Emptied Himself of All But Love.

Good Sunday morning! For all of us who seek to experience more of God’s fullness each day, here is an interesting devotional thought that occurred to me as I awoke today. The words of and ancient hymn came into my ancient brain. “. . . emptied Himself of all but love . . . .”

In recent blog posts, I have suggested that to experience more of His fullness will require more of our emptiness. That is to say, we should allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us about what fills our time and attention that, by its very nature, crowds out the sense of His loving presence.

For instance, it might be our plans, preoccupations, addictions – things into which we cannot invite the Lord to share with us. So, the song lyric provoked me to ask me – Can I take this moment to “empty myself of all but love?” God’s steadfast love never ceases. It is new every morning – this morning – right now!

I want to be undistracted in loving Him back. How about you?

The lyrics require careful attention to gain the full impact of truth in this worshipful hymn written by Charles Wesley, entitled “And Can It Be:”

And can it be that I should gain An interest in the Savior’s blood?

Died He for me, who caused His pain— For me, who Him to death pursued?

Amazing love! How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldest die for me?

He left His Father’s throne above so free, so infinite His grace—

Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled for Adam’s helpless race:

’Tis mercy all, immense and free, For O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay, Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;

Thine eye diffused a quickening ray— I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;

My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

Still the small inward voice I hear, That whispers all my sins forgiven;

Still the atoning blood is near, That quenched the wrath of hostile Heaven.

I feel the life His wounds impart; I feel the Savior in my heart.

No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;

Alive in Him, my living Head, And clothed in righteousness divine,

Bold I approach the eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ, my own.

Note: I have just posted a new monograph called “Identifying Heritage Hymns.” I encourage you to take a moment and review it. You will find it at MoreofHisFullness.com in the Tool Chest, Drawer 2

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