Look at the Lyrics: God With Us, Mercy Me”

Lyric:    “Who are we, that You would be mindful of us?
               What do You see, that’s worth looking our way?
                … Such a tiny offering compared to Calvary
               Nevertheless we lay it at Your feet”
    

Song/Album:      “God With Us” / All That Is Within Me
Artist:                   Mercy Me
Writers:                Bart Millard, Mike Scheuchzer, Jim Bryson,
                             Nathan Cochran, Barry Graul, Robby Shaffer

Scripture:            “Father, if You be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but yours, be done.”  
                               (Luke 22:42)

Reflection:    If you had to summarize the message of the Bible in one word, you might say something like “truth”, “life”, “hope”, “love”, “mercy” or “grace.”  My one word answer would be “nevertheless.”  Strange, I know.  But this is why. Throughout history God was ready to destroy mankind because of sin, rebellion and wickedness.  Time after time God relented.  In the book of Ezekiel three of those instances are referenced, each one using the word “nevertheless”: “Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with you…” (16:60), “Nevertheless my eye spared them from destroying them…” (20:17), “Nevertheless I withdrew my hand of judgment…” (20:22). Despite our depravity, God was with us, on our side!

Fast-forward 600 years.  Someone else uttered that very same word.  In absolute agony, Jesus was ready to destroy sin on behalf of all mankind, but first he had to endure a brutal death on a cross. He cried, “Father, if You be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). Despite his humanity, Jesus chose consummate obedience.  God with us, Emmanuel!

“Nevertheless” is the expressed will of God to give us grace for wrath and life for death.  Despite our waywardness, God has made a WAY for us, through his son Jesus Christ!  
    
If we give Him our all, what a small offering that is.  Nevertheless, we lay it at his feet…