by Graham Mol
As inevitable as the sun rising in the morning, we’re going to commit some kind of sin at some stage. Even the most dedicated and mature Christians get it wrong at times, we are not yet perfect and if we think we are, then our pride betrays us. What this means is that every time we sin we have a choice. How will this affect my relationship with the Lord? Do I let it push me away from Him, or do I swallow my pride and come humbly before Him, just as I am?
The classic hymn: “Just as I am” contains wonderful truths about coming to the Lord “just as we are,” acknowledging that we are not worthy, that we are sinners, but that He is good and merciful.
So let’s take a moment to look at each verse and appreciate the wisdom and truth contained in the lyrics.
Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!
We come to the Lord “without one plea,” that is, God does not owe us anything, we have not earned His favour – BUT that Jesus shed His blood for us, giving His life to save us from our sin – AND that He has called us to come to Him. These two facts are unchangeable and no matter how we are feeling about ourselves, we can still come to Him, just as we are.
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!
There is such an important lesson to be learnt in this verse. So often we let the shame of our sin hold us back from coming to the Lord to be cleansed of our uncleanness. We do ourselves a disservice in this. Let us rather not wait to be cleansed of that “dark blot”. The blood of Jesus that washes us white as snow is how this cleansing of our souls is often described. Allow His holiness cleanse you of the impurities you have allowed into your life through sin. Not only that, but be free of the shame. Don’t delay.
Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt;
Fightings within, and fears without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
We don’t need to have it all together to come to God. We find an internal battle going on in us between the old sinful desires and our new desires to obey the Lord. We do not have to have that battle concluded before we can come to Him. Rather, as we wrestle with such things we should go to Him our strength and refuge.
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind;
Yes, all I need, in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
Not many of us would describe ourselves as “poor, wretched” and “blind”. But spiritually speaking that is what we are without Jesus. Look at the world around us, despite the incredible developments that have made our lives more comfortable than ever, we still find dissatisfied people. We still find greed and injustice resulting in oppression and exploitation of others. True wealth, true sight and true soundness of mind is only found in Him.
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!
Why should we go to Jesus? Because He will receive us. His arms are wide open and stretched towards us. Jesus is calling each one of us to come to Him. In Him we will find forgiveness and healing. Let us trust in His promise and go to Him.
Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down;
Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
Finally, the incredible truth that we actually can go to Him just as we are. God made a way for us to be reconciled to Him. Out of love He sent His Son to die for our sin. Jesus paid the price for our rebellion and now we are made right with God and can freely enter into His presence, the barrier has been torn down. Not only that, we will be able to live in the presence of God for all eternity. We will be His people and He will be our God. Forever.
God Bless
Graham
