Jesus, I Come

I read this article today at worshiptogether.com. A few weeks ago I heard a great new version to the old hymn, Jesus I Come. Mr. Cameron really hit on what I loved about the song. Take a read:

The Sweetest Words On Earth
Author: Scott Cameron
Scripture References: Luke 7:36-50
Verse Text: Luke 7:48

"What would be the sweetest words you could ever hear?
After Adam and Eve were put out of the garden of Eden they may have longed to hear the words, “Come unto me!” Remember Jacob who wrestled with God? He just wanted to hear God say, “I will bless you”. Insecure Abraham would have known such refreshing as God said to him “I will be your shield”. Unloved Leah was desperate to hear the words “I love you” from the lips of her husband Jacob. What joy filled Elizabeth’s heart when the Angel of the Lord told her “You are going to have a baby”. For the poor disciples going through a storm, the words of Christ come with such comfort “Do not be afraid”. A leper who feels so unclean and dirty hears the words of Jesus, “I am willing, be clean”.

In Luke’s gospel chapter 7 at verse 48 we read of an un-named woman of whom Jesus said, “Your sins are forgiven!” To this un-named woman, they were truly the sweetest words on earth. These words were to form a heart of worship to Christ.

In her day she was an un-named woman who had the reputation of being a great sinner. After a sweet encounter with Jesus she is now known as the woman who gave the most extravagant worship.

True heart worship begins at the feet of Jesus - the mercy seat. As she comes to the feet of Jesus, she comes with a broken heart in a broken clay jar. Her ambitions, her career, her reputation, her emptiness, her foolishness, her sins, her sad memories, yes, her whole life was in this jar.

What beautiful worship! No angel can sing like this woman. No angel can sing of sins forgiven. Truly, this is the heart of a worshipper - releasing all to Jesus!"


So, let's go back to the song that I mentioned earlier. Here are the lyrics:


Jesus, I Come
Original text by William T. Sleeper
Craig Anderson, Billy Smiley,
Scott Wesley Brown

VERSE 1
Out of my bondage, sorrow and night, Jesus, I come.
Into Your freedom, gladness and light, Jesus, I come.
Out of my sickness, into Your health;
Out of my want and into Your wealth.
Out of my sin, and into Your self, Jesus, I come, I come.
Out of my shame, failure and loss,
I lay them down at the foot of Your cross.
Out of my selfishness, wanting and greed,
Lord, I will follow wherever You lead.

CHORUS 1
Lord, I am thirsty; Lord, I am down on my knees.
And thru all of the valleys, Your word has spoken to me.
For You are my Shepherd—all that I want, all I need—
Jesus, I Come

VERSE 2
Out of the fear of all the unknown, Jesus, I come.
Into the joy and light of Your home, Jesus, I come.
Out of the depths of ruin untold;
Into the peace of Your sheltering fold.
Ever Your glorious face to behold—Jesus, I come, I come!

CHORUS 2
Lord, I am thirsty; Lord, I am down on my knees.
And thru all of the valleys, Your word has spoken to me.
For You are my Shepherd—all that I want, all I need—
For You are my Shepherd—all that I want, all I need—
Jesus, I come.


I love this old song made new. The idea that out of our junk comes the ultimate treasure! Out of our thirsting comes living water! However, if we were to get completely honest, how many of us desire to be at such a place in our lives? A place of brokenness...in such need that we can't help but fall at His feet in complete submission. Is that really what we want? Or, would we rather have it all & thank God for it after the fact. You know, the old have your cake and eat it too.

I'm not going to lie, God has blessed me & mine in incredible ways. With such blessings I've often wondered if I've ever truly been broken before the Lord.

Forgive me Father, for I have sinned!

"We have all sinned and fallen short of His Glory!"

What's in your alabaster jar?


JESUS, I COME!