presenting cliff preston,
jonathan lee mcelhenny
& the band table.
read the story and
listen to the song,
“thank you for
what you’ve done”
written by jonathan lee
and jordan merritt
A FEW WORDS FROM CLIFF PRESTON:
The first time I heard this song was in a room with 20 strangers. We sang our hearts out. I knew it was special. In a short time those 20 strangers turned into dear friends. I have a voice memo recording of us all singing it together. I can pick out most of the distinct voices as I listen to the music play. If I close my eyes, I can remember the night and where I was sitting.
We can get so busy and overwhelmed that we end up only calling out to God when we feel that we need something. My encouragement to us all is to take a moment, slow down and thank Him for His finished work; the answer to every question, hurt, fear and heartache. We need Jesus just as much in our winning as we do in our wrestling.
I needed to thank Him the night I sang this song with my friends. We weren’t calling out to Jesus with our list of to-do’s that evening. We were thanking Him for what He’s done. Friend, wherever you are today, stop and thank Him for what He’s done.
A FEW WORDS FROM JONATHAN LEE MCELHENNY:
When you are writing a song, you are trying to tackle and unpack the big idea into three to five minutes of time. And, if trying to express how very grateful I am for the things that Christ has done for me, it is impossibly inadequate. It will take a life-time. But our ever-gracious God is mercifully, abundantly pleased to inhabit the moments that, strung together, make up a life-time of relationship.
There is nothing clever about the lyrics “Thank you for the cross, thank you for the blood.” It’s been done before and will probably be done again. It is so common and so basic to every one of us. We are sinners in desperate need of a Saviour. But JESUS! Oh, what a Saviour! With every iteration, it will never get old for as long as the never-ending Story is told.
I pray that this song gives the chance to humbly and joyfully pour out gratitude to the Lord and just say, “Lord, I am so thankful for who you are and what you have done.”
A FEW WORDS FROM JORDAN MERRITT:
This song is so special to me because it births gratitude in our hearts! It’s so easy for us to be cognizant of what Jesus did for us on the cross without it moving our hearts. I pray that the Holy Spirit uses this song to well up a deeper gratitude in us, empowering us to fix our eyes on Jesus… the author AND finisher of our faith!
the study
By Jonathan Lee McElHenny
As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous— not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one”- Romans 3:10-12
Now, that’s an encouraging verse. “No one does good, not a single one”! That sounds so harsh. But, just in my short stint here on the planet, I have discovered it to be woefully true. The Apostle Paul, who wrote the book of Romans from the bible, wrote this that reads exactly like our collective journal:
“I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it”
- Romans 7:15-20
The core of humanity is corrupted and this corruption happened long before any of us were born. Mankind once walked with God and lived in paradise with God. There was no sin, no shame, no hate, no crime and no war. There was not even death. Where mankind once walked in the garden of God with nothing but perfect love, sin entered and led to the fall. Mankind gave into their own selfish desires and thus created a separation between God and mankind. A separation that still exists today.
That sounds so sad! It truly is, but that’s not the end of the story. God became man!
“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it”- John 1:1-5
And then in verse 14 it says: “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son”
God did not leave us abandoned in our sin or shame. He would not leave us separated from Himself! He poured out his grace and gave us the opportunity to put our faith in him, and receive forgiveness, power, and eternal life in Christ.
He, Emmanuel, Jesus, clothed Himself in newborn skin, and became like us to fully identify with us, live among us, and show us the Way. He brought healing to the sick, rest for the weary, and set the captives free. But again, we turned against him and sent Him to His death. Such is our fickle, sin-sick nature. But for this reason, God came down. He, Himself was and is the only Cure. His momentary death on the cross (satisfying the death bounty on our head) became eternal life to us. The law teaches, an eye for an eye. Blood for blood. Jesus stepped in and became the Substitute in our place and we went free. Jesus, the perfect son of God became the sinless sacrifice for humanity.
“He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed”- 1 Peter 2:22-24
God did all of that, just to be reunited with his creation? Yes, He did! That is why I sing with my whole heart “Thank you for the cross! Thank you for the Blood”!
It is why the redeemed sing God’s praises every day. “I was blind but now I see, I was lost but now I’m found”. It is not mere theology. It is experientially true in the lives of the forgiven.
thank you for
what you’ve done lyrics
Verse 1
Oh, the Lamb, slain on a tree,
Who bore the curse of sin and death
And died for me.
Oh, what a love, such mystery,
Jesus, we thank you for the cross.
Verse 2
Oh, the blood, You shed for me.
It wiped away my guilty stains
And washed me clean
Oh, what a love, I’ve been redeemed.
Jesus, we thank you for the cross.
Chorus 1
Thank You for the cross
Thank You for the blood
My God, my God,
Thank You for what you’ve done
Verse 3
Oh, fear and death where is your sting?
You thought that you had won that day
But found defeat
Oh, Hell you lost to Heaven’s King
King Jesus bought our victory! Woah!
