Well, I’m finally at training and it feels so surreal to be here. It’s been great hearing of how God has led the other’s here into missions and where he is calling them. It’s an amazing feeling to be a part of the expansion of God’s kingdom. Lately I can’t seem to get the lyrics of “Spend it All” by Ascend the Hill out of my head. Here they are…
I open up my eyes, oh Lord to see all the things you've done. I open up my heart, oh God to feel your unfailing love. And I open up my all to you all my life for your glory to show. And I open up my soul to you alone come make yourself at home.
And I'll give all that I have to give 'cause it's everything I am, Lord. In this life I'll spend it all for you I'll waste it all on you.
I offer up my mind to you I long for the truth, you know. I offer up my feet to you they'll walk straight on the path you show. I offer up my time to you so keep me and hold me still. And I offer up my hands to you Lord, use them to do your will.
And I'll give all I have left to give 'cause it's everything I am, Lord. In this life I'll spend it all for you. Yeah, I'll waste it all on you.
I'll waste it all.
Let your Spirit take me over, God 'cause it's all I ever need. Yeah, you're all I ever need, Lord. And receive this life in offering, God 'cause I spend it all for you. Yes, I spend it all for you, Lord.
Ooh, I spend it all on you.
Lately this has been the cry of my heart. When I hear this song a couple pieces of scripture jump out at me. The first being in Luke chapter 18 verses 18 thru 23. In it a rich young ruler asks Jesus what he must do to enter the kingdom of heaven and Christ replies fallow the commandments. The young ruler says to him I have fallowed all of these since I was young. Jesus then says to him you still lack one thing. ”Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor then fallow me."
I think the reason this story jumps out at me is due to the use of the phrase “I’ll spend it all for you” in the lyrics. Our life, our time, our money, our energy, our experience’s, everything we are and everything we have to offer is currency to be spent on Christ and for his kingdom. It is from God and to be used for God. So, when the ruler came to Christ and said what do I have to do to enter into the kingdom of heaven and heard he had to “spend it all” He couldn’t do it. He walked away sadden because he had great wealth.
The second passage is Matthew 10:39. “If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give your life for me, you will find it”.
Again the point that Christ wants all of you is made. He doesn’t want just a part of you, he wants it all and he wants you to give it all up for him. But in doing so you gain so much, you gain eternal life. You gain the kingdom of heaven.
Unfortunately we are selfish because of our sinful nature. So we need to continually go to God and lay our life down. Asking him to take this life as an offering, which is the greatest gift you could give him.
"There is no greater love than to lay one’s life for one’s friends". John 15:13
Come, Lord Jesus!
Matthew
