A borrowed story…

A few years ago, I was listening to this pastor on one of the devotional channels. I do not remember the pastor’s name or any other details. But the story is so beautiful; I just have to share it. I remember bits and parts of it. I’ll try my best to narrate it well. If anyone knows the source of this story, please let me know; I would love to add a credit note.

There once was a man, all in despair. He’d gone so far, he himself couldn’t bear. His sins had finally over-powered him and he had lost all his peace. Rich this man, with a lavish home. It was so huge with multiple rooms and beautiful decor. Finally, one day he could take it no more. He called on the Lord Jesus. And what do you know!? The Lord in all his glory, appeared to him. Blessed him and embraced him…all so dearly. “Jesus please help me. Why don’t you stay here at home with me?” The Lord, waiting for these words all-along accepted his invitation and started looking around. The man ran after him with linen and purple robes. “Oh Jesus, not this one. I have prepared the upper room. I think you will like the view from up top.” So Jesus graciously accepted whatever he got.

Then at nightfall, the doorbell rang. This man as usual went to open it. As he opened the door, a familiar face he saw. The devil had come for his usual fun. He came with a bag full of temptations and emptied them all out. Evil unleashed, this man fell down. Morning came and Jesus walked down, only to find this man all sprawled on the ground. Syringes and ash, a woman in his arms, the smell of alcohol all around. Furious, he shrieked, “But Jesus you were in the same house!”. Jesus replied, “My dear, your kindness knows no bounds. You gave me a beautiful room, comfortable and sound. I was up, and you were down.”

He looked at his master bedroom with his secrets lying all around. He weighed his odds and decided to just let Jesus have his bedroom right down. Brimming with confidence, he went to sleep. At the ungodly hour, again that doorbell rang. Surely Jesus must have dealt with whatever it may be. So just a peak, I’ll take, is what he thought. He ran downstairs, unflinchingly cheerful, he opened the door. Cold sweats brimming, this man – now despondent. Again the lord of flies poured out all temptations upon this man, in the Lord’s image once begotten. With all his might, he pushed that door. I implore you, don’t come in; my wounds from last night are still sore. The devil guffawed; murmuring his indigenous wrath, poured out on him all night. Succumbed to temptation, again he fell….with Jesus at his house, still a living hell?! At dawn, Jesus came down with what seemed like a yawn. “You betrayed me”, he shrieked; “even though you knew I was weak”. Calm and gentle, this Jesus as always, “my dear boy, your room is delightful. I have cleaned it up and left some flowers and artwork in there. I know you’ll like it; come let’s take a look.” “No Jesus, you must be held accountable, for this my downfall!” Then Jesus explained to him how he only assumes as much is relinquished unto him. “You gave me the guest room; I cleaned it up good. You gave me your master bedroom; I cleaned it up good. But my child, you just simply refused to surrender your whole house. I never impose; this is but what you chose.”

This man now reluctantly, “I cannot forfeit this gift of free will. But, look at me. Okay, okay I implore thee.” But nothing changed; everything seemed just the same! At night, this man fell asleep. And again that doorbell rang, only this time, with a mighty bang. The man, all frustrated, desolate and weary… trembling like the other day, he went to open the door. From somewhere, he felt a tap right at his back. “Excuse me, my child”, in that calm voice, this Jesus told him exactly this – “I believe this is my home; and there is someone relentlessly knocking at my door.” So, moving him aside, Jesus opened the door. And the devil outside – fell on the floor, “I’m sorry kind sir, mercy please! I think I have the wrong address. I’m confused, is this leased?” “No, this house is hypothecated to me.” At once the devil ran away. And never did he return to that house to this day!

You see, we give Jesus our time on Sundays, maybe. We bless the children, the sick in his name. We pray for healing and surrender our health. We surrender our talents, even jobs, maybe. Then we look at the mess within us – our rottenness, our guilty pleasures, our possessions and tell Him….He can have everything else but that. We keep our money and spending habits private. We don’t want Him meddling with that drinking problem or our superfluous nature or the client we have been cheating all along. ‘You can have everything else, Lord. Some things are just private’, we say. But, that’s how the devil makes his way.

Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place— the Most High, your refuge— no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your home. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. -Psalm 91:9-11

Then I will encamp at my house as a guard, so that none shall march to and fro; no oppressor shall again march over them, for now I see with my own eyes. -Zechariah 9:8

Surrendering All…..{well, attempting to 😉 },

Ruelha

Remembering this hymn….

All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

Chorus : I surrender all,
I surrender all.
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory to His name.