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Locadia Matsvaire : Arts Correspondent
The much awaited12-track Hillsong DVD has finally been released globally according to Wordwide Distributors their official local distributors. Titled “Of Dirt and Grace” (Live from the Land) the album contains the following songs “Here Now (Madness)”, “Say The Word”, “Heart Like Heaven”, “Touch The Sky” “Street Called Mercy”, “When I Lost My Heart To You”, “Even When It Hurts (Praise Song)”, “Prince Of Peace”, “Empires”, “Rule” “Captain”, “Closer Than You Know”, with three bonus tracks “I Surrender”, “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)”, and “Scandal Of Grace (I’d Be Lost)”.The videos were shot at different sites in the land of Israel such as by The Empty Tomb just beyond the City Walls, Mount of Beatitudes, Cliffs of Arbel, The Dead Sea, and The Sea of Galilee among many, giving Hillsong an opportunity to mingle with Israelites from different backgrounds and creating moments of unity.
“Of Dirt and Grace” is fully packed with heart captivating worship songs with linking themes of grace, love, adoration and praise to the Lord. Most of the songs bring out emotions and this is demonstrated as they give appropriate reaction to each song.
From beginning to end the instruments and vocals are well synchronised enabling the viewer to sing along or rather become part of the action.
Some tracks are quite soothing. One such example is “Heart Like Heaven” which takes a worshipper into the spiritual realm.
Nine-minute video “Here Now (Madness)”, portrays the majesty of the Lord which the human mind cannot comprehend.
This has also explained the line “Love came like madness, poured out in blood-washed romance, it makes no sense but this is grace”.
“Say The Word” begins with Matthew 5:3-16 recited in a poem-like manner. The track shows the power of words and how much so in word spoken by the Lord himself.
“Heart Like Heaven” exults the Lord portraying His divinity.
“Touch The Sky” is about the grace the Lord has given those that call and surrender unto Him.
Part of the lyrics go:“What treasure waits within Your scars/ This gift of freedom gold can’t buy/ I bought the world and sold my heart/ You traded heaven to have me again.”
“Street Called Mercy” is about the gift of forgiveness from the Lord. These words from the song say it all: “Throwing Your arms around me/ You held me like I was Yours/ Like You’d been there the whole time waiting/ I was found in You”.
“When I Lost My Heart To You (Hallelujah)” expresses the love of God, when He loves the only option is to love back.
“Even When It Hurts (Praise Song)” is taken from Psalm 69: 29-34 is loaded with words of praise.
“Prince Of Peace” is a song of an encounter with the Lord.
“Empires” moves to explain the album name with lyrics as follows : “We are worlds, we are bodies, Empires of dirt and grace, Silhouettes and reflections, Caught in His holy flame.
“Rule” contains captivating words to bring hope to the lost encouraging people not to fear anything because Jesus brings light in darkness.
“Captain” reveals Jesus as the Captain. A soothing and glorifying song to the Lord shot while on a boat by the Sea of Galilee.
“Closer Than You Know” is about worship from under an Olive tree exploring life of Jesus and some exploits he did on mankind’s behalf while on earth and calling all to him.
“I Surrender” is based on total surrender knowing He is gracious.
“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” sings about rest — recorded from the sea where Jesus walked on water.
“Scandal Of Grace (I’d Be Lost)” is a song of grace and hope with the Lord having defeated death.
Whether in a field of wheat or under an Olive tree the scenes are all complemented by the worship lyrics. This DVD is available as from today from Wordwide Distribution.
Online Reporter
Peter Tanyanyiwa