Here is the situation. You meet with someone – and they give you a
gift for Christmas – just some trinket – not expensive. You were not expecting it. You are maybe a little embarrassed. So – you apologize saying – or maybe you just
think. “I am so sorry, I did not bring you a gift.” Then start thinking about how to rectify this
inequity. Most of us don’t give to get –
so most probably the person did not expect you to give them something in
return. They gave you the gift because of
their great affection for you and not because of what you can do for them or
give them.
In a similar way, God has
given mankind a gift. One that no one
was expecting. One that no one can
match. God gave His Son to die – so we might live. (John 3:16) But He does want
something in return – He wants our heart. (Matthew
22:37) “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in
the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with
all your soul and with all your mind” (Psalm 51:16-17) “You
do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in
burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite
heart you, God, will not despise.”
God shows us grace (getting
something we don’t deserve) and wants our hearts in return. Matt Redman wrote a beautiful song about giving
God the gift that He desires.
I Will Offer Up My Life
Matt Redman
I will offer up my life - in spirit and truth
Pouring out the oil of love, as my worship to
you
In surrender I must give - my every part
Lord, receive this sacrifice of a broken
heart
Jesus, what can I give, what can I bring
To so faithful a Friend, to so loving a King?
Savior, what can be said, what can be sung
As a praise of Your name for the things You
have done?
Oh, my words could not tell, not even in part
Of the debt of love that is owed by this
thankful heart
You deserve my every breath, for You've paid
the great cost
Giving up your life to death, even death on
the cross
You took all my shame away, there defeated my
sin
Open up the gates of heaven and have beckoned
me in
We'll bring an offering, unto You an offering
What can I, what can I, what can I sing as an
offering, Lord?
Oh, what can I give, what can I bring, what
can I sing as an offering, Lord?
Simply this I will offer up my
life in spirit and truth
Pouring out the oil of love, as
my worship to you
In surrender I must give my
every part
Lord, receive this sacrifice of
a broken heart
It is Christmas what gift
will you bring for the great gift Giver – maybe a renewed dedication of your
heart. CHARLEY
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