Portals Into God's Presence: Lift Him Up

I've been thinking a lot about what it means to be a disciple—follower, student, imitator—of Jesus the Christ. I've been mindful of my own behavior, most especially in my home before my husband and daughters, and the way in which it does (and sometimes does not) witness to the saving and transforming power of Christ in my life. I've been watching television and seen self-proclaimed Christians highlighting and showcasing self instead of showcasing the Christ in them. All of this has led me to think about evangelism and the famous quote by Mahatma Gandhi where he said, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” What would it look like for Christians, in general, and me, specifically, to follow in the footsteps of our radically loving Christ? For one, the world would be turned upside down and inside out with love, grace, truth, and forgiveness.

All of these thoughts have inspired our hymn for the week: Lift Him Up. This song, written by Joshua Oatman, Jr. is an evangelistic hymn, whose main idea is that if followers of Christ would actually follow Jesus in word, thought, and deed then men, women, boys and girls would be drawn to the Savior. Beloved, are you lifting up Jesus in your walk? Are you lifting up Jesus in your talk? I challenge you (and myself) to examine your behavior. Locate those places that aren't so Christ-like and ask God to transform your ways of being. I guarantee that God will touch someone you encounter because Jesus is exalted in your life.

How to reach the masses, men of every birth,

For an answer, Jesus gave the key:

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth,

Will draw all men unto Me.”

Lift Him up, Lift Him up,

Still He speaks from eternity:

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth,

Will draw all men unto Me.”

Oh! the world is hungry for the Living Bread,

Lift the Savior up for them to see;

Trust Him, and do not doubt the words that He said,

“I’ll draw all men unto Me.”

Don’t exalt the preacher, don’t exalt the pew,

Preach the Gospel simple, full and free;

Prove Him and you will find that promise is true,

“I’ll draw all men unto Me.”

Lift Him up by living as a Christian ought,

Let the world in you the Savior see;

Then men will gladly follow Him Who once taught,

“I’ll draw all men unto Me.”