A Dose of Humility

On my way to school this morning, the latest NeedtoBreathe CD that my wonderful husband gave me was playing. I've listened to the CD several times now, and it's mostly been just background music; no special attention paid to the lyrics.

Evidently the Lord had something different in mind for my drive to school this morning. Track 13 is entitled "Garden," which my van conveniently displays for me; otherwise, I might have overlooked this incredible song once again. But when the track came on, and I read "Garden" I thought, "Hmm... Garden? As in Gethsemane Garden?" Yep. And here are the lyrics:

"Won’t you take this cup from me

‘Cause fear has stolen all my sleep

If tomorrow means my death

I pray you’ll save their souls with it

Let the songs I sing

Bring joy to you

Let the words I say profess my love

Let the notes I choose

Be your favorite tune

Father let my heart be after you

In this hour of doubt I see

But who I am is not just me

So give me strength to die myself

So love can live to tell the tale

Let the songs I sing

Bring joy to you

Let the words I say profess my love

Let the notes I choose

Be your favorite tune

Father let my heart be after you

Father let my heart be...

For you

Let the songs I sing

Bring joy to you

Let the words I say profess my love

Let the notes I choose

Be your favorite tune

Father let my heart be after you"

Reading those lyrics may not rock your world like it did mine this morning; it was a very personal moment of awareness for me. All that I could wrap my mind around while listening particularly to the two verses of the song was the humanity of Christ. Putting myself in His shoes for a moment to comprehend that He was very much aware that He was laying down His physical life; looking ahead knowing He was scheduled to endure hours upon hours of mockery, physical abuse and agony; all for the sake of those that were guilty of the torment He was to withstand. And despite the fact that HE WAS FULLY GOD, His heart's desire more than anything else was to please His Father. To do whatever it was that His Father God desired for Him to do. I don't know that I can completely articulate how much this blows my mind, but to think about the fact that Jesus Christ was God, but also man, and with all of His humanity wanted nothing more than to please God, no matter what that demanded... wow. He wasn't callus. He wasn't resigned. He wasn't arrogant. He was humble, submissive, broken, afraid and sold out on pleasing God.

Is His attitude reflected in me? Not even close. But that's the plan, I think.