I was struck by the lyrics of one of Wynonna Judd’s C/W songs that I heard for the first time today. “She is His Only Need” – just a simple story of two young kids in a small Arizona town who fell in love for life. This boy spent his life living for this girl. As I listened, I couldn’t help but think about the lack of commitment in so many marriages today and how easily it is to walk in and out of relationships. People like to talk about the magic of falling in love. I think some have forgotten that the only “magic” is in commitment, covenant love that won’t let go. They have no idea what they are missing. It’s heartbreaking.
Going overboard in love. Giving everything to another, unconditionally. That is what Jesus did for us. No one else can, or does, love us like Jesus does. How much does He love us? “This much,” He said, and then he stretched out his arms and let them nail Him to the Cross. Can you imagine that we are worth that much to Him? He, who owned all of Creation, longed for us. In fact, He endured the Cross for the joy that was set before Him, His beautiful Bride. He could have called the angels of Heaven to destroy the world and set Him free, but he poured out His life; He gave it freely. Why? He could see you and me, His Bride, on the other side of Death.
“On the mount of Crucifixion, fountains opened deep and wide
Through the floodgates of God’s mercy flowed a vast and gracious tide.
Grace and love like mighty rivers flowed incessant from above,
And heaven’s peace and perfect justice kissed a guilty world in Love. Here is Love!”
(William Rees)
On our best days, on our worst days, He loves us. We can live in that love. When we blow it, or when we stay in control, He loves us. No strings attached. He is head over heels, crazy about us! Like the boy in the song, He went overboard for us. He will withhold nothing from us; all He has is ours. He cannot wait to bring us home to His Father’s house for the Wedding of the Ages. And we can walk in that love, every day of our lives.