Searcher and Savior

"The ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings" (Proverbs 5:21).  " I know thy works... I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.  Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent... I am He which searcheth the reins and hearts" (Revelation 2:4,5,23). 

The ways of man, not just his deeds,

Are always pondered by the Lord. 

Though in our eyes our work succeeds,

Our ways by God may be abhorred. 

"I know thy works," the Savior said

To those who were at Ephesus,

Yet He addressed their ways instead,

And even so, He speaks to us. 

Though many deeds were on display,

Their works became religious duty. 

Their first love somehow slipped away;

They lost sight of their Savior's beauty.

Consider well this crucial charge

Which is recorded for our good. 

This is a problem that is large,

And thus it should be understood. 

The remedy to them was sent: 

Remember now from whence you fell,

Renew the first works, and repent. 

This counsel is for us as well! 

How clearly here our Lord explains

Our need to cultivate our love,

For He who searches hearts and reins

Beholds it from His throne above.

O Lord, our Searcher and our Savior,

You have exposed our inward part! 

You ponder more than our behavior;  

You search affections in our heart.

O Lord, because You loved us first,

You are the One our heart adores! 

For us You died and You were cursed;

There is no greater love than Yours!