"Next of Kin"

I’m one of those guys,

I tell you no lies,

Who has done more than my share of sinning.

Lots of regret,

In my past, you bet,

For years I was losing, not winning.

But Jesus, you see,

Now means more to me,

Than all that I once left behind.

His love is so great,

And none can negate,

The joy that He helped me to find.

I cowboyed along,

Danced to the world’s song,

And pretended that I was okay.

But down deep I knew,

What I ought to do,

And that was give Jesus full sway.

But afraid if I did,

I’d have to get rid,

Of everything that made me, me.

Took me awhile,

To see Jesus’ smile,

And receive identity.

He knew who I was,

And surely because,

I’m His creation, for sure.

I was off course,

But He was the source,

Of healing and my only cure.

Said a thief had been there,

To steal all, I swear,

And brother, he ‘bout got it done.

But Jesus defends,

And His oversight sends,

The thief away, sure makes him run.

Life’s adventure is real,

And the Spirit you feel,

Flowing deep like a river within.

And it will overflow,

To everyone show,

Jesus is our next of kin.

“Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death- that is, the devil- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” (Hebrews 2:14-15, NIV)

Jesus came to destroy the devil’s power and influence in our lives. He became like us in every way, and died so that we might finally be set free from everything that afflicts us and makes us afraid. Jesus is the great high priest who has been through every temptation we face, and so closely identifies with us that He can help us like no other. We have become His kin, and He has promised to give us everything we need for life here and hereafter.

Lord, help us rely completely upon Your grace to help us, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Andy Mast, used by permission. Thanks, Andy, and God bless you.