Hay Poder / No Hay Dios Tan Grande Como Tú / Alabaré / Una Mirada de Fe (Medley Coritos)
Israel Houghton
Celebrating Faith and Power in Song: Israel Houghton's Medley of Worship
Israel Houghton's medley 'Hay Poder / No Hay Dios Tan Grande Como Tú / Alabaré / Una Mirada de Fe' is a vibrant tapestry of worship songs, each piece contributing to a larger narrative of faith, power, and praise. Houghton, known for his cross-cultural style of Christian music that fuses elements from gospel, jazz, and rock, brings a dynamic energy to these traditional Spanish-language choruses, or 'coritos,' which are often sung in Latin American churches. The medley format allows for a seamless transition between themes of divine power, unmatched deity, and the act of worship.
The first part of the medley, 'Hay Poder,' emphasizes the power found in Jesus and His sacrifice, symbolized by His blood. This is a common theme in Christian music, highlighting the belief in the transformative and redemptive power of Jesus' death and resurrection. The repetition of 'sin igual poder' (unequaled power) underscores the unique and unparalleled nature of this spiritual power that believers can access through faith. 'No Hay Dios Tan Grande Como Tú' continues this theme, declaring that there is no God as great as the Christian God, and no one else can perform the works that He does. The lyrics 'No es con espada ni con ejército, Más con tu Santo Espíritu' (Not by sword or army, but by your Holy Spirit) suggest that true change and miracles are achieved not by human might but by divine intervention.
The latter parts of the medley, 'Alabaré' and 'Una Mirada de Fe,' focus on praise and the simplicity of faith. 'Alabaré' is a call to worship and praise the Lord, with a reference to the biblical vision of John, who saw all the redeemed praising God. This part of the song encourages communal and individual worship as a response to God's greatness. 'Una Mirada de Fe' (A Look of Faith) concludes the medley with the message that faith, even as simple as a single glance towards Jesus, has the power to save sinners. It's an invitation to approach Christ for forgiveness and salvation, reinforcing the theme of accessible divine grace. Houghton's rendition of these coritos not only brings them to a wider audience but also infuses them with a contemporary vitality that encourages listeners to reflect on their own faith and the power of worship.