S8. Reflections: Jul18

30 July 2018

Hide Thou Me

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Words: Fanny Crosby (b. Mar. 24, 1820; d. Feb. 12, 1915)
Music: Robert Lowry (b. Mar. 12, 1826; d. Nov. 25, 1899)

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (Fanny Crosby)
The Cyber Hymnal
Hymnary.org

Note: Fanny Crosby, though she was blind from childhood, was a poet and hymn writer, as well as being a composer. She was also a fine singer, an organist, a harpist, and a devotional speaker of note. She produced something between eight and nine thousand hymns. The exact total may never be know, because she published many using a bewildered array of pen names. Further, it’s still possible to discover forgotten gems in this vast output, songs that haven’t been seen for many years.

In these articles about the traditional hymns and gospel songs of the church, we’ve looked at over eleven hundred selections. Though we’ve focused mainly on the content of the songs, we’ve looked at some interesting side issues. Which is the longest hymn–or the shortest? Which is the oldest? Which hymn writer produced the most songs?

Another question that could be asked–one that is more subjective–is which is the greatest hymn in the English language? The answer may depend on the theological position of the one who evaluates it, or a person’s individual need. A great hymn will display biblical accuracy and devotional depth. It will also be singable–which means it can be affected somewhat by the tune that is customarily used with it.

All of this aside, there are three hymns that have topped many lists of the greatest in the English language. They are:

¤ When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, by Isaac Watts
¤ Jesus, Lover of My Soul, by Charles Wesley
¤ Rock of Ages, by Augustus Toplady.

There is general agreement among scholars of hymnology that these three belong at or near the top of any list of superlative hymns.

One of these is of particular interest here, in part because of its strong influence on our hymnody. Rock of Ages takes up a theme that is common in the Bible. Passage after passage describes the Lord as our Rock, either in the sense of providing a firm spiritual foundation, or as a place to hide from the storms of life and of future judgment.

“He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He” (Deut. 32:4).

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; the God of my strength, in whom I will trust….The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let God be exalted, the Rock of my salvation!” (I Sam. 22:2 47).

“In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God” (Ps. 62:7).

There is even a verse which, depending on the translation, contains the phrase, “Rock of Ages.” In the English Standard Version, Isaiah 26:4 says, “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock [or a rock of ages].”

In the wilderness, when the Israelites were without water, the Lord said to Moses, “‘Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.’ And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel” (Exod. 17:6). This is seen as a prophetic picture of Christ being stricken on the cross to provide for us the water of eternal life. “That Rock was Christ” (I Cor. 10:4).

Such Scriptures have led hymn writers to make use of the rock imagery again and again. Hymns such as A Shelter in the Time of Storm; Hiding in Thee; The Solid Rock; and He Hideth My Soul are examples of this. So is a simple little prayer hymn by Fanny Crosby called Hide Thou Me. In this song we may be seeing the influence of Toplady’s hymn, written a century before.

CH-1) In Thy cleft, O Rock of Ages, hide Thou me!
When the fitful tempest rages, hide Thou me!
Where no mortal arm can sever
From my heart Thy love forever,
Hide me, O Thou Rock of Ages, safe in Thee!

CH-2) From the snare of sinful pleasure, hide Thou me!
Thou, my soul’s eternal treasure, hide Thou me!
When the world its power is wielding,
And my heart is almost yielding,
Hide me, O Thou Rock of Ages, safe in Thee!

CH-3) In the lonely night of sorrow, hide Thou me!
Till in glory dawns the morrow, hide Thou me!
When we’re nearing Jordan’s billow,
Let Thy bosom be my pillow;
Hide me, O Thou Rock of Ages, safe in Thee!

Questions:
1) What particular trial or temptation has the Lord protected you from lately?

2) What Bible verses were a special help during this time?

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (Fanny Crosby)
The Cyber Hymnal
Hymnary.org

25 July 2018

Jesus of Nazareth Passeth By

Robert Cottrill S8. Reflections: Jul18

Words: Emma Frances Riggs Campbell (b. ___, 1830; d. Feb. 25, 1919)
Music: Las Palmas, by Theodore Edson Perkins (b. July 21, 1831; d. ___, 1912)

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (none)
The Cyber Hymnal
Hymnary.org

Note: Emma Campbell was a school teacher in New Jersey, long ago. She wrote a book of poems, commenting on many events in her world (including the assassination of President Lincoln), and including the gospel song Jesus of Nazareth Passeth By. We may perhaps dismiss her stern warning as too melodramatic. But her message is biblical. The door of opportunity to trust in Christ and be saved will not be open forever.