Bridge
Hallelujah, hallelujah,
Hallelujah, hallelujah,
Hallelujah, hallelujah,
Jesus, we thank You for the cross
Chorus 3
Thank You for the cross
Thank You for the blood
My God, my God,
Thank You for what you’ve done
Praise You for the Lamb
Praise You for the Son
My God, my God
Praise You for what You’ve done
CREDITS:
writers: Jonathan Lee, Jordan Merritt
Producers: Jordan Merritt, Kaleb Frazier, Zach Saltmarsh
mixed by seth talley
mastered by Bob Boyd at Ambient Digital
COVER ART:
Photographer: William Read
Graphic Designer: William Read
Art Director: Jennie Lee Riddle
jonathan lee bio
Jonathan Lee McElhenny is a husband, father, pastor, worship leader and songwriter. But when asked to describe who he is, he answers, “matchmaker.” “I was created to worship, and to lead others in worship,” he says. “I like to think of myself as a matchmaker between God and man in partnership with The Holy Spirit. I want more than anything for people to have a true revelation of who God is because when people truly see Jesus, it changes them forever. That is what I am called to do. People many times have told me that my music helps them see Jesus, There is nothing better than that to me.”
Jonathan’s focus on making Jesus famous has attracted many talented artists to record songs he’s written. These artists include the Newsboys, For King & Country, Laura Story, Phillips, Craig & Dean, People & Songs, Jeff Deyo, Aaron Shust, Tricia Brock, Melanie Tierce, Rebecca St. James, Selah, Jordan Merritt, Acquire The Fire and others. Three of those songs have been nominated for four Dove Awards (Worship Song of the Year for “When The Stars Burn Down” by Travis Cottrell and Phillips, Craig & Dean, Inspirational Song of the year for ‘More And More Of You’ by Selah, Song of the Year and Pop Song of the Year for “Proof Of Your Love” by for King & Country.)
(Added Note- “When The Stars Burn Down” was number 1 on the charts inspirational Christian Radio.) “You Are My Shepherd” and “The Altar” by Tricia Brock were in the top 5 of inspirational Christian Radio along with “More and More Of You” by Selah which was also in the top 5 of inspirational Christian Radio. “Proof Of Your Love” by For King And Country was in the top of Christian Radio. “You Are My Shepherd,” “When The Stars Burn Down” and “Proof Of Your Love “have all won Sesac Awards.
McElhenny’s success is well-deserved, according to those who know him. “Jonathan is someone that I’ve written some of my best songs with.” Says co-writer, friend and label-head of People & Songs, Jennie Lee Riddle. “It’s a true honor to serve and help send him out as a blessing for such a time as this.” McElhenny is a highly successful songwriter, known as “Jonathan Lee”. And yet, he obeyed the urging of the Holy Spirit and transitioned from the road to full time pastoring in 2016. He says. “I want to leave a legacy that leads people to Jesus, and pastoring helps expand the Kingdom exponentially by helping others around me to grow in Christ. I love it."
Jonathan’s songs, co-written with notables Benji Cowart, David Moffitt, Chad Cates, Jennie Lee Riddle, Richie Fike, BJ Putnam, Doug Engquist, Corey Voss, Jordan Merritt, and Jared Anderson, bring the worshipper back to the basics as a follower of Christ. If the track record is any indication, Jonathan Lee McElhenny’s music will continue to match the hearts of men and women to the heart of a loving Savior.
Cliff Preston Bio
“I try to see people through the lens of what God has brought me through and saved me from. I believe that if God can love and use even me, he can love and use anyone.”
It’s been said that what sets Cliff Preston apart is his raw authenticity and compassion. Preston’s music ministry began in 2002 as he began traveling with bands to bring awareness to the love of Jesus as well as the mental health crisis. With his father being a professional counselor and pastor, he was very aware of the effect that mental health was having on the generation, as well as the ultimate source of wellness - the finished work of the cross. He has spent the following twenty years traveling the country writing songs, leading worship, preaching, and even opening businesses geared towards Christ-centered clinical mental healthcare.
Cliff is proud to call Smackover, Arkansas his hometown. He is even prouder of God’s faithfulness through his marriage with his wife Leslie, and the wisdom God provides as they raise their daughter Kannyn (12), and their two sons Murphy (10) and Campbell (2).
Cliff brings over two decades of ministry experience and business development to his partnership with People & Songs. In that time, he has written songs for artists including Newsong, JJ Weeks, Carrolton and more. He has shared the stage with artists such as MercyMe, Jeremy Camp, and Natalie Grant among others. All while opening and building companies that develop platforms to display Christ to a lost and hurting world.
Cliff is excited for what is to come as he joins forces with this diverse team of artists, worship leaders, and writers for the glory of God.
JORDAN MERRIT BIO
Jordan Merritt is a talented Christian songwriter and musician who has made a significant impact on the contemporary Christian music scene.
With a passion for creating music that inspires and uplifts listeners, Jordan has written a number of powerful worship songs that have become beloved favorites of Christians around the world.
Among Jordan's most notable works are "You Hold It All," a popular worship song recorded by the Newsboys; "People of the Cross," moving anthem performed by Selah; and "Yet I Want More," a powerful ballad featured on Vol. 3 of The Emerging Sound project.
Jordan's music is characterized by its heartfelt lyrics, soaring melodies, and powerful vocals, which combine to create an unforgettable listening experience. Whether he is writing for himself or collaborating with other artists, Jordan's dedication to his craft and his faith shine through in every song he creates.
You might also be able to find him singing in the band that he is a part of called "The Band Table".
Music Copyright © 2023 New Hope Road Music/Euphonic Tunes (ASCAP) / Tent Peg Music/Euphonic Music Publishing (BMI) / New Hope Hill Music/Euphonic Songs (SESAC). All rights reserved. Audio/Visual Copyright ℗ & © 2023 People & Songs. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited. For licensing requests, please visit Music Services.