Andy Rampulla
This past Sunday night I got to lead worship at a church in Nashville. I brought my dad along with me. Most of you know that my dad plays sax. Although the sax doesn’t seem to be a mainstay in contemporary worship now a days, what my dad does in worship, opens up doors for God to move.
I’m truly blessed to have a dad that is not only supportive of music (he even encourage me to study it in college) but also involved in it. I’ve watched him play with some big named worshipers, as well as in small churches, with the same heart to see people understand the power of God’s love through worship. He might not have the hip look some of the trendy churches are desiring, but the one thing he does have is the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
I’ve watched him play propheticly over people probably a hundred times by now, but each and every time I’m amazed at how much God speaks through him and his sax. I’ve yet to see or meet many people that have this same anointing. It’s almost beyond talent level. My dad is good, but this is different. Playing in the Spirit and allowing God to speak through your instrument isn’t something that comes after practicing scales and chords. It comes from a relationship with God. It starts with a hunger for more of Him and more of His presence.
I’ve watched my dad spend hours in our old basement, just worshiping God with his instrument, his voice or just soaking in His presence. No reason to do this other than falling in love with his Creator. I think many people just want to get God’s blessing on their music like pushing a magic button.There is a true impartation given when one really seeks God with all his heart.
Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Deuteronomy 4:29
But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
My dad is evidence of this. For years he gave up on his music. He didn’t play until God truly taught him a new way to worship Him. It was as if God had to rewire his talent and gift. I’m amazed at how far a humble and non-self promoting man has come. God has given him favor as he exhorts His name.
My pops may not be the hippest rock star. He has no piercing (at least that I know of?!). He might not be getting calls to front the next pop/rock band. He doesn’t have a beautiful Justin Bieber haircut. He might not play at every church, because how much of modern church music today really includes a soprano sax? He may not find himself at the next hip underground super urban seeker tattooed experiential church plant.
He will continue to humbly play where he is invited. He will continue to help encourage other musicians to think beyond scales and notes. He will strive to help usher in the presence of the Most High when he plays. He longs to be used in a way that allows others to experience a new dimension of God’s love through worship. He desires for people to hear God speak in a new way, and allow people to be swept over with God’s grace, mercy and love. I’ve watched this happen many times and I feel honored that I get to play behind him, just like last Sunday night.
There’s not many sons that get to say that they make music with their dad. There are far less sons that get to say they watch people get set free while playing behind their dad. I’m one of them….and for that I will be forever blessed.
MR
Posted: January 25th, 2012 under Family.
Comments: 6
