious, upbeat sound, the band layers strong, distinct vocals over memorable melodies, creating songs that consistently encourage and uplift.
The group’s story traces back decades, rooted in a family deeply shaped by music. Musician Ed Cash and his younger brother Scott grew up in a home where music was ever-present, eventually leading them to play in bands and pursue their calling.
During his teenage years, Ed drifted from his Christian upbringing and fell into a lifestyle involving alcohol and drugs. “One of my best friends in high school died from a heroin overdose, and I remember getting that news, and it absolutely overwhelmed me because I knew that could’ve easily been me,” he recalls. “I thank God that for whatever reason He spared me, He rescued me.”
I had the opportunity to speak with Ed, Scott, Andrew, and Martin about their song “Dear Jesus.”
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
Ed: “Dear Jesus” was inspired by a true story of radical grace, centered on a conversation with a man who was running from his past and found transformation through faith. We envisioned the song as a letter to God from this place of brokenness, a desperate, honest plea for redemption. Initially, we saw this song as a "sinner's prayer." The song captures a raw moment of surrender, highlighting the need for Jesus to be the focus of one's life.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
1 Corinthians 8:6 (NKJV): “Yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.”
Psalm 34:18 (NKJV): “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart and saves such as have a contrite spirit.”
Psalm 113:3 (NKJV): “From the rising of the sun to its going down the Lord’s name is to be praised.”
Acts 4:12 (NKJV): “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
John 18:36 (VOICE): "My kingdom is not recognized in this world. If this were my kingdom, my servants would be fighting for my freedom. But My kingdom is not in this physical realm."
Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV): “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
Ephesians 2:13-16 (NKJV): "But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity."
Romans 15:13 (NIV): “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Philippians 3:20 (NLV): "But we are citizens of heaven. Christ, the One Who saves from the punishment of sin, will be coming down from heaven again. We are waiting for Him to return."
Romans 8:28 (VOICE): “We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.”
Romans 8:38-39 (VOICE): "For I have every confidence that nothing—not death, life, heavenly messengers, dark spirits, the present, the future, spiritual powers, height, depth, nor any created thing—can come between us and the love of God revealed in the anointed, Jesus our Lord."
What is the takeaway message?
Scott: The lyrics are imagined as a letter to God, intended to give voice to anyone walking through pain who can't find the words to pray, offering a whisper of hope. The song conveys a message of finding peace and healing through brokenness, emphasizing that it's never too late for a life to turn around.
Andrew: After spending two years recording, it's amazing to be able to tell a real story. This song and this record represent the beauty that freedom brings: no themes or motives, just genuine expression.
Lyrics
Dear Jesus, it's been a long, long time Been runnin' 'round rackin' my brain on why I wasted life Lookin' for freedom, I tried every high I thought I saw the light, but I've been seein' blind
Would You come into my heart, teach me how to live? I'm tired of livin' like a dead man Don't You think You could forgive? All the bad things that I've done are more than I can bear Lord, please hear this sinner's prayer
Dear Jesus, can You hear me now? I never thought rock bottom would be so far down I took the bait of the devil, hopped on a wrong-way train Goin' hellbound in a hurry 'til You called my name Would You come into my heart, teach me how to live? I'm tired of livin' like a dead man Don't You think You could forgive? All the bad things that I've done are more than I can bear Oh, Lord, please hear this sinner's prayer
Take me home, take me home I've heard about them backroad streets of gold Take me home, Lord, take me home To the motherland where the angels roam
Would You come into my heart, teach me how to live? I'm tired of livin' like a dead man Don't You think You could forgive? All the bad things that I've done are more than I can bear Yes, Lord, please hear this sinner's prayer Thank You, Lord, for the sinner's prayer
Closing Thoughts
The song’s main message is to hold on to Christ because something better is coming. The grace and promise that God is with us, proclaimed in the lyrics, “Take me home, take me home, I've heard about them backroad streets of gold, Take me home, Lord, take me home,” really move and guide me in my Christian walk. Live every day for heaven, and don’t forget that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Nothing we possess is more precious than our salvation. This song highlights how much Jesus endured to rescue us from the grave. It's a glimpse of the beautiful ending we're all moving toward as we finish the race set before us. Worship is about giving God our best and offering all of ourselves to Him. That creates a sweet aroma of praise. He made us worship Him.
The song encourages us to reflect on our doubts and trust in Jesus and His resurrection power. It reminds us that Jesus has overcome death and fear. This message is something the global church can embrace and share. We raise our hands in celebration and surrender, and we can also lift them confidently to God, trusting in His unfailing mercy. His love is boundless. He is our refuge and strength.
When we sing this song, we should do so with complete submission, making Jesus the Lord of our lives and guiding every thought and activity toward Him. The song's message reflects something the global church can hold on to and declare. We raise our hands to celebrate and surrender, trusting in God's unfailing mercy and love.
When you sing, do you do so with full devotion or just pronounce the words? When you sing a song, don't just sing it—know it and live it out. Make Jesus the Lord of your life. Ensure every activity and thought points to Him.
As a believer, understand that heaven is calling out to you. He is real. He is near. He is the author of our lives and knows what's best for us—much better than we do. That's a reason to sing this empowering anthem in gratefulness to Him.
If you're seeking a solid foundation in your life, make these lyrics your personal prayer: “Would You come into my heart, teach me how to live? I'm tired of livin' like a dead man. Don't you think you could forgive? All the bad things that I've done are more than I can bear. Yes, Lord, please hear this sinner's prayer.” Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a passionate enthusiast and dedicated collector of Christian music. He believes the message of Christian music has deepened his understanding of Christ.
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