Ricky Fitzpatrick: Music
To the Lamb (Demo)
This is a song that I had been working on and kicking around for quite some time. Actually, for several years. It was originally begun when I was not following God, at all. It continues to amaze me, at the way God has continually stayed within arm's reach, always working, always waiting, always nudging me, no matter how much I've ignored or denied Him. He has certainly been gracious and patient with me.
My purpose during the periods of writing "To the Lamb" was to do something very, very simple and very prayerful. I wanted this to be easily interchangeable as a prayer or a song...either one. And in praying, I wanted this to be a picture of a sincere heart, overwhelmed with gratitude and awe, redeemed by God's unfathomable Grace. Reflecting on the amazing story of how God planned a way to sacrifice Himself (can you grasp that!?), just so we could be with Him.
Speaking of...more than one person has mentioned, with concern, the reference to God or Christ as a "sacrifice". It's a term I've used in several songs. The issue is that some people seem to view "sacrifice" as a lowly term...something not appropriate for God. Something derrogatory.
And I would beg to differ.
I stand firmly by my description of Jesus (or God or Christ or whatever you want to call Him, because He is all of these) as a sacrifice. Actually, "sacrifice" is one of the most endearing and honorable terms I can think of to describe Him. And one of the, if not THE, most profound of concepts in Christianity.
In case you aren't aware, the reason Jesus is called "the Lamb of God", is specifically because He represents the sacrificial, perfect and spotless lamb, foretold by the prophets. Didn't John the Baptist cry out "Behold, the Lamb of God, who comes to take away the sins of the world!"? (Yes, he did; John 1:29)
He IS the sacrifice. He IS the acceptable offering that makes it possible for our sins to not just be pushed aside or rolled back for a season, but to be completely washed away.
Were it not for His willing sacrifice, where would we be today? What would become of salvation? Of eternal life? Of holiness and the ability to approach our God in prayer.
Were it not for the great sacrifice, we wouldn't even have a reason (or the authority) to sing this song.
I would say "Praise God for being the Lamb, and for allowing His sacrifice!" Hallelujah, to the Lamb of God!
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TO THE LAMB
Words & Music by Ricky Fitzpatrick
Copyright 2010 Ricky Fitzpatrick Music
Verse One
As I stand in Your presence
As I look on Your face
I am struck by the magnitude
Of Your mercy and Your grace.
Verse Two
You have clothed me in righteousness
You have given me life.
You have offered Yourself to be
The ultimate sacrifice.
Chorus
Oh hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah, to the lamb, to the lamb of God.
Verse Three
You are glorious in majesty.
You are beauty and light.
There is healing within Your voice
And in Your hands, there is life.
Verse Four
I will praise You my Lord and King
I will praise You in truth.
I will give You my everything,
In all I speak and all I do.
Chorus
Oh hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah, to the lamb, to the lamb of God.