Clothesline 287 "Till All the World Believes"

Today is Ash Wednesday, a most solemn day in the church. It’s the beginning of a six-week journey with Jesus, His final attempts at bringing others to Himself, and His eventual betrayal, crucifixion, and death on a cross. Yes, we know that we have the Resurrection to look forward to, but for now, we must first walk the road to Calvary.

As we enter a time of self-reflection along with remembering Jesus’ physical and emotional pain, I couldn’t help but think of today and the unrest is our world, the hatred at every turn, and it appears that all have turned away from the Jesus.

Today is Ash Wednesday, a most solemn day in the church. It’s the beginning of a six-week journey with Jesus, His final attempts at bringing others to Himself, and His eventual betrayal, crucifixion, and death on a cross. Yes, we know that we have the Resurrection to look forward to, but for now, we must first walk the road to Calvary.

As we enter a time of self-reflection along with remembering Jesus’ physical and emotional pain, I couldn’t help but think of today and the unrest is our world, the hatred at every turn, and it appears that all have turned away from the Jesus.

Just recently I happened to notice a piece of music laying on the desk in my office. I had been sorting through some sheet music, and I had forgotten to put this one back in its place. Or was it meant to be left behind for me to notice at this particular moment? It's title: Till All the World Believes. I picked it up and read the lyrics:

You have given me new life; what can I give you?

You give vision to my eyes to see what I’m to do;

so many dying souls that need you;

give me compassion to care.

Lord, I’ll go where you want me to go,

be what you want me to be.

I’ll be giving my all for the sake of your call

till all the world believes.

Only in your strength can I reach out to those in need,

help me to reflect your light;

so you’re the One they see.

I am but one, but one that’s faithful;

use me the way that you will.

Lord, I’ll go where you want me to go,

be what you want me to be.

I’ll be giving my all for the sake of your call

till all the world believes.

I was stunned by the relevance to the season of Lent as well as the current chaos in our world. The season of Lent, our focus on the journey Jesus walked those last few weeks of His life, and our prayers for our country and the world should bring us to our knees in humility and thanksgiving. Humility…because we have a mighty God who will work His purpose out in a sinful world, and thanksgiving…because we are blessed to live where we live, no matter the problems and disagreements that occur.

I’d like to believe that we are indeed on a journey of bringing the world to Christ, and that someday all the world will believe. May this season of Lent call us to a greater understanding of the power of God, and may we use whatever tools possible to make Him known throughout the world.