There was a call for all who desired to come forward and “get all” of what the Lord had for them. Most everyone responded to the invitation, understanding that no one would be left out, no matter how long the line. I stood in the line with expectation in my heart, humming with anticipation. As people crowded closer trying to move forward, the reality of what it must have been like in Jesus’ day sunk in.
I let my mind imagine a flashback into history. Streets of dirt, open sewage ditches, lack of amenities such as soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and deodorant. No medical facilities, no stores with refrigeration, no welfare programs and the list went on. These were conditions in Jesus’ day, but even now poor nations still live like this.
The line I stood in offered none of the smells of desperation. A sense of humility fell upon me. This moment was not to be treated as “common”. I needed to know the desperate state of my own diseased heart; my heart which had much yet to learn of compassion, mercy, love and generosity. My heart needed healing so that I could give my life away fully, holding nothing back in reserve. Today I was asking for the “heart of a lion”!
Luke 9:24 (NLT) ” If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for My sake, you will save it.”