The Ministry Years Volume 2 - 1980-1982
Artist: Keith Green
Label: Sparrow Records
Length: 2 discs - 34 tracks / 2 hrs. 15 min. 46 sec.
There are many musicians but few that can truly touch the depths of our soul. George F. Handel did it with his masterpiece The Messiah, and the late Rich Mullins accomplished it through the honesty and integrity of his lyrics. Another is the late Keith Green.
Produced by Bill Maxwell, this two disc set is packed full of beautiful piano-based songs containing powerful, honest lyrics. Green's beautiful tenor voice is passionate and clear, making it easy for listeners to understand the words. The CD liner is a nice booklet with pictures of Green and lots of background information on his music.
There are several live cuts on these discs that show Green was a wonderful worship leader. The rendering of songs such as "Open Your Eyes," "This is the Day," "This is My Commandent," "Rejoice in the Lord Always," and "Clap Your Hands," show Green leading the worshippers to a focus on God.
Well known for his dramatic rendering of biblical stories, Green's setting of "The Sheep and the Goats," reminds the listener that Jesus commanded us to help those in need because when we stand before the Lord on That Day, we will have to answer to Him for our actions or lack thereof. Another, "So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt," is humorous yet the words maintain the integrity of the story of Moses and the disgruntled Hebrews as told in Scripture. The Bible was Green's major source of inspiration, and many of the songs contain lyrics taken directly from Psalm 9, Psalm 23, Psalm 51, and Romans 7. The album also contains a beautiful setting of the hymn "Holy Holy Holy."
A standout for me is "Until that Final Day." It reminds us of the constant battle we're in to overcome the desires of the flesh, but as Christians we can be victorious because of the power of Christ that lives within us. Green cites the key to living a successful Christian life is maintaining a fervent prayer life...staying in the presence of God. The song is in the form of a prayer and certain to reflect what people feel. Green writes:
I wrestle not with flesh and bloodThe final cut is the moving "Song for Josiah," a song Green wrote for his late son. He tells Josiah of the trouble he will have to deal with in this world, but that he and his mother love him, and more importantly that Jesus loves him and will see him through it all.
My fight is with the one
Who lost the Keys of Hell and Death
To God's most precious Son.One sleepless night of anguished prayer I triumph over sin
One battle in a Holy War God promised me I'll win.
While listening to this collection, be sure to really pay attention to the words. They have the potential to leave the listener laughing, crying, praying, praising, and worshipping the Lord. More importantly, Green's music can help you come into a deeper relationship with Jesus. That, I believe, is what he would want--believers to become totally abandoned to live for God, and for the lost to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. No compromise--it was a way of life for Keith Green.
"The Lord gave us His Son. Why won't we give Him our life in return? All of it. Why not? He loves us."
NOTE: Keith Green's "ministry years" were from 1977-1982. On July 28, 1982, Green died in a tragic airplane accident along with two of his children, Josiah and Bethany. Left behind were his wife, Melody Green, and daughters Rebekah and Rachel.
Trish Patterson (4/28/99)
