Lenten Devotional, Day 26: Song/Lyric: Let it be First Love
Dear Saints of the Lord,
For this 4th Sunday of Lent the Revised Common Lectionary would commend the following Readings: 1 Samuel 16:1–13, Psalm 23, Ephesians 5:8–14, John 9:1–41.
This is the Sunday rest when I give only the Scriptures without comment. And that is true concerning the Readings.
The following, however, is just one more way to importune the overall lenten theme, that of personally meeting with God. Let us neglect not the prayer closet, the "wilderness" retreat, the fasted focus, the daily quiet time, a devotional life, to watch & pray, etc. Call it what you will — "a rose by any other name would smell as sweet" (Shakespeare).
LET IT BE FIRST LOVE (lyric)
Here I am again,
In awe overwhelming.
And though You never change,
Somehow You’re always new.
Let it be first love—
Again the first time!
When my heart first loved You,
Who always has loved me.
Sometimes all alone,
Sin seeks to befriend me.
You stronger bid my name,
And I run to Your throne.
Let it be first love—
Again the first time!
When Your grace first found me
And showered mercies down.
Open is Your Word,
So alive before me.
Whate'er I thought I knew
Proves deeper, higher still.
Let it be first love—
Again the first time!
Forever changing me
That Word unchangeable.
Though tarries the fight—
I will retreat never!
For those who wait on You,
Shall have their strength renewed.
Let it be first love—
Again the first time!
Each filling of the Dove,
Every soar on Eagle’s wings.
"Soon and very soon,"
Face to face in glory—
There fully knowing You,
As I’ve been fully known.
Let it be full love!
Truly the first time!
Pure and face-to-face love
By which I'm overcome.
Let it be full love!
The first time full love!
That high, deep, and wide love—
To worship finally whole.
Finally a full love!
Full and overflowing!
That Dayspring unending,
Yet somehow always new.
Notes:
• A "spiritual song" (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16), i.e. a worshipful heart response to God's holiness and glory and love. And it has a melody, so meant to be sung.
• "Soon and very soon" is lyric of Andre Crouch and alludes Hebrews 10:37.
• It alludes in order of occurence: Ezekiel 1:28; Daniel 10:8–11; Revelation 1:12–17; Hebrews 13:8; Malachi 3:6; James 1:17; I John 4:19; Jeremiah 31:3; Psalm 103:17; Hebrews 11:25; John 10:27; Hebrews 4:16, 12:1–2; Galatians 4:9; Romans 5:6; James 1:17; Psalm 68:9, 119:130; Jeremiah 33:3; Psalm 119:18; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 1:23; Isaiah 55:8; Ephesians 3:18-19; 2 Peter 1:4; I Peter 2:2; Psalm 119:89; Isaiah 40:8; 1 Peter 1:25; Matthew 24:35; Revelation 22:18-19; I Samuel 30:6,10; Isaiah 40:30; Matthew 24:13; Galatians 6:9; Romans 2:7; Jude1:21, 24; Ephesians 5:18; Isaiah 40:31; Hebrews 10:37; Revelation 22:4; Song of Songs 6:5; 2 Corinthians 3:18, 4:6; Revelation 1:17; 1 Corinthians 13:12; 1 John 3:2; Matthew 17:2; Song of Songs 8:5a; Revelation 2:4; Ephesians 3:18–19; Romans 8:30; Revelation 21:4; John 4:14, 7:38; Job 38:12; Luke 1:78; Zechariah 14:7, Revelation 21:25, Revelation 22:5.
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The Only Best in/is Christ,
tIM