Many, many years ago I had the opportunity to see my all-time favorite singer (and let’s be honest – my first “love”) in a live concert. After the show we waited outside by the back entrance to see if we might catch a glimpse of him leaving the arena. Just when we thought we’d somehow missed him, he finally came out. There were probably 30 of us waiting and he went along the line, shaking everyone’s hands and saying hello. We were almost at the end of the line, and as I waited, I was beside myself with excitement, caught up in the aura and mystique of actually meeting someone I so dearly adored. Finally it was my turn. I put out my hand and shook John Denver’s hand. “Hello!’ he said kindly, but all I could muster was an awkward smile and goofy, dazed expression. I was absolutely speechless, and only managed a small nod back to him.
And then the moment was over. He boarded his waiting bus and was on his way. On the 90 minute drive home, I berated myself for being so star-struck and unresponsive. I thought of all sorts of great things to say, but it was too late. John Denver was on his way to the next concert venue, and my chance to speak with him had passed.
I’m not usually rendered speechless like I was that night meeting John Denver. Typically I have much to say about a certain topic or event. But sometimes something happens that is just beyond words.
Take Jesus’ sacrificial gift of grace, mercy and forgiveness for example. That type of love is unfathomable to me – it really is. I love my children dearly and honestly can’t even begin to think about sacrificing them for your sake. But that’s precisely what God did – He gave His only son to be sacrificed for me, for you, for the world to make a way for us to have a relationship with Him. There are hardly words to describe what it is He went through willingly. It just doesn’t make sense to me. It leaves me speechless. There are no words to express my gratitude, my amazement, and my humility at being offered such a priceless gift.
As I pondered the sacrifice and prepared to worship the risen King tomorrow, I was captured by this powerful presentation. Sometimes when words fail other forms of expression can succeed….
Thank you Lord for Your sacrifice and love. Words fail, we are left speechless, but somehow we manage a small nod of worship, trust and love.
