JUST AS I AM
Text: John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
I am sure as you read the title to this devotion, your mind went to one of the greatest hymnals ever written, “Just As I Am”. The testimony to this song has always been a blessing to me and I wanted to share it with you in our time together today.
In 1835 Miss Charlotte Elliott was visiting some friends in London, and there met a preacher, Cesar Malan. While seated at dinner, the preacher said he hoped that she was a Christian. She took offense at this, and replied that she would rather not discuss that question. The preacher later said that he was sorry if he had offended her, and that he always liked to speak a word for his Master. He went on to tell her that he hoped she would one day become a great woman for Christ. When they met again at the home of a mutual friend, three weeks later, Miss Elliott told the preacher that ever since he had spoken to her she had been searching and trying to find her Savior, and that she now wished for him to tell her how to come to Christ. The preacher, Cesar Malan responded to her by saying “Just come to HIM as you are,” So this she did, and went away rejoicing! Shortly afterwards she wrote this hymn that without question has God’s hand of anointing on it. God used Miss Elliot to go on and write over 150 hymns for HIS GLORY! Hallelujah! This all happened because one man had the courage and boldness to witness to her and show her compassion. The words she wrote below are timeless and universal.
Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bidst me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, and waiting not To rid my soul of one dark blot, To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about With many a conflict, many a doubt, Fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; Sight, riches, healing of the mind, Yea, all I need in Thee to find, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; Because Thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Evangelist Mordecai Ham was preaching in a revival in 1934 in Charlotte, NC and gave an altar call while this hymnal was being played. A young man named Billy Graham was there that night and came forward and got born again! As you know Billy Graham went on preach the gospel to millions. Since this song made such an impact on him, Billy Graham had this song played during every altar call. Thousands, if not millions have come to Christ while this song has been played since it was written in 1835.
I am so thankful for the day that I came to Jesus, just as I was! I was a lost church member. I had came forward in a church service and said a prayer and made a profession of faith. I was also baptized and was a faithful member of the church and even taught Sunday school. Yet, all along I was still lost in my sins. The devil used this phony religious appearance to fool others and even fool me. I even began to believe this lie and then refused to listen to the Holy Spirit because of my pride. I began to think…(what will others think of me if I go forward and truly get born again?) Can you remember the day you came to Jesus with ALL your sin, just as you are? If not, please come to him NOW! Christian friend, are you far away from home and in your walk with Christ? If you are not where you should be, HE is waiting, calling you to sweet fellowship with him. Do not put it off, come home to the Savior today, JUST AS YOU ARE!
Bro. Lawrence Longworth
Isaiah 61:1 “the opening of the prison to them that are bound;”
Comentarios