"This is Now" by Casting Crowns

Chuck Spangler

Grace Memorial Vestry Member

And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” And they straightway left their nets, and followed him”.
Matthew 4:18-20

And Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a boat, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain privately, to pray; and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the boat was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a ghost; and they cried out of fear. But straightway Jesus spoke unto them, saying, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid” And Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water” And He said, “Come.”  And when Peter was come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying “Lord, save me” And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, “O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt?
And when they were come into the boat, the wind ceased.
Matthew 14:22-32

For my 2nd Friday “Greatest Hits – August” I present Casting Crowns performing “This Is Now”.  It is an indirect reference to the inspirational growth of St. Peter.

Cut:        “This Is Now”
Artist:     Casting Crowns

Lyrics:
​
Standing at the water’s edge…I dropped my dreams when I dropped my nets.
No hesitation, no regrets, I followed You, but that was then…this is now
You washed my feet and You changed my name, I swore I’d never be the same
Just like the tides I guess people change, cause that was then and this is now.

I wish I could go back but I don’t know how, I remember when I stood my ground, 
I swore I’d never let You down, I want to be that man again, but that was then…and this is now.

I watched the blind man lift his head…and look his savior in the eyes.
I heard a dead man take a breath…dropped to my knees as I watched him rise.

I felt the sea beneath my feet as I stepped out on the angry waves,
But You saw the storm raging within, You reached out and caught me then…but this now.

I wish I could go back but I don’t know how
I remember when I stood my ground, I swore I’d never let you down…I want to be that man again, 
But that was then…and this is now.

Just when I thought my sin had closed the door, I see my savior standing on the shore, 
With arms wide open, just like the first time You called my name, 
You said 
     “that was then…and this is now.  
     “My child I bore your cross I wore your crown. 
     “When you couldn’t come to Me, My love came down.  So take My hand I’ll lead you out,
     “cause that was then…and this is now.
     “My child I bore your cross, I wore your crown…you couldn’t come to Me, 
     “so My love came down.
     “Take My hand I’ll lead you out, Cause that was then…and this is now.”