All

In a special service earlier this week, we sang “I surrender all.” As I’ve been reflecting on Holy Week, especially on the crowd that turned from “Hosanna” to “Crucify Him,” I wonder if our singing of this sacred song was heartfelt, or if it was only empty words.

What does it mean to surrender all?

• All my time? All my plans? All my schedule?
• All my resources? All my finances? All my possessions?
• All my talents? All my abilities?
• All my personal preferences? All my likes and dislikes?
  

Do I really give them all to Him? In so doing, do I use them all in service for others?


Think of the empty promises of Peter. “Even if all fall away, I will not.”
But he denied Christ 3 times.

It is important to recognize that we often do not live up to our promises. We, like the disciples, don’t know what we’re getting into.

All fall short of the glory of God.

But what was Jesus’ response?
He died for us.
He forgave us. “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”
He restored those who denied him. “Peter, son of John, do you love me? Feed my sheep.”
He empowered his run-away disciples. “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

This Easter, let us be aware of the great mercies of God, who loves us, who died for us, who forgives us, who empowers us, and who calls us to follow Him. To Him be all all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.