Pray For Oliver Anthony
When I first heard Oliver Anthony, I thought he was another Jason Aldean. Then, when I saw his video crying in the wilderness, I first thought his protest song made him the next Bob Dylan. Then, when I saw him perform his song, titled I Want To Go Home, I realized he may be a modern day John the Baptist. When I started watching YouTube reaction videos of Oliver’s work, I saw many comments telling people to pray for Oliver Anthony.
Mr. Aldean made a music video about the values of small towns and people from the Left incorrectly accused him of making a racist video. Oliver’s video of him singing Rich Men North of Richmond targeted the “inefficiencies of the federal government” in Washington D.C. Unlike Aldean, Bob Dylan was a heavier hand in a protest movement. Oliver Anthony’s message seems to be even heavier than Dylan. Oliver makes me think of Isaiah 40:3, The voice of one crying in the wilderness:“Prepare the way of the Lord.”
Matthew 3 tells of John the Baptist and his ministry. In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His paths straight.’ ”
Oliver Anthony reminds me of John the Baptist. Oliver certainly seems comfortable crying in the wilderness with his guitar and his dogs. Below is a link of what Glenn Beck thinks of him. Glenn and many others see the hand of God at work in Oliver. Glenn Beck said this about Oliver Anthony.
Speaking Truth is Dangerous
The photo I used is from the painting of Matthias Grünewald and found at this link.The words in the artwork refer to John the Baptist praising Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease” in John 3:30. As you know, the rulers of that day arrested John the Baptist and cut-off his head for telling the truth. Instinctively, audiences of Oliver Anthony know he sings truth and his life may be in danger just as John’s. Instinctively, people realize we need to pray for Oliver Anthony.
Comfort for God’s people.
Interestingly, I have used Isaiah 40 before. That blog was to bring comfort to God’s people. Like John the Baptist, and Isaiah, Oliver brings comfort to the masses who have listened to him prepare the way of the Lord.