I GAVE MY LIFE FOR THEE by Francis Havergal

I gave My life for thee, My precious blood I shed

That thou might ransomed be, And quickened from the dead

I gave, I gave My life for thee, What hast thou given for Me?

I gave, I gave My life for thee, What hast thou given for Me?

My Father’s house of light, My glory circled throne

I left for earthly night, For wanderings sad and lone

I left, I left it all for thee, Hast thou left aught for Me?

I left, I left it all for thee, Hast thou left aught for Me?

I suffered much for thee, More than thy tongue can tell

Of bitterest agony, to rescue thee from hell,

I’ve borne, I’ve borne it all for thee, What hast thou borne for Me?,

I’ve borne, I’ve borne it all for thee, What hast thou borne for Me?

And I have brought to thee, Down from My home above

Salvation full and free, My pardon and My love

I bring, I bring rich gifts to thee, What hast thou brought to Me?

I bring, I bring rich gifts to thee, What hast thou brought to Me?

There is no shame in remembering those who were are brothers and sisters who are now at home in heaven. The Bible continually speaks of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Hebrews 11 gives us an honor role of faithful saints. Those who blazed trails in bringing the gospel to the nations are to be respected and honored for their work.

As important as this is, there is a danger. The danger is that we will honor men and women more than the God they served. No matter how great their service, it paled in comparison to what God has done for us. That is why I have picked this song for today. It is a good reminder of why they served, why we serve. 

Christ gave His precious blood for us, can we do any less for Him? If He calls us to suffer for Him, to become a martyr in bringing His gospel to the nations, who are we to shrink for it? Our forefathers did not. Christ left all the splendor of heaven to serve us in the squalor of earth. Can we not leave the comforts of home to go to where people are? Christ gave us Himself, the richest gift of all. Can we not share that gift with the nations?

If we would really honor the saints, we would do well to imitate their example. We would strive to be William Careys, Amy Carmichaels, Gladys Alworths. We would strive to be John Bunyans, William Tyndales, Martin Luthers. Even better, we would emulate Jesus Christ, our greatest hero.

Lord, help us to serve You boldly, willingly, supremely. Let us work diligently until You come again and take us home to where You are.