The choir will be singing the anthem “Take Me to the King” written by Kirk Franklin and arranged by Travis Cottrell this Sunday. This song, more than any other in recent times, has had a dramatic impact on me. I find myself singing it in the mornings and throughout the day. It’s really a prayer, a prayer that our church (Eastern Hills) and the churches of our nation so desperately need to embrace. The theme of the song brings to mind Paul’s writing in II Corinthians 12:9-11. Below is the passage in the New Living Translation.
9 “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
In our country, in our churches we need to be “broken.” Pride, resulting from the blessings of God upon our nation and each of us individually, has obscured our focus in life. Our priorities are all misplaced. We have pursued earthly treasures to the exclusion of the greatest treasure we could ever have—a relationship with Jesus Christ and a life lived under His Spirit’s control. We have attained the abundance of wealth, affluence, security, family, friendships, sports, leisure, self-esteem and so much more. Yet, we feel empty in our spirit—rushed, burdened, confused, frustrated and depleted. We persist in attaining more “things” to satisfy our hunger, our hollowness – yet we end up dry, deflated, void of true joy and peace.
What is the answer? “Brokenness.” Brokenness before the very One who made us in His image. Christians must awaken before it is too late. We must lay down those “substituted” things and take hold of the REAL, the AUTHENTIC answer to our joy and completeness. This joy can only come in total SURRENDER to God alone.
Christians, true followers of Jesus, must be willing to take a stand and be DIFFERENT! We cannot continue to drift along and ignore the biggest problem that faces our nation since its inception – anarchy. It will ensue if we, God’s people, do not start “walking the walk” and be true salt and light in our communities. We have the only Hope that will save our nation from destruction! We must live like it! We must share like it! We must walk and talk like it! We can no longer let society impact the church but rather the true Christ Centered Church must start impacting the society.
How do we begin? Come back to Jesus. Come to Him in complete and utter brokenness knowing that we are weak. Knowing that we are dirty, sinful, wretched creatures who need EVERY DAY a life-changing infusion of His Holy Spirit! We cannot do it in our strength! We can never be “good enough.” We can never try hard enough to change ourselves in our strength alone. Only through the power of one Mightier, Wiser, Holier than ourselves can we achieve it.
I challenge you, Eastern Hills Baptist Church, to take a stand this week. First of all, SUBMIT to His Lordship! Walk in His ways! If that means you need to stand up and say, “SUNDAY is God’s day – I will not participate in any activity that takes me away from worship,” then in the power of God’s Holy Spirit do it!! Others will follow – maybe it’s you who must lead. Take a risk by speaking up in your workplace in acknowledgement of your values when others espouse ungodly, unholy views that threaten to tear down our society – always speaking out in love. Stand up in truth when the boss asks you to fudge on something to gain a higher position. Do all to the glory of God—remembering it is not flesh and blood we fight against but the powers of darkness (Ephesians 6:12).
Now back to the anthem, “Take Me to the King.” In a prayerful reflection consider these words as you realize your need to come in your brokenness to our Lord.
Take me to the King.
I don’t have much to bring.
My heart is torn in pieces.
It’s my offering.
Truth is I’m tired, options are few.
I’m trying to pray but where are You?
I’m all churched out, hurt and abused.
I can’t fake what’s left to do.
Truth is I’m weak, and no strength to fight,
No tears to cry even if I tried.
But still my soul refuses to die,
One touch, it will change my life.
Take me to the King.
I don’t have much to bring.
My heart is torn in pieces.
It’s my offering.
Truth is it’s time to stop playing these games.
We need a word for the people’s pain.
So, Lord, speak right now, let it fall like rain.
We’re desperate, we’re chasing after You.
No rules, no religion, I’ve made my decision to run to You, the Healer that I need.
Lord, we’re in the way, we keep making mistakes.
The glory’s not for us, it’s all for You.
Take me to the King.
I don’t have much to bring.
My heart is torn in pieces.
It’s my offering.
Lay me at the throne,
Leave me there alone to gaze upon Your glory and sing to You this song.
Take me to the King.
Lord, we need You every hour, every second.
Oh, how we need You, Lord.
It is only through His Power, His Strength, His Guidance, His Wisdom that we can make an impact on this community, this state this nation and this world!
Stand with me in Him!
God bless you all!
Keith