Kanye West is a complicated figure, from his feud with Taylor Swift, to his strong support of Donald Trump and his earlier music, including the infamous “I am a God/ I am a God / I am a God / I am a God” line on his 2013 album Yeezus.

But something has changed in the rappers life, who has recently shared his conversion story. West’s latest creative expression has been an album titled “Jesus is King”, is a bold foray into the message of the gospel.

Whatever your opinion on West, or rap in general, there are some nuggets of gold to encourage every Christian. 

Here are six of the best lyrics from “Jesus is King” and how they can speak into our lives and our attitude to God.
 

1. When I thought the Book of Job was a job / The Devil had my soul, I can't lie - That’s on God

The track opens strongly “How you get so much favour on your side?/ Accept Him as your Lord and Saviour, I replied’ and continues boldly.

The Bible has many ways of describing our spiritual state without relationship with God. Both the description of being “dead in our sins” from Ephesians  or being children of the devil in 1 John depict us as caught by the devil, and unable to do anything about it.

"Accept Him as your Lord and Saviour" 

This line reminds us that our personal break in relationship with God is dangerous and that our very souls are at stake. It’s a dramatic reminder of how lost we are without Jesus.

The lyrics of “That’s on God” continue to give God the credit for the change in Kanye’s life, a great reminder that we cannot withstand the devil ourselves. 

2. “Through your message, now I know you / I come to you empty, free of my pride”  - Up from the Ashes 

What is your attitude to God? Do you ever catch yourself thinking something along the lines of “God is lucky to have me following Him” or “I’m pretty good at this Jesus thing”? Kanye’s song “Up From the Ashes” models a humble attitude to God that many of us can forget. 

It also reminds us that it is only through God’s message that we can know Him, nothing else. We come to Him empty.
 

3. “To sing of change, you think I’m joking / To praise His name, you ask what I’m smoking / Yes, I understand your reluctancy, yeah / But I have a request you see / Don’t throw me up, lay your hands on me / Please, pray for me” - Hands On 

Some reactions to West’s conversion have been critical or skeptical. Whatever your personal opinion, this line is a reminder that anyone can be called by Jesus to know and love Him. West has put words to the very real feeling of rejection that can come from both Church and other groups when someone describes a big change in their life.

"Please, pray for me" 

When we see someone move towards Jesus, we should meet them with love and prayers, rather than judgement. Is there anyone in your life you need to respond better to?


4. The storm may come / But we'll get through it because of Your love - Water 

Another great reminder of the attitude of faithful dependence we are called to have on God. Not that we are promised a perfect life, but that we can rely on God’s love, no matter what the circumstance.  

Later in the song, Kanye asks God to “Clean us like the rain in the Spring” and continues “Jesus, is our rock/ Jesus, give us grace”. Amen. 
 

5. Raise our sons, train them in the faith / Through temptations, make sure they’re wide awake / Follow Jesus, listen and obey / No more livin’ for the culture, we nobody’s slave - Sunday 

If anyone knows what it means to stand out from the culture, it’s Kanye. This lyric reminds us again to live for Jesus, rather than letting ourselves become a slave to other forces. 

But it’s the language of “raise our sons” that is key. It’s a reminder to care for the people around us and be sharing Jesus with them. Coming from father-of-four, it’s an encouragement for any Christian leader. 
 

6. Can't wait to see your new body / Your Holy, Holy and new body / You'll be born again in your new body / So it's only fair to your new body, woah - New Body 

It is easy to forget that Christianity isn’t just for right now, it’s for the future too. This final line is an encouragement to look forward to the future. 

This list isn’t conclusive, but hopefully it’s an encouragement. We’re sure there are other great lines from Kanye’s new album - and some you probably don’t agree with too! You can listen to the full album “Jesus is King” here and enjoy hearing God’s name praised.  Whatever you think of Kanye - how good is it that thousands of people are googling “Jesus is King” right now.