Recently I saw an advertisement for a new Frank Sinatra CD that was just coming out featuring his greatest hits. He’s dead, of course, but his music is still loved by a lot of folks, even younger adults. One song caught my eye, because it was always one of my favorites. I’m sure my wife and I danced to it many times in our youth. It’s called, “All the Way.” It is a romantic love song as the lyrics express:
When somebody loves you, It’s no good unless he loves you – all the way. Happy to be near you, when you need someone to cheer you – all the way.
Did you ever think of the love that God has for us through His Son Jesus Christ as being that kind of love? AN ALL THE WAY LOVE? And is that the kind of love you have for Him and for those in the body of Christ?
T.M. Moore, in an online devotional reminds us of that truth:
“God loves you because it brings Him great glory to love you, who, like me, deserve nothing but His wrath. So in the crush of the fear of God, love Him, love Him with all your might. And when you fear and love Him like that, you’ll walk in His commandments full of gratitude and joy—and believe me, others will notice.”*
A lawyer and a Pharisee, who probably thought he already knew the answer to the question asked Jesus,
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:36-40).
Jesus said that we must love God—and each other, all the way! And may I add: every day. Well, maybe we can borrow the rest of the lyrics of Frank Sinatra’s love song to finish this article and turn it into a spiritual love song to our Lord. Try and imagine that what is being expressed is the love of God for us and our love for Him one another:
Taller than the tallest tree is, that’s how it’s got to feel. Deeper than the deep blue sea is, that’s how deep it goes – if it’s real.
When somebody needs you, it’s no good unless he needs you – all the way. Through the good or lean years, and for all the in between years – come what may.
Who knows where the road will lead us, only a fool would say. But if you’ll let me love you, it’s for sure I’m gonna love you – all the way, all the way.
Draw near to God, my friends—and He will draw near to you and you will experience his unconditional love, Now that really makes for a beautiful song. — Maranatha!
Pastor Don
*T.M. Moore, Crosfigell, no date
