Sometimes we are called to worship
like the woman
who gave her reputation to
wash His feet with her tears,[1]
who gave her borrowed glory[2] to
wipe them,
and gave her future security
to anoint Him with fragrance.
Sometimes we are called to wait
like Joseph in the pit and prison,[3]
who gave his freedom
to keep his purity,
and risked his life
to give faithful counsel.
Sometimes we are asked to carry a cross,
like Simon of Cyrene,
who shouldered a burden[4]
to be faithful to the weary.
Sometimes we are asked to give
like Joseph of Arimathea,
who gave his prepared-for future[5]
to give a home in death to the One who never had one in His life.[6]
Sometimes I am called to give
when I feel spent,
to trust when I cannot see,
to have faith when my belief is small.
And the thing I least expected
happens before my eyes.
The time I gave,
the trust I placed,
the faith I stirred,
the security she lost,
the freedom he was denied,
the weight he carried,
the tomb he gave,
In abundance
is given back.[7]
What I give
I only lend.
Where He takes,
He will abundantly provide.
[1] Luke 7:36-50
[2] Her hair (see 1 Corinthians 11:15)
[3] Genesis chapters 37-41
[4] Mark 15:21
[5] Mark 15:42-46
[6] Luke 9:58
[7] Luke 6:38
