Doug Van Pelt

Hand of the Father

Was listening to a band caught in between the two worlds of the musical climate in the mid-90's. They were excellent enough to produce music of lasting value, and they were doing it in a modern way that could've and should've received mainstream radio airplay. The production values and approach to sounds were creative enough to be heard well beyond the crumbling walls of metal and arena rock, but Guardian was caught in a successful vortex called "youth group acceptance," which was "working" on a level that no doubt made their label very happy and satisfied. Perhaps you could say this band was "used" and discarded. The material on Buzz and Bottle Rocket was, however, true rock and roll and of lasting value. It's too bad they were dismissed as "butt rock" by so many indie rock snobs. But that's the price you pay for snobbery -- you can't enjoy something that's not "cool" to enjoy. At least out in the open. A smart and honest person will like what they like and ignore their own critics. In today's wonderful world of choices, though, it's easy to find something to enjoy musically.

This song, "Hand of the Father," has a rich musical tapestry that's not unlike the thoughtful and soulful rock of Brother Cane. This one even had some strings (arranged by none other than John Mark Painter, of Fleming & John) that gave it a sweeping energy. The lyrics often caused an old staffer and I to ponder, "Is this a Civil War story?" The first verse is intriguing:

"For 24 years I've lived this life
In 24 hours I'll leave this life
Powder flash
as the earth gave way
Crimson blooms
on my coat of gray..."

The song is a beautiful look at someone leaving this life to enter another. Angels dance around him and tell him to "take the hand of the Father." Much comfort amidst a mysterious trip that very few have returned from to describe.

Psalm 27 make reference to this comforting Protecter.

"Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.

"One thing I ask of the Lord,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to seek Him in His temple.

"...at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the Lord."

I can picture this in a very practical sense. I can see David (and thanks to the movie King David, I can see the face of Richard Gere) shouting and smiling and laughing before the Lord. Worshipping Him with a reckless abandon that cares not a tinker's cuss what the indie rock snob thinks of his dance and his song. An abandoned man before His God.

I can imagine God the Father smiling just as big. This is the type of God we serve. Even a man like David in Old Testament times (when people were supposed to fear a scary paternal figure) could rejoice in His presence like a little boy on a carefree Spring day. And in the same breath seeking God's guidance and protection in a time of war.

"I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord."

Comforting words, but almost foreign or alien to us who live in a fastfood and high tech world. Who wants to wait?

Well, we can not wait; and manipulate things around us and (most likely) make a mess. We can worry and fret and wonder what's going to happen and (possibly) make ourselves sick. Or we can wait and trust in the Lord. Even if or when we get anxious and nervous, we can take that to the Lord. I'm sure He's kept watch of many a night where His servants/children came to Him over and over again -- not unlike a child asking the driver, "Are we there yet?"

I sure am glad God is patient.

Posted by Doug Van Pelt at May 2, 2005 08:29 AM