Dennis told me that he didn’t like one of the invitational songs that we sing. He didn’t know why exactly he didn’t like it, but I wondered if it sounded as if someone was harping, nagging, or manipulating. It also might have something to do with singing the chorus repeatedly. I know of others who don’t like some songs because of its simplicity and the repetition.
I don’t mind simple and repetitious. That’s probably why I like children’s songs. They are easy to sing and easy to remember.
My prayer life is in the same vein. Over the years I’ve often prayed the same prayers day after day, but they are anything but “vain repetitions” (Matthew 6:7). One of the prayers that I utter not just daily, but many times throughout the day is, “LORD, have mercy on me!”
Intellectually I know what the Bible says about God’s grace and mercy but my soul wants to be reassured, my spirit wants to be reaffirmed, and my “inner man” wants to hear His voice say, “I do!” Unless this becomes a living reality, I don’t think that I will feel like I am a whole person.
Until then, my voice will join my spirit in groaning and I will continue to cling on to the idea that wholeness and “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Amazing Grace
A few weeks ago I heard about some performers who have taken out and replaced the word “wretch” when they sang the song, “Amazing Grace.” When I heard this, it reminded me of a person I knew who refused to sing the song, “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed?” because it has the words, “for such a worm as I.” According to this person, “I am not a worm!” I guess the editors of the hymnbook that I am holding would agree with this person because the word “worm” has been replaced with “one.”
Words like “wretch” and “worm” probably sound very negative and offensive in our “politically correct” society. I guess that’s why the word, “shortcoming” has often replaced the word, “sin” and hell is not talked about a lot.
When we begin to think like our politically correct society, we disregard God’s feelings and thoughts; we dishonor His holiness; we dismiss His Judgment; and we ultimately “dis” Grace.
When Jesus was crucified on the cross, not only do we see God’s mercy and grace, but God’s wrath and judgment of sin is revealed. If we don’t understand this, we don’t see the horror of our sin, the awe is taken out of awesome and we have some good news, and grace becomes something less than amazing.
If words like, “wretch” and “worm” offend you, stand at foot of the cross and look deeply into the face of the One who died for you. If you gaze into His eyes long enough, don’t be surprised if you find yourself turning your eyes away from Him and hearing yourself cry out, “Be merciful to me a sinner!”
Don’t be surprised if you also find yourself on your knees asking the question, “Why and how have I found favor in Your eyes?”
Either way, if you find yourself in this posture, being called a name—any name will probably be the least of your concerns because you will have discovered the glory and love of God that is found in Christ Jesus.
Words like “wretch” and “worm” probably sound very negative and offensive in our “politically correct” society. I guess that’s why the word, “shortcoming” has often replaced the word, “sin” and hell is not talked about a lot.
When we begin to think like our politically correct society, we disregard God’s feelings and thoughts; we dishonor His holiness; we dismiss His Judgment; and we ultimately “dis” Grace.
When Jesus was crucified on the cross, not only do we see God’s mercy and grace, but God’s wrath and judgment of sin is revealed. If we don’t understand this, we don’t see the horror of our sin, the awe is taken out of awesome and we have some good news, and grace becomes something less than amazing.
If words like, “wretch” and “worm” offend you, stand at foot of the cross and look deeply into the face of the One who died for you. If you gaze into His eyes long enough, don’t be surprised if you find yourself turning your eyes away from Him and hearing yourself cry out, “Be merciful to me a sinner!”
Don’t be surprised if you also find yourself on your knees asking the question, “Why and how have I found favor in Your eyes?”
Either way, if you find yourself in this posture, being called a name—any name will probably be the least of your concerns because you will have discovered the glory and love of God that is found in Christ Jesus.
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