Off in the distance a familiar face.
One my eyes had not seen, but my heart starts to race.
Where have I met him? Does he recognize me?
He smiles and starts waving...who could this be?
I'm caught at a standstill. Should I go or stay?
With strength in his step he starts walking my way.
My soul longs to trust him. He looks decent and kind.
but demons of doubt start filling my mind.
Then in an instant my spirit restored,
that's not just a man...it's Jesus! My LORD!
Without hesitation like a child I run.
My eyes do not leave the face of God's son.
No inhibitions- let them all stare.
With the wind at my back I race without care.
The tears I feel hot rolling down my cheek.
When I reach him I find that I cannot speak.
It's Jesus-my Jesus standing inches away.
Can I reach out and touch him? Would that be ok?
There stands my Redeemer, my heart should have known.
But he does not rebuke me, he says, "Child welcome home."
His voice I remember from deep in my past.
I close my eyes tightly praying this moment will last.
When I finally look up, his fierce grace shining bright,
I at once feel unworthy and I turn from his light.
I remember my doubts, my temptation, my sin.
All the times I'd been selfish and how I'd hurt him.
How I should have been the one to hang from that tree,
but he came down from perfection and he died for me.
How lowly I felt. Undeserving. And small.
How could the God of creation care for me at all?
Could I love him enough? Was it even worth trying?
Could I possibly repay him for coming and dying?
Then with warmth that I feared would make my heart burst,
He said, "Daughter, remember that I loved you first.
Before the creation of planets and stars...
Before the foundation of Earth, Venus and Mars...
Before people walked and before the birds flew...
Before all of these things, my dear child I loved you.
My love for you was never something to be won.
But salvation was given when you believed on the Son.
Do not forget all that happened that day
when you bowed your head and your sins were taken away.
You cannot repay me, nor do I ask you to.
I do all of this, child, because I first loved you."
Then he wrapped me in mercy and cloaked me in grace.
Tipped up my chin, looked me full in the face.
He robbed me of sin and shouldered my shame.
Until my final breath Jesus Christ I will claim.
written 4/07
