Before The Throne: A Tribute to Shane & Shane

There are many bands out there that pursue Jesus and want to make much of Him with their music. I think it’s an awesome thing to see people use the gifts God has given them, only to give them right back ascribing worth and glory to our Heavenly Father. For Shane & Shane, I believe they are one of the best bands that seek for this to ultimately happen, if not the best band who does it.

This isn’t meant to knock any other bands out there and I know everyone has their favorite, but God speaks to me personally through the music written and performed by Shane & Shane. I don’t think I am the only one either. My affections for Christ are stirred continuously while listening to their music and have often brought me to tears in Worship. I’ve also had the privilege to attend multiple concerts that they have put on and to no surprise, they are authentic and genuine all the way through, and also hilarious! I am sure there are many fans out there who thank them daily, but I just wanted to pay tribute to them to show my appreciation and gratitude.

I was first introduced to Shane & Shane around the time I graduated High School from one of my friends. My first impression was “ok, two guys with guitars, awesome” with not much more excitement than that. Then I listened to them. That was the first time that I ever heard Christian music expressed that way. The talent between those two guys and the way they harmonized with one another seemed unreal. I was blown away and thanked my friend for the introduction. Over time for the next few years I would listen on and off again, which lasted through their first six albums. I appreciated their music even though I wasn’t a believer…yet.

Then in 2006, it happened. I became a follower of Jesus Christ. Now, there was a whole new meaning to their music for me personally. Shane & Shane went from talent & harmonizing, to worship & glorifying. I could go back through their first six albums and see Christ within each lyric, in every song. Everything pointed to Him. Following that in 2007, an album by the name of Pages was released.

This album not only blew away all my expectations of new Shane & Shane music, but took the depths of my relationship with Christ to a whole new level. Whether it was when I thought about the Lord, or when I was going through some difficult times embracing my accusations, this album continued to make bad days better and even fire me up to stand up for Christ when faced with adversity. I even wrote a post about the story behind Burn Us Up.

It was through this album that I realized how much music can play a role in our lives. My all time favorite song even came from this album. In my opinion, it has the most powerful lyrics I’ve ever heard. Take that and mix it in with Shane & Shane performing it, and it creates an experience of worship within itself. That song is, Before The Throne.

This song is a masterpiece and glorifies Christ in every way. I’ve never heard anything like it and I imagine I never will again. It even was impactful when it came to the name of this website. The attention that Shane & Shane give this song leads me to believe that it is extremely impactful for them as well, and other fans too. Every show I have ever attended concludes on this song, with the stage being completely empty at the end, making it all about praising the One, Risen Son, of God and not about the concert or the band. To me, this shows the dedication and intentionality that Shane & Shane bring to their music. At the end of the day, all they want to take place is for us to encounter the living God and to worship Him.

The lyrics, guitar playing, and harmonizing is the best I have ever heard before, but what makes them ultimately great is their message, Jesus Saves.

If you have never heard Shane & Shane before, I would encourage you to visit their website and check them out. There are many other albums they have made since 2007, and they are all fantastic. They also just recently released their newest album, Bring Your Nothing. Recently, they have launched The Worship Initiative, an online resource to empower musicians to lead, which just shows they want to be obedient to what God is calling them to do.

Thank you Shane & Shane for your music. Thank you for allowing God to work through you as you continue to write amazing lyrics. Thank you for being authentic to your fans. Thank you for being great examples of glorifying God with your families. Thank you for making much of God by sharing the love of Christ. Be encouraged that God has used you in phenomenal ways and will continue to do so when you are facing times of doubt. And if you ever really wonder if you have made a difference in someone’s life, know that you have made a big difference in mine. I look forward to seeing what else God has in store for you and confidently know you will seek Him in every way.

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Praise the One, Risen Son, of God.

What about you? Have you ever been impacted by Shane & Shane? If so, please comment below or share this post by using one of our tools above. Consider tagging them (@shaneandshane) as you share the post to show your appreciation. Let’s build up and strengthen the Church by encouraging them to continue to press on, making God glorifying music.

Mike Mobley

Follower of Christ, Husband to Joelle, Father to Peyton & Matthew, Finance & Operations Pastor at 121 Community Church, SAG-AFTRA Actor, Founder of Before The Cross, Owner of MMWCS, and Podcast Host for the Not Quite There Show.

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