It’s the cry of the snake oil huckster, “Step right up! Hurry, hurry, hurry! Once in a lifetime offer! Uncle John’s famous ointment for half price! Cures just about anything that ails you! You won’t want to miss it.”

Once in a lifetime–in other words, it’s an extremely rare and fleeting opportunity. The phrase has been traced as far back as 1851, the era when the medicine shows traveled the hinterland, entertaining people with acrobats, musclemen, magicians, dancers, ventriloquists, trained animals, sharp shooters–anything to draw a crowd. Then they’d fleece the gullible by offering potions for sale promising miracle cures–Chambers’s Herb-O-Lac, or Hamlin’s Wizard Oil, or Clark Stanley’s Snake Oil Liniment (which actually contained no snake ingredients).

Once in a lifetime. As to our mortal lives on this earth, we are physically born only once, and we only die once (Heb. 9:27). Further thought will indicate that there may be events in our lives that, if we only knew, provide opportunities that’ll never come our way again. Poet James Russell Lowell wrote:

Once to every man and nation
Comes the moment to decide,
In the strife of truth with falsehood,
For the good or evil side.

Emma Campbell attended revival meetings in Newark and was especially blessed. One of the speakers preached on Christ’s healing of blind Bartimaeus. He described how the multitude swept by on the road, surrounding the Lord, and when Bartimaeus asked what was happening, “They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by” (Lk. 18:37).

Learning that, the blind beggar cried out for mercy, and the Lord healed him (vs. 40-43). The speaker in Newark took the phrase–“Jesus of Nazareth passeth by” (KJV), and applied it to the spiritual crisis we face when the Spirit of God convicts us of sin, and points us to Christ. Is it a once in a lifetime opportunity? We have no way of knowing–which should move us to respond readily to God’s call. (And He is no snake oil salesman! His Word is true.)

When Emma Campbell heard the sermon, she not only responded herself, making a new and deeper spiritual commitment. She also wrote the words of a hymn, based on the experience of blind Bartimaeus. In future years it was greatly used of God, when sung by Ira Sankey, in Dwight Moody’s evangelistic meetings.

CH-1) What means this eager, anxious throng,
Pressing our busy streets along?
These wondrous gatherings day by day,
What means this strange commotion, pray?
Voices in accents hushed reply,
“Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.”

CH-7) Ye sin-sick souls, who feel your need,
He comes to you, a Friend indeed;
Rise from your weary, wakeful couch,
Haste to secure His healing touch;
No longer sadly wait and sigh,
“Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.”

None of us knows whether we’ll have another opportunity to reach out to the Lord in faith. That’s why the Bible urges, “Now is the time of God’s favour, now is the day of salvation” (II Cor. 6:2, NIV). Campbell’s hymn concludes, sternly:

CH-10) But if you still this call refuse,
And dare such wondrous love abuse,
Soon will He sadly from you turn,
Your bitter prayer for mercy spurn,
“Too late! too late!” will be the cry–
“Jesus of Nazareth has passed by.”

The Lord Jesus spoke in similar terms of coming judgment on the Jews, and of a lost opportunity.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate” (Matt. 23:37-38).

Once in a lifetime–perhaps. Since none of us knows whether the gospel call is the last one we will ever hear, it is important to respond to God promptly, committing ourselves to believe and obey His Word.

Questions:
1) Have you responded to God’s call to trust in Christ for salvation? (If not, why not today. See the article God’s Plan of Salvation.)

2) Why do we not seem to hear messages with such strong warnings today, as in former years?

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (none)
The Cyber Hymnal
Hymnary.org

23 July 2018

Jesus Loves Even Me

Robert Cottrill S8. Reflections: Jul18

Words: Philip Paul Bliss (b. July 9, 1838; d. Dec. 29, 1876)
Music: Philip Paul Bliss

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (for another article see here)
The Cyber Hymnal
Hymnary.org

Note: There’s a simplicity of vocabulary and directness of emotion to Bliss’s songs, as well as a sincerity of devotion. Consider his Hallelujah, What a Saviour! and the compendium of spiritual qualities in More Holiness Give Me. And My Redeemer (“I will sing of my Redeemer…”) is an example of passionate praise.

