Brandon Lake Says He “Didn’t Expect To Get So Much Hate From Those Who Confess To Be Christians” For Collaborating With Jelly Roll

How ironic…

Jelly Roll has never shied away from speaking about his faith. The convicted felon and former drug dealer may seem like an unlikely messenger, but he’s also a testimony for the power of God and living proof that He can work through anybody, regardless of what’s in their past or how broken they may be.

Earlier this year, Jelly Roll (whose real name is Jason DeFord) teamed up with Christian artist Brandon Lake for a powerful new song called “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” which is all about keeping your faith even when it’s hard:

“I’ve wrestled with the darkness
But I’m tryin’ to reach for the light
Yeah, the struggle keeps me honest
And it breaks down the walls of my pride
‘Cause faith isn’t proven like gold
‘Til it’s been through the fire, eh-eh
My head, heart, and hands are feeling heavy
But that’s when I lift them just a little higher”

The duo even delivered a powerful performance of the song at CMA Fest here in Nashville, complete with a 50-foot cross lighting up the sky over Nissan Stadium:

@officialjellyroll

Praising shamelessly at CMA fest with @Brandon Lake

♬ original sound – Jelly Roll

But Lake admits that he’s received some criticism for the song, not just from those who disagree with the message but from those who agree but don’t like the messenger.

During a recent show, Lake spoke on the backlash he’s received from fellow Christians for collaborating with Jelly Roll.

The Christian singer says that he was inspired to reach out to Jelly Roll after he saw his performance of “I Believe” with Brooks & Dunn at the 2024 CMA Awards:

“I watched this man accidentally lead the world in worship, singing this song, ‘I Believe.’ And so it gave me the confidence to reach out to him and say, I’ve been inspired by his story.”

And while he expected some criticism for his song with Jelly Roll, he says he was surprised that so much of it came from those who also call themselves Christians:

“I guess I saw a little bit of it coming, but what was crazy is I didn’t expect to get so much hate from those who confess to be Christians, you know? Because the last time I checked, those who were carrying the light were supposed to go towards the darkness. This is not me patting myself on, or trying to get a pat on the back.

This is me, I want to remind the youngest generation, in case somebody’s told you the opposite, that if you do believe in Jesus, follow Jesus, and are filled with the Spirit of God, the fire of God, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the light of Christ, don’t you dare be afraid to go where God’s calling you to, to reach the lost, to reach the broken.”

And he has a message for those who want to criticize him for his relationship with somebody who Christians don’t see as the right messenger:

“I have experienced Jesus more lately in green rooms and at weird events, places that I ought not to go. And I just wanted to encourage somebody that God is on the move, and if you want him to use you, don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid. Surround yourself with faith-filled people. But, man, we were called to reach the lost, to go to those who are hurting and broken.”

Amen. You love to see God working in even the most unexpected places, and it’s not our job to judge who He uses as the messenger.

@lyfeofluis

Brandon Lake speaks on the Jelly Roll Controversy! #fypシ #foryou #christian #christianmusic #jellyroll #brandonlake #phoenix #phoenixarena #fyp #comcert #heartfoughthalleujah #PHXarena

♬ original sound – Luis

The post Brandon Lake Says He “Didn’t Expect To Get So Much Hate From Those Who Confess To Be Christians” For Collaborating With Jelly Roll first appeared on Whiskey Riff.