Keith Green: A Prophetic Voice in the Wilderness of Contemporary Christian Music

Reviving Keith Green's Call to the Unreached

A Prophetic Voice in the Wilderness

In the landscape of Contemporary Christian Music, Keith Green emerges as a prophetic figure, a voice crying out in the wilderness, calling for a return to scriptural truth and heartfelt conviction. His music, imbued with the essence of biblical narratives, resonated deeply with a generation seeking authenticity and depth. Green's lyrics were not mere words set to melody; they were the outpourings of a soul wrestling with the commands of God, a heart seeking to align with the heart of God.

Vision Beyond Music

Green's ministry extended far beyond the realm of music. He was a man seized by a vision, a vision that transcended cultural and geographical boundaries. His focus was on those forgotten by the world, the unreached and unengaged peoples whose cries for salvation echoed in the silence of their anonymity. In his final message before his tragic departure on July 28, 1982, titled “Why you should go to the mission field”, Green issued a clarion call, echoing the Great Commission of Matthew 28. He charged his listeners to abandon their earthly pursuits and follow Christ into the harvest fields of the world.

In 1998, a commemorative CD, “Here Am I, Send Me: Songs of Evangelism,” was released in honor of Green’s legacy. This compilation, a mosaic of worship, evangelism, testimony, and devotion, continued to echo Green's heart for the lost. Among these songs, “Jesus Commands Us To Go!” stands out as a passionate appeal to reach the lost of our generation.

The song features an excerpt that reflects Green's transformative journey:

"My wife and I just came back from a trip overseas visiting missionary bases. It opened our eyes to a couple of facts. One of them was that God is not an American. God's world belongs to Him, and He loves everybody the same. It's an amazing realization. He loves the old drunk in the streets of Calcutta right now, just as He loves you and every other person, known or forgotten. His heart reaches out to the masses. The Bible tells us, 'It is not God's will that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.' As I traveled, seeing nations where only a handful of believers existed, it became clear: it's either God's will for it to be this way, which we know is not true, or it's our responsibility."

"Nowhere in the world is the Gospel so abundant as it is in the United States. Yet, how often do we say, 'I didn’t hear You calling me, God'? Here’s a thought to ponder: You don’t need to wait for a call; you are already called. If you choose to stay, be sure you can say to God, 'It was Your will for me to stay.' When I asked who among you has heard a definite call to go and preach the Gospel to all nations, how many raised their hands? Remember, in the armed forces, you always obey the last order until new orders come. My last order was ‘GO’."

This message challenges us to consider our place in God's grand narrative. Where are the "Keith Greens" of today, those who carry the torch of God's love to the nations? Have we become too comfortable within the confines of our churches, content to serve within familiar walls? The vision of God encompasses every tribe, every tongue, united in a chorus of praise for His glory. Keith Green’s life and message stand as a testament to a faith that is active, daring, and boundless, calling us to live a life of radical obedience and selfless love.