Sunday, July 06, 2008

Sunday Night at the Cafe: What can I do for You?



Catch especially his harmonica solo near the end. I've mentioned this before here at the Cafe, but years ago at Truro we had a guest speaker who said that the best way to deal with anxiety, i.e., to "be anxious for nothing," is to be thankful, "but in everything, give thanks ..." Dylan's composition brings it all into perspective - not what the Lord can do for us, but what can we do for Him? It's not about exhorting our own rights, but expressing our gratitude that He loved us first, that He loved us so much that He laid down His life for us - and in His accomplishments on the cross and in His resurrection, we find new life. We are set free because of what He has done for us. How can we show how much we love Him? What can we do for Him? Or as another composer put it, how can I keep from singing?

You have given everything to me.
What can I do for You?
You have given me eyes to see.
What can I do for You?

Pulled me out of bondage and You made me renewed inside,
Filled up a hunger that had always been denied,
Opened up a door no man can shut and You opened it up so wide
And You've chosen me to be among the few.
What can I do for You?

You have laid down Your life for me.
What can I do for You?
You have explained every mystery.
What can I do for You?

Soon as a man is born, you know the sparks begin to fly,
He gets wise in his own eyes and he's made to believe a lie.
Who would deliver him from the death he's bound to die?
Well, You've done it all
and there's no more anyone can pretend to do.

What can I do for You?

You have given all there is to give.
What can I do for You?
You have given me life to live.
How can I live for You?

I know all about poison, I know all about fiery darts,
I don't care how rough the road is, show me where it starts,
Whatever pleases You, tell it to my heart.
Well, I don't deserve it but I sure did make it through.
What can I do for You?

B. Dylan

No comments: