A love that welcomes us in

In Galatians 2:16 Paul makes it very clear that "a person is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ." On Sunday we were saying that it's not that this good news is hard to understand, but that it is hard to accept. We are so used to having to prove ourselves worthy of love, that our hearts can hardly take it in that the Lord Jesus would embrace us just as we are. 

Here is George Herbert's famous meditation on Christ's love. It is Christ the host who, in his love, is welcoming the poet into his banquet (line 1) But the poet draws back. He doesn't feel worthy to come in (line 7). He feels his guilt means he should be sent away (13). But look at what Christ says in line 15. He himself has paid the price. So for the guest there is nothing to pay.

In response to this the guest (line 16) offers to serve at table (he wants to find some way to prove himself worthy). But Christ bids him sit and eat and enjoy the feast.

People often comment on the abruptness of the last line. But I think it wonderfully captures the poet's amazement at the host's invitation. He was expecting to be shut out, at very least he was expecting to serve at table. But the wonder is that Christ, in his love, has welcomed him in to enjoy the feast. All that remained for the guest to do was...sit and eat. He can hardly believe it.

Love

LOVE bade me welcome; yet my soul drew back,
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack
From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning	5
If I lack'd anything.
'A guest,' I answer'd, 'worthy to be here:'
Love said, 'You shall be he.'
'I, the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear,
I cannot look on Thee.'	10
Love took my hand and smiling did reply,
'Who made the eyes but I?'
'Truth, Lord; but I have marr'd them: let my shame
Go where it doth deserve.'
'And know you not,' says Love, 'Who bore the blame?'	15
'My dear, then I will serve.'
'You must sit down,' says Love, 'and taste my meat.'
So I did sit and eat.