And just a word of encouragement not to sing the latter song too fast. Here’s an interesting example of a reverent pace for it. (Contrary to the heading, it does not involve the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, but is part of an orthodox Christian forum led by apologist Ravi Zacharias at the Mormon Tabernacle.)

Our English word “song” has been around for over a thousand years.

A song is poetry set to music, a metrical composition framed and supported by a melody so it can be sung.

And we sing songs about all kinds of things. Some subjects are worthy of the singing, and some not. There are songs of pure love, but also songs of carnal lust. There are sentimental or nostalgic songs, patriotic songs and national anthems, melodic battle cries, and songs to protest war, such as Blowin’ in the Wind. There are songs to march to, dance to, or exercise to. There are fun songs, like Mary Had a Little Lamb, and commercial jingles used in advertising.

Then there are the hymns of the church: songs of praise and prayer directed to God, and gospel songs of Christian teaching and testimony we share with one another. Words such as “song” and “sing” are used in the Bible more than two hundred and fifty times, and some words translated “praise” may also imply singing as well (e.g. Acts 3:8; Rev. 19:5).

In addition to the music of the saints of God, the Bible speaks of the angels singing (Job 38:4, 7), and God Himself doing so (Zeph. 3:17). Songs of praise will continue on into eternity (cf. Rev. 15:3-4). It’s even possible that music will be a heavenly language. Whether or not we have good singing voices, there is, in each believer, an impulse to sing, born of the Spirit. As Isaac Watts noted, in a hymn, in contrast, “Let those refuse to sing, who never knew our God.” If you know Him, you’ll want to exalt Him with your songs.

Sacred songs can be complex and explore deep theological doctrines. However some are simple enough for children to sing and understand. But even with the simplicity of vocabulary in the latter, significant truths can be presented. An example of this is a hymn called Jesus Loves Even Me, written in 1870 by Philip Bliss. Consider the words.

CH-1) I am so glad that our Father in heav’n
Tells of His love in the Book He has giv’n;
Wonderful things in the Bible I see,
This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.

Phrases such as “I am so glad…wonderful things…this is the dearest” alert us to the fact that is is a song about spiritual values, and it points to something highly esteemed. Along the way we are assured that God above is our heavenly Father (cf. Matt. 6:9), and that the Bible is “the Book He has given us” (cf. II Tim. 3:16). The subject of supreme value found there is that the Lord Jesus “loves me.” As the Bible puts it, “The Son of God…loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20).

This is emphasized by Bliss’s refrain.

I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me.
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves even me.

Notice that, in pondering his subject, he sees others far more deserving than himself. Mr. Bliss seems to see himself in the lowest rank, far beneath the apostles and martyrs, great preachers, heroic missionaries, and brilliant theologians. It’s as though the Lord Jesus stooped down from heaven to love “even me.” And this was not phony posturing. His friend, evangelist Dwight Moody, said, “He was the most humble man I ever knew.”

The next stanza may allude to the return of the prodigal son to his home and his father’s love (Lk. 15:11-24).

CH-2) Though I forget Him, and wander away,
Still He doth love me wherever I stray;
Back to His dear loving arms would I flee,
When I remember that Jesus loves me.

There’s a recognition of both human weakness and divine constancy in these words–the assurance that it’s possible to make a new start. The motivation to do so will be a recollection of the warmth of the Saviour’s love.

The final stanza adds the thought that the love of Christ–“who loved us and washed us from our sins” (Rev. 1:5)–will still be our theme in eternity.

CH-3) Oh, if there’s only one song I can sing,
When in His beauty I see the great King,
This shall my song in eternity be,
“Oh, what a wonder, that Jesus loves me.”

Questions:
1) How is the word “gave” (Jn. 3:16; Gal. 2:20) connected to the Lord’s love for us?

2) What will our response be when we realize and accept His love for us?

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (for another article see here)
The Cyber Hymnal
Hymnary.org

18 July 2018

Take Up Thy Cross

Robert Cottrill S8. Reflections: Jul18

Words: Charles William Everest (b. May 27, 1814; d. Jan, 11, 1877)
Music: Germany, by William Gardiner (b. Mar. 15, 1770; d. Nov. 16, 1853)

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (none)
The Cyber Hymnal
Hymnary.org

Note: Charles Everest served as an Episcopal (Anglican) pastor in the state of Connecticut. He wrote a book of poems Visions of Death, and Other Poems, from which the present hymn was taken. Another hymn (by Thomas Shepherd) with a similar theme asks, Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone?

