Daily devotional, Dec 28, 2023 Save the last dance
"For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called."
Isaiah 54:5
“Save the last dance” was one of the songs in the soundtrack of my favorite Korean TV Series. Prior to watching that show, I’ve heard the original version of the song, and also heard Michael Buble’s cover. Apparently, the song was written by American Blues Singer Doc Pomus, who contracted Polio as a child.
The inspiration to write the song came during his wedding. At the reception, his wife, who was a Broadway actress and dancer, danced with their wedding guests as he looked on while sitting in his wheelchair. Hence, he wrote the line: “But don’t forget who’s takin’ you home and in whose arms you’re gonna be. So darling, save the last dance for me.”
It was indeed a sweet song, and I can imagine the Lord Jesus Christ, our Eternal Bridegroom singing that to each of us, as He looks on to us dancing to our own music, busily living our lives:
“The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” Jeremiah 31:3
Each day of our lives, we pursue our goals, our personal agendas. Some of us seek God’s guidance, while others just go about their own rhythm. And whether we are living a life devoted to God, or we have yet to start and nurture a personal relationship with our Savior, He gives us all a chance to spend eternity with Him:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
The Lord sees us beyond our pretenses and worldly attributes. He knows our strengths and weaknesses, and yet, like an ideal bridegroom and husband, he accepts all these frailties. He even looks on to us with a loving gaze, ready to provide, protect, and cherish:
“I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. As a lily among brambles, so is my love among the young women.” Song of Solomon 2:1
In the above passage from the Book of the Song of Solomon, biblical scholars explain that the follower of Christ who takes on the role of the bride says she is just like a simple wildflower. However, the Lord, represented by the Bridegroom, sees her as a beautiful and one of a kind creation. This is much like us, who sometimes belittle ourselves thinking the Lord does not notice us. When we see ourselves as unworthy because of our sinfulness. But no, each of us is special in His eyes.
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved." Ephesians 2:4-5
When we finally realize that we have to save the last dance for the Lord and fully devote ourselves to Him, we will experience the peace and joy that only a life with Him can give. It is like marrying Mr. Right who is a bajillion times better. Perfect in every sense of the word — will love you and provide for all your needs according to His great riches, will not hurt you at all, and will carry you through as you go through all your dark valleys. And this is the cradling type of carrying, not like those TV leading men who unsafely carry their loved ones on their backs when their loved one is too sick, too tired, or too grumpy to walk.
“God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” Numbers 23:19
He loves us even on our bad days. When all we do is grumble and complain, He will continue to protect and provide just like what He did to the Israelites who were not content with His deliverance from slavery, guidance in the wilderness, and sustained provision.
If we met a person who can do all these to us, wouldn’t we want to be with that person for the rest of our lives? We have the chance to be with the Lord for longer than our lifetime will ever be. Now is the time to fully commit our life to Him. By accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Personal Savior, we will get to save that last dance for Him.
“But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:5-6
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Ezekiel 16:4-19, 43 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Have you committed your life to Jesus?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for giving me the hope of spending eternal life with you. I may experience hardships and pain in this lifetime, but I know that if I abide you I will be with you in eternity where there is no more pain, and no more tears. I love you Lord. Amen.
