The Third Thief by Allan.P: A Narrative of Redemption and Resilience

Allan.P, also known as Letlhogonolo Pule, is a South African musician, graphic designer, and hitmaker who composed the legendary song, Funukwenzani. His music fuses together his faith as a Christian and hip-hop to glorify God and make Him known in a creative way. His Latest composition ‘The Third Thief‘ weaves together themes of faith, redemption, and personal transform to resonate with both the Christian and hip-hop community. Let’s discuss these themes and perhaps even the relevance of Allan.P ‘s ‘The Third Thief’ through its poignant lyrics. 

Significance of The Third Thief

Biblically speaking, there were only two thieves crucified on the cross with Jesus and yet Allan.P identifies himself as the third thief. By so doing, he makes a symbolic gesture because he shows that he recognizes his own wretchedness as a sinner who needs redemption from God. He is aware of his need for a Savior to forgive him and personally transform him from the sinful person he used to be.

Agreeably, wretchedness is innately common to everyone because we have all sinned against a holy

God. Even more, it is our choice in terms of how we respond to our sinful condition – do we run to

Jesus in repentance to forgive us of our sins much like Allan.P and the thief on the cross who begged Jesus for mercy, or do we go about our day thinking we are fine without Jesus and do not need pardoning? What is guaranteed is that even if one may think they do not need Jesus in this life, they will certainly need Him in the life to come. 

I Bodied the Flesh, Coupled Behind My Side 

Allan.P raps, “I bodied the flesh, coupled behind my side of myself”. To non-hip hop Christians, the phrase is absurd and needs interpretation. Nevertheless, what Allan.P is saying here is simple and important for every believer to grasp. The rapper is saying that he has died to himself, leaving the old person he used to be behind. Interestingly, this is exactly what Jesus bids his followers to do – He bids them to be die to self by abandoning the sinful nature they used to embody and be transformed into people who imitate His nature and character – people who carry out love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and other fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22. 

I am Breathing Because My Savior Done Taken the Loss

Musically, The Third Thief embraces the boom bap style, blending rhythmic drumbeats and soulful piano melodies to complement Allan.P’s introspective lyrics seamlessly. Allan.P raps, “I am breathing because my Saviour done taken the loss”. How awesome is it to live in freedom because Jesus as our Savior has suffered on our behalf? This is the sentiment Allan.P is expressing – freedom and thankfulness! 

As believers, we have a lot to be joyful about because our sins are no longer counted against us through the faith we profess in Jesus, the Son of God. Our Savior has done taken the loss and ours is to respond with grateful alleluias.  It is no wonder that Allan.P raps, “Throw your hands in the air if you feel the vibe”. After all, who would not want to throw their hands, arms, legs, and all other body parts the Lord has dealt so mercifully and kindly with sinners like us? Evidently, Allan.P’s verses in this track are filled with gratitude and praise for Yeshua, the living God. His invitation to rejoice in what our Savior has done resonates with listeners. 

Perseverance

Allan.P ‘s ‘The Third Thief’ makes references to political figures like Rosa Parks and Winnie Mandela to draw a parallel to the struggle for freedom and justice, inspiring us to persevere. As believers, the Lord is concerned with the testing of our faith to produce perseverance in us, and the Bible tells us this in James 1: 2 – 4. We can take hope amidst suffering and trials because our God has long promised countlessly that He will never us nor forsake us. 

Final Words

The Third Thief stands as a testament to the transformative power of music and faith. Allan.P’s artistry transcends genres, offering a message of hope and renewal to all who tune in. Whether deeply entrenched in hip hop culture or simply seeking inspiration, experiencing this track will immerse you in its powerful message of redemption and grace within the context of the hip-hop community.

Stream the song below:

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