Music Monday: “I’d Do It Again” by Andrew Ripp
By: Debbie Waltz
My apologies to readers who visited my blog last week expecting an update but found nothing. I thought I’d hit “Post” after making my latest blog edits on Monday or Tuesday evening. That’s why there was nothing last week. The Launch team and I have had a very active first week. I’m really impressed with how well my book, “The Summer of Mended Hearts,” has been received, selling over 30 copies in its initial week. Despite the challenges I faced recording my first video announcing its release to friends and family, my friends have been incredibly supportive in sharing it with their own networks, leading to responses from people I barely know. My first interview about my book was with Mark Presak on PJNet.tv. It was a pleasure reconnecting with him and his listeners. I also appreciated the opportunity to give praise to God for His blessings in my life over the past three years. (I believe “PJ” in his emblem stands for “Praise Jesus.”)
It’s been an endless road to get here. Occasionally, I still find it hard to believe and wonder if I’m worthy. Certainly, I recognize that my innate abilities are a divine gift, and I ought to employ them to aid those who are disabled and lack a voice. Though the acknowledgments are welcome, my goal is to stay focused on the main message – sharing the hope of Jesus with others – rather than getting sidetracked by marketing.
Despite this, I feel unprepared and inadequate.
Just as the prophet Isaiah recognized his own sinfulness when the Lord called him to his prophetic mission, he simultaneously presented himself for service to God. In Isaiah 6:5, he documents his vision with these words: “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”
What is the response given by God in this situation? Instead of accepting Isaiah’s argument, God deployed an angel to seize his excuse. Isaiah said,: “Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”
With the Easter season drawing near, it is crucial that we actively share this message of hope with others rather than keeping it confined to ourselves. It has the power to transform lives by helping us to forsake our sinful ways and align with God’s will. Beyond providing hope for our present circumstances, it also grants us hope for eternity by restoring our relationship with the Lord and promising future fellowship with Him in Heaven. Through the profound act of Jesus’ crucifixion, he shoulders the burden of our sins while simultaneously bestowing his divine righteousness upon us.
We ought to embrace with deep appreciation the profound, heart-transforming work of God as He shapes and refashions us, bringing us into conformity with His own divine image and likeness. As Peter 1:15- 16 says, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
The Bible consistently shows God’s compassion for all of creation and the Jewish people. He frequently referred to Jewish people as his “chosen people.” During his time on Earth, Jesus clearly showed his profound concern for all of humanity. Beyond curing physical afflictions, he sought to touch hearts by proclaiming the good news of the Gospel and urging people to turn back to the Lord.
“I’d Do It Again” by Andrew Ripp stands out because it offers a unique perspective on the crucifixion, presenting the event through the eyes of Jesus himself. The profound love of Christ is evident in His death for us, even while we were still in our sins (Romans 5:8).
He cares for us that much!
Remember that today if you are struggling. If you’re looking for more encouragement, consider reading Matthew 18:12-14, which tells the parable of the lost lamb.