Story Behind The Song

Matt 25:34 - 40 Then will the king say... "come inherit the kingdom prepared for you ... for I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited me in; naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to me; ... to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me." In the busyness of everyday life it often escapes our notice that we are all "called to the ministry" and have a duty to those around us in what may seem to be unglamorous activities at the best of times. This song helps us to keep those situations in perspective by reminding us that, ultimately, the object of our ministry is Jesus - and as we fulfill that calling, others will be blessed through us.

Lyrics

It wasn't a good time to talk on the phone I wanted the world just to leave me alone
I'd suffered distractions for most of the day - so Lord don't let anything stand in my way
I wasn't prepared for the story she told - how old Mr. Brown spent the night in the cold
And wasn't there something that we could all do to give him a hope that is faithful and true


But if it was Jesus who needed my time
And lending a hand might cost more than a dime
Would I stop to listen and share in the pain
And help to bring comfort to Him once again

I often passed by on my way out of town - that ominous building of dubious renown
They'd once had a riot within it's stone walls and that's what concerned me when I got the call
A friend of a friend had a nephew in there and wasn't quite sure just how much I would care
But maybe a kind word and listening ear would help calm the anger and comfort the fear

Now if it was Jesus alone in that place
A stranger who I'd never met face-to-face
Would I look outside of my prejudiced mind
To show Him a love that is patient and kind
(love is patient and kind)
The light in her eyes grew progressively dim the word from the doctor seemed hopeless and grim
Her once-vibrant hair was now brittle and dry and just looking at her brought a tear to my eye
But most of the morning she spent all alone in a drug-induced stupor that caused her to moan
My plans for the day - could they be set aside for holding her hand as I sat there and cried

But if it was Jesus - the One laying there
So helpless to live but still needing the care
Would I take the time to be present each day
With nothing to do but to sit there and pray

Would I be like Jesus - the question remains
To care for those hungry, alone or in pain
Will I be found faithful or worthy of praise
When I face Him there at the end of my days