Wednesday, April 18, 2012

The Love of Christ

Just a little note to share with you about the love of Christ. When we say the love "of" Christ, we imply at least two things--1) it is the love Christ has for us or 2) it is love we have for Christ. The one who loves seeks to be bound to and surrendered to the beloved. The lover is obsessed, nothing else can satisfy. The lover seeks to be imprisoned by love for the beloved. As Paul says, “When we are dead, we stop sinning.” If I am imprisoned in my love for Christ, then I should not invite into my cell the things that compete with my beloved. Oh, I do, yes indeed I do that very thing more often than I like to admit. The truth, however, is that if I was truly obsessed and impassioned by my love for Christ, these other things would be willingly destroyed, removed, and discarded from that sacred place of love I share with my beloved. Oh, that our hearts would be aflame with his love yet again.

“Like a Fire” by Dennis Jernigan

1. Like a fire that cannot be quenched by the rain
Though the winds rise against it they’ll not quench this flame
For this fire of love burns where eyes cannot see
In the heart of Lord Jesus the King of you and me

Chorus:
And oh, how he loves me
His love for me burns like a fire
And oh, how he loves me
For he loves me with holy desire
For he loves me with holy desire

2. Such a holy and true flame was sent to the cross
By the King who would love me no matter the cost
For his life was consumed for my sin in the flame
But the grave was defeated, his love could not be contained

Chorus:
And oh, how you love me
Your love for me burns like a flame
And oh, how you love me
For you love me with holy desire
For you love me with holy desire

3. You are Lord over heaven and Lord over earth
You are Lord of creation and Lord of new birth
You are mighty in battle, King Jesus my Lord
You are gentle and loving and worthy to be adored

Chorus:
And, oh, how I love you
My love for you burns like a fire
And, oh, how I love you
Lord Jesus, you’re my heart’s desire
Lord Jesus, you’re my heart’s desire

Thanks for listening, may Christ's love fill and guide your heart.