Reflection #2 on "Presence (My Heart's Desire)" by Newsboys  [song lyrics]

• originally released by solidsounds.org, 10/11/2004
• author: Suzy C.
• scripture reference: John 13:12; Revelation 1:4-5

	From the album "Devotion" (2004) Read the song lyrics...

I long to be washed
In the well of Your mercy

What is the most haunting question in the Bible? I have a Bible that keeps track in the margin of all the questions asked in Scripture. I often use this Bible in my daily reading time and I like to take note of these questions. I have read through them many times but the one that stands out in my mind as the most convicting is this one found in the book of John:

"So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, 'Do you know what I have done to you?'" (John 13:12 NASB).

Jesus asked His disciples this simple question, "Do you know, do you understand, what I have done to you?" Each time I read that verse I hear Him asking me the same thing, Suzy, do you know what I have done to you?

Well, I have found the answer to this question in another book written by John, the Book of Revelation:

"John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood," (Revelation 1:4-5 KJV).

Here is what Jesus has done to you and to me and to all who trust in Him for salvation; He has washed us from our sins in His own blood. We have been washed in His mercy and His love. Now can you see why I find this question the most convicting?

Each time I read that question I pause and I bow my heart before the One who deserves all praise and worship. I whisper, Yes, my love, my Lord, I know what You have done to me.

If it had been up to me, I would never have let Him go to that cross. Had I been there I would have been like Peter and said "No Lord! This must never happen to you."

But Jesus was determined to deliver me and you from the sin that would forever separate us from His presence.

In the song "Presence," the Newsboys sing that they want to be washed in the well of His mercy. Have you pondered the price He paid for your deliverance?

Have you fully grasped what He has done to you? Are you embracing His presence today? Take a moment, and think about how Jesus washed the feet of His disciples and how He washed each of us with His own blood. As you do, I pray that His presence will fill you afresh today.

--Suzy C.

Scripture Reference: John 13:12; Revelation 1:4-5