A few weeks back our family enjoyed Disney’s Broadway musical, Beauty and the Beast at The Bass Hall. We went all out, paying top dollar for some seats near the front. In fact, this special treat was our Christmas gift to one another.
Halfway through the show our six year old daughter started to close her eyes and nod off. Suzanne gently elbowed her and said, “We paid too much for you to sleep! Wake up!”
I told that story to a friend here at church who said, “That’s how I feel during your sermons! I paid too much to go to sleep!” He was kidding, I think.
Most everybody knows the storyline of Beauty and the Beast. A selfish young prince has been changed into a monster. He holds a young maiden against her will. The real show stopper is when the Beast and Belle, his beautiful hostage, are finally going to share a meal together. It’s the moment when she begins to no longer be his captive, but becomes his guest.
Dishes dance, spoons and forks promenade, and exploding fireworks come cascading down. A candelabra sings with a heavy French accent, “Be our guest, be our guest, put our service to the test. Tie your napkin ’round your neck, cheri, and we provide the rest…”
When Jesus becomes the Lord of my life, it doesn’t mean Christ holds me hostage. He doesn’t force me to wear His clothes, live in his house, or sit at His feet. He never forces me to a table to share a meal with Him.
When God is the sovereign Lord of my life, it means I’ve willingly invited Him to be in control. He’s no monster demanding my attention. He’s my Master when He’s center stage and most important in my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Lordship is a decision I make, not a demand my Lord makes.
I can choose Him, or I can walk away at any moment. It’s up to me to sing that line to Jesus Himself, “Be my guest, be my guest…” and make Him Lord of all.
~Danny Sims
