I remember working "He Gave". It started out just so basic, but with this "vibe" that made it powerful. The lyric lines were clever and captivating. Watching it develop into what it became was like watching a child mature. The song moved from "complexion" to "complexion" but didn't really change all that much. It is a simple piece that tells a simple truth: Jesus died for us. God chose to give his only Son so that man would not have to pay the ultimate price for disobedience and sin. And all we have to do is receive that fact and believe it. Isaiah 53:5 says "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed..." I LOVED ministering this song in front the audiences I shared it with. They were moved, the anointing touched, hearts were changed. The experience was BREATHTAKING!
I had originally planned for Anthony Hamilton to sing the vamp at the end of the song, but I could never pull it off. We talked about it. He was receptive to it, but it never happened. I remember the engineer had just mixed down the background vocals at Platinum Vybe studios in Charlotte, NC, when Cassandra O'Neal walked in. I asked her manager if she'd be willing to flow on the vamp at the end and she agreed. I still hope that Ant and I will get to do this live one day. I KNOW he will kill it. Anyhoo... check it out and let me know what you feel. It touches me every time I listen to it still. I know Jesus gave his life to save me.