Once I thought I’d bring
things well fit for a King
with my talents, time, and traits.
A bell to ring
and songs to sing,
I’d appease the Magistrate.
For surely I had much to give
and quite the sought-aft’ flair
to fashion such an offering
with diligence and care.
So I craft a home spun present
to lend him and bestow
all my efforts and my images
I’d made of Heaven and of the earth below.
With great tenacity
and painstaking knack
I’d carved my own
fine wood and stone—
only to have it given back.
Crestfallen was my spirit.
Downtrodden was my soul.
All my labors in vain
were like that of Cain
and I still played no vital roll.
Then so I asked
and so I sought;
I knocked to question more…
and received reproof
but found the truth
when he opened up his door.
He craves no thing I can create
of high or valued price,
for all that is belongs to him.
He wants no sacrifice.
Chores of my hands are but
extensions of a sick, deceitful heart.
Though now that it’s been taken…
it can still be set apart.
There’s nothing I can bring—
not in my bones, my flesh, or marrow;
fit for a king
to whom I cling
and who sees the falling sparrow.
There’s nothing I can bring—
of all the finest gifts, not one…
could measure up
for he drank the cup
and all the work’s been done.
There’s nothing I can bring—
no guilt or wailing wall.
The “gift” earned for me
up on Calvary
is God’s glory of it all.
References from the Holy Bible
Line 14 – Exodus 20:4
Line 18 – Deuteronomy 4:27-29
Line 22 – Ecclesiastes 1:2
Line 23 – Genesis 4:4-6
Line 30 – Matthew 7:7-11
Line 34 – Psalm 50:7-15
Line 36 – Jeremiah 17:9
Line 37 – Ezekiel 36:26
Line 38 – Psalm 4:3
Line 43 – Matthew 10:29
Line 47 – Matthew 26:39
Line 48 – John 19:30
Line 52 – Romans 5:15; Ephesians 2:8-9
Line 53 – Luke 23:33