The Rise, Fall and Redemption of Johnny Cash
I recently came across an excellent documentary on the famous American Country singer, Johnny Cash. Thankfully, and somewhat surprisingly, it's currently on SBS on Demand and therefore can be viewed for free. The title is "Johnny Cash: Redemption of an Idol", the link to which can be found here.
The reason I say 'surprisingly' is because it's produced and largely presented by evangelical pastor Greg Laurie and he doesn't shy away from Cash's spiritual conversion or subsequent witness to Jesus. This is more than appropriate though, since Greg Laurie has recently published a biography on Johnny Cash with the same title.
The production values of Redemption of an Idol are excellent and it is probably one of the reasons why an organisation like SBS was willing to host it. There are also numerous contributions from such varied musical artists and public figures such as Tim McGraw, Franklin Graham, Sheryl Crowe and Alice Cooper. Cash's sister, Joanne also makes a number of excellent contributions and insights into the family's faith.
Growing up in a Christian family, Cash was strongly influenced by the Christian faith of his mother and especially his brother Jack who died tragically in a saw milling accident at the age of fifteen. After finding fame and fortune, Cash walked away from Christ and it resulted in promiscuity, addiction to prescription drugs and the subsequent breakdown of his marriage.
Cash obviously led a tumultuous life of sex, drugs and rock and roll which ultimately all came crashing down around him. But as the documentary shows, when he hit rock bottom the LORD graciously brought him back to Himself. And he spent the rest of his life seeking to proclaim Christ in whatever way he could – whether that be music, movies or speaking.
Cash was also close friends with Billy Graham and sang at numerous evangelistic crusades. And there are still many people around today who testify to the impact Cash had on them . It is wonderfully encouraging to see how Cash used his musical talents to bear witness to Christ
Most people have at least heard a couple of his songs such as Ring of Fire, Ghost Riders in the Sky and Walk the Line. But since his death it is his Gospel music which is becoming more and more popular and appreciated. If you have the time, it's worth listening to his songs Redemption, God's Gonna Cut You Down, The Man Comes Around and especially Hurt.
Cash was in no way perfect, and one of the reasons why he wore black—he became known as The Man in Black—was because he wanted to always identify with the brokenness of where he had come from.
What Cash's Gospel music testifies to, is the redeeming love of God, that Jesus Christ is the One who redeems us from our sin and justifies us through faith. As the apostle Paul says in 1 Timothy 1:15-16:
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.
- Mark Powell
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