Scripture reading: Judges 3:7–11

The Unction1 Function

Ye have an unction from the Holy One. (I John 2:20 KJV)

 

I went to church to find the Lord, I hoped my faith could be restored,

But worship left me only bored.  I feel ashamed to say it.

 

I sat in silence on the pew Awaiting something God would do, But he was absent. (This is true!) Only men were present.

I heard a nice man try to preach, He entertained us with his speech, But my real need he failed to reach.

I groaned in inward anguish.

 

He told some stories full of wit And made us laugh a little bit,

But left me in my deep, dark pit.  Just the way I entered.

 

And when the singer’s voice was heard The music soothed . . . no need for words, Sentimental thoughts were stirred.

Such a great performance.

 

And though the music made me cry Brought drops of moisture to the eye, My soul remained so dead and dry.

Is this what some call worship?

And when I went to Sunday School The teacher sitting on the stool

Let us know he was no fool, Spewing facts and data.

He taught the Bible, “Fully true!” He quoted Greek and some Hebrew, He awed us with the things he knew.

But was the Spirit present?

Teacher, preacher, singer too May have gifts that dazzle you

Yet there’s something they can’t do With only human talent.

If the unction isn’t there, Worship doesn’t have a prayer It’s just verbiage, empty air.

Mocking all who enter.

So I write with great compunction And pray my rhyme will serve a function

Urging us to plead for unction!

Give it, Lord, today.

 

All outward means of grace, if separate from the Spirit of God, cannot profit, or conduce, in any degree, either to the knowledge or love of God. All outward things, unless he work in them and by them, are in vain. —John Wesley

 

point to ponder • Have you been trying to fight the Lord’s battles in your own strength?

prayer focus • The anointing of the Spirit of God in your life.