Unconditional surrender is a term most commonly used in military combat. It calls for the total yielding of the enemy, with no guarantees apart from those assured by international law. President Franklin Roosevelt spoke of it in 1943, defining what the Allies would demand of the Axis powers to end the Second World War.

But earlier, when the words were spoken by a Union General in the American Civil War, they actually became his nickname. During the 1862 Battle of Fort Donelson, General Ulysses S. Grant received a request for lenient terms of capitulation from the opposing Confederate forces. Grant responded, “No terms except unconditional and immediate surrender.” President Lincoln quipped that Grant’s first two initials stood for Unconditional Surrender.

In Christian experience, this full surrender is described by Christ using a special term. Over the three years before He was crucified, the Lord spent time teaching and training His followers, preparing them for what was to come. To make it clearly understood what that involved, He used a description several times that would mean much more to people of that day than it does to us. He told them they must take up their cross.

Crucifixion was the common form of execution in the Roman world. The agonizing, prolonged, and very public means of killing condemned criminals, struck terror into the hearts of observers. This was intentional. Rome wanted deter any who had thoughts of committing a similar misdeed.

It was in that historical context Christ said:

“He who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me (Matt. 10:38).

This is the first reference to the cross in the New Testament, notable because it refers to our cross, not that of Christ. “Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me’” (Matt. 16:24).

That wasn’t presented as a way to earn eternal salvation, which is by faith in Christ alone (Jn. 3:16, 36; 14:6; Acts 16:30-31). Rather, it’s a subsequent calling of believers to a life and service for the Lord. It’s an image of discipleship, of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

It’s not simply a matter of denying ourselves something (such as a second piece of pie, or a new pair of shoes). That can be a form of asceticism. What is involved is much more radical–the dethronement of the Self. To deny Self is to consistently reject selfishness, self-centredness, self will, and self-interests, instead being fully committed to faithfulness and obedience to God, putting a consistent priority on what He wants for us.

The companion expression to denying the Self, taking up one’s cross, does not mean, as some have interpreted it, stoically bearing weary toil, aches and pains, and social slights. It’s symbolic of a complete identification with Christ, even if it were to mean death. A Christian is a “Christ one.” As Romans later puts it:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (Rom. 12:1).

Prior to Calvary, sacrificial animals were slain on the altar as they were offered to the Lord. But now we are to be living sacrifices, submitting to the will of God, and living to please Him day by day. This is far from a Sunday-only religion, and it’s not for wimps or sissies. But it is what Christ calls us to.

In 1833, American pastor Charles William Everest wrote a hymn about that, first paraphrasing Matthew:

CH-1) “Take up thy cross,” the Saviour said,
“If thou wouldst My disciple be;
Deny thyself, the world forsake,
And humbly follow after Me.”

CH-2) Take up thy cross, let not its weight
Fill thy weak spirit with alarm;
His strength shall bear thy spirit up,
And brace thy heart and nerve thine arm.

CH-3) Take up thy cross, nor heed the shame,
Nor let thy foolish pride rebel;
Thy Lord for thee the cross endured,
And saved thy soul from death and hell.

CH-5) Take up thy cross and follow Christ,
Nor think til death to lay it down;
For only those who bear the cross
May hope to wear the glorious crown.

That is to constitute the Christian’s unconditional surrender to our loving Master.

Questions:
1) What does daily taking up the cross of Jesus mean to you, practically?

2) Is this a joyous way of life, or a resentful one? (Why?)

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (none)
The Cyber Hymnal
Hymnary.org

16 July 2018

All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name

Robert Cottrill S8. Reflections: Jul18

Words: Edward Perronet (b. ___, 1726; d. Jan. 2, 1792)
Music: Coronation, by Oliver Holden (b. Sept. 18, 1765; d. Sept. 4, 1844)

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (for another article see here)
The Cyber Hymnal
Hymnary.org

Note: The son of an Anglican clergyman, Perronet became a coworker of John and Charles Wesley. The exact date of his birth is disputed. In another article I’ve suggested it could be August 2nd, 1721. As noted in the Cyber Hymnal, there are several tunes used with this superb hymn.

Hymnary.org presents many copies of the hymn, dating back to 1792. That version, in seven stanzas, calls upon the following to “crown” the Lord Jesus (exalt Him with their praise): angels, martyrs, Jews, Gentiles, men of all ages and ranks, all nations and tribes, and the “yonder sacred throng” (i.e. the saints in heaven).

