O Come To The Altar

This song… O Come To The Altar…  I feel is one of those songs that represents the ebbs and flows of a life engaged with Christ.

It is a simple song, yet it is packed with significance and a high call to action. It encompasses the essence of the human condition and, at the same time, how God is so good that He wants to reconcile with those that chose to follow Him. It is a song that proclaims God’s hope, forgiveness and overall unconditional love.

There is a universal condition that I think all of us go through, which is having to deal with the complexity of ourselves and the sometimes unhealthy habits that go with it. We use coping methods, which, over time, can end up debilitating our minds and bodies. It is a reflection of us overstating our abilities to handle trials, temptations, emotions, and the list goes on. The combination of such inner tensions certainly leaves devastating circumstances.

How many times do we come to a place when we realize how disoriented we’ve become because of how much we think about only ourselves, generally leading towards some sort of transgression… and thus truly leaving us hurting and broken within?

For those of us that claim to be Christ followers, I often think, ”Shouldn’t I have realized more profoundly not just the surrender of sin, but the entirety of how I think and show up in this world?”

In John Chapter 13, we read where Peter wholeheartedly proclaims his willingness to lay down his life down for Christ, and there is a real sincere eagerness in what Peter is declaring. A sort of heroic proclamation. However, Jesus is fully aware that Peter not only overemphasizes his abilities, but that Peter would deny Him entirely.

This area of scripture reveals something I believe we are all guilty of, which is getting wrapped up in sort of a romantic train of thought, yet when faced with difficulty, we totally contradict our own beliefs because of fear, fear of maybe pain, conflict, vulnerability or anything that brings discomfort, again often leading to decisions we regret and that overwhelm us.

Also, there is a real impression made when we sing and ask, “Have you come to the end of yourself?” The conviction really begins to set in. I unfortunately have to ask myself this question often. Even more so, I realize that there is a deeper narrative of disbelief… that I could be so possessed with selfishness and totally disregard that I’m being called to lean on Jesus. And furthermore, when it is Jesus calling, then that calling is to something so much higher than what I could fathom… and it’s for my good and His glory.

Then I slowly being to grasp this massive concept of Christ being loving, not only as Savior but as Father, fully accessible. That sorrows can be traded for joy, which one starts to realize how necessary the sorrow is to have joy. That we must endure trials that reveal more of how He is shaping and equipping us. I find that to be the profound authenticity of Christ, leading to continued transformation.

Maybe, we have not truly dealt with the mistakes and regrets of our sins. Perhaps the weight of those sins are not only hurting us, but others in our life. This song is such a great reminder, that, in those times when we have so much tension within, that Christ is never too far away to receive us with open arms and we can face the challenges of life.

I would strongly encourage you to embrace the discomfort and lean in to what Christ is most likely trying to free you from, so that you may be equipped to do what He asks.

Jacob Cruz

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