The Christian walk is not a popular one. To stand with the Lord mean many will oppose you and what the Bible says. The question is, will you continue to stand in adversary and walk in the Light as Jesus is in the Light?
Ive written hundreds of songs over the past 40 years. I love Jesus, the word of God, people and music. I play guitar, bass and sing. Thank you for listening!
My music is about the new life found in Jesus Christ. He is our access to the Father and is worthy of all praise and glory. He has taken our sins away by the selfless sacrifice of His death upon the cross. He is deserving of songs and worship.
The sound of my music is influenced by the delta blues and artists that have followed through the 60s and 70s who have taken this music and written folk, Americana, and Rock n Roll.
Thank you for listening to my songs, and also the collaboration projects, thank you to all who contributed to these songs..
Story behind the song
The Firstborn Son, penned by Richard Shekari and John Matteson, is a powerful worship anthem that combines vivid imagery with a deep expression of faith in Gods protection and sovereignty. Drawing from biblical themes, the song speaks to the unwavering strength and support that believers find in the Lord, especially in times of doubt, weakness, and opposition. It emphasizes trust in Gods ability to fight on behalf of His people, acknowledging both His might and His love.
The song opens with a bold declaration of Gods divine protectionTen thousand at my left hand, ten thousand at my righthighlighting the assurance that no enemy can prevail against Gods chosen ones when He is for them. It transitions into a personal prayer, asking God to reveal His power and will, and committing to stand firm in faith with Him, acknowledging Him as "My God from above."
The chorus reinforces the song's central theme: Gods strength in the believer's weakness, His light in the darkness, and His redemptive power to lift the broken-hearted. It also underscores the purifying power of Christ's blood, highlighting the themes of salvation and purity through His sacrifice.
Verse 3 reflects on the isolation and doubts faced by the believer, but ultimately celebrates the victory found in calling on the name of Jesusthe "Great Light" who dispels darkness and fear. The verse concludes with a powerful proclamation of awe at Christ, the "Firstborn Son," who is both eternal and all-powerful.
Verse 4 connects Christs eternal nature to His role as the "Firstborn Son" above all that has ever been or ever will be. It emphasizes Christ's pre-existence, His incarnation, and His purpose not just to save, but to set the captives free.
Musically, the song blends emotive, guitar-driven melodies, with John Mattesons expressive guitar playing at the heart of the arrangement. The music transitions from intimate reflection to moments of soaring praise, accentuating the triumphant themes of the lyrics. The arrangement mirrors the journey from personal struggle to a triumphant declaration of faith.
At its core, The Firstborn Son is a song of victory and devotion, celebrating the eternal power and love of Jesus ChristThe One who has always been and always will beleading His followers to ultimate freedom and salvation.
Lyrics
The Firstborn Son
Ten thousand at my left hand
Ten thousand at my right
A million stand against me
In this fight
If you are for me Lord who can stand against me
Open my eyes Lord to see your power
Open my eyes to see Your love
Work in me Your will be done
I will stand with the Most High
My God from above
When I am weak, You are my strength, Lord.
In the darkness, You shine the way.
When I am down, You lift me, Dear Lord.
In Your name I am saved, through Your blood I am made pure.
When I was walking alone,
They who lurk in the dark whispered all sorts of negative things.
They said, "You are not as good as You appear,
Nor are the things Ive heard about You true."
But when I called on Your name, they fled,
And I always wonder why they fear You,
O Great Light, The Firstborn Son.
When I am weak, You are my strength, Lord.
In the darkness, You shine the way.
When I am down, You lift me, Dear Lord.
In Your name I am saved, through Your blood I am made pure.
Who is like the Lord our God?
He is mighty in battle, the Firstborn Son above all that has ever been and will ever be.
He was there before it all began, and He Himself, the Word, became flesh,
not only to save, but to set the captives free.
When I am weak, You are my strength, Lord.
In the darkness, You shine the way.
When I am down, You lift me, Dear Lord.
In Your name I am saved, through Your blood I am made pure.
Copyright 2024 John Matteson and Richard Shekari
Guitar: John Matteson
Produced by Richard Shekari