The word “power” comes from an old word poer, meaning to be able. It refers to having the strength or ability to do or accomplish something. And various kinds of power are operative in our world, often in combination with one another.

1) Physical Might
There is physical or natural power. The destructive force of lightning, or of an explosion of dynamite are examples. So is the muscular strength and endurance of an athlete.

2) Exercising Authority
A major force in our world is the power of authority–to be able to give a command and something gets done. We see this exercised by the president of a corporation, in the operation of law and order, and in the government. Because of human nature, this form of power can often be abused. Isabella, in Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, observes, “Man, proud man! dressed in a little brief authority, plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven as make the angels weep.”

3) Corporate Power
Another kind of result comes from what we might call corporate power, people acting together to do what one alone couldn’t accomplish. This can be seen when, for instance, pallbearers carry a casket, or when workers go on strike. It’s also evident when people exercise the power of the ballot box. An army or a police force combine the power of authority and corporate power to do what they do.

4) Making an Appeal
Then there is the power of an appeal. Advertisers use that, when they present their product or service and try to convince us to purchase it. The employee asking for a raise is also making an appeal. And speech making and preaching fall into this category.

5) A Living Example
Finally, there’s the power of a living example–either good or bad. No direct appeal is made, but character and lifestyle are on display, and the example itself has influence, sometimes even drowning out what is claimed or proclaimed. As poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson put it, “What you are speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you are saying.”

Now, for a moment, direct your thoughts to the Lord Jesus Christ. The Son of God, when He was on earth, and now from heaven, displayed His divine power in many ways. In truth, a little reflection will show that each of the five kinds of power mentioned has been demonstrated by Christ, if we think of “corporate power” in terms of the triune Godhead working together, or Christ working through His church.

Below are some of the ways the Son of God has revealed His power. (I’ll simply mention the Bible references, in order to cover a bit more ground.)

Christ has the power to create and to sustain His creation (Jn. 1:1-3; Rom. 1:20; Heb. 1:3). He showed, on earth, the power to work miracles–a mastery over material creation, and authority over the spirit world as well (Lk. 4:36).

There was the power of personal authority in His teaching, the words He spoke (Matt. 7:29; Mk. 1:22; Lk. 4:32), and the wonderful power in the example He left with us of how to live a holy life, pleasing to God and show love to others (I Cor. 11:1; Eph. 5:2; I Pet. 2:21).

He has the authority to forgive sins (Matt. 9:6), and to grant eternal salvation (Jn.. 17:2; I Cor. 1:18). And He has power over His own life and death (Jn. 10:18; Rom. 1:4), and power to raise others from the dead at the future Resurrection Day (Jn. 11:25).

God the Father has given Christ authority over the church (Eph. 1:22-23). He has the power to guide and equip His servants (Matt. 28:18-20; Eph. 4:11-12), and power to help us deal with the trials of life (II Cor. 12:9; Phil. 3:10). Finally, Christ will show glorious power at His return (Matt. 24:30, 64), and forever (Jude 1:25; Rev. 5:12).

When Edward Perronet (1726-1792) penned the great hymn All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name, he was using the word “name,” as the Bible often does, to represent the Lord’s person, and all His divine attributes. As later revised by John Rippon (1751-1836), the hymn reads as follows (slightly modified from what the Cyber Hymnal has).

CH-1) All hail the power of Jesus’ name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all!

CH-8) Let every kindred, every tribe,
On this terrestrial ball,
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown Him Lord of all!

CH-9) O that, with yonder sacred throng,
We at His feet may fall,
We’ll join in the everlasting song,
And crown Him Lord of all!

Questions:
1) What type of Christ’s power is most helpful to you, and why?

2) Why do you think this hymn has been called “the National Anthem of Christendom”?

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (for another article see here)
The Cyber Hymnal
Hymnary.org

11 July 2018

I Am Not Worthy

Robert Cottrill S8. Reflections: Jul18

Words: Beatrice Bush Bixler (b. Nov. 7, 1916; d. Nov. 15, 2013)
Music: Beatrice Bush Bixler

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (none)
The Cyber Hymnal (none)
Hymnary.org

Note: American gospel musician Beatrice (“Bea”) Bush was born in 1916. She married a pastor named Clair Bixler, and they had four children. Pastor Bixler served churches in Indiana, Illinois and New York. In addition to being a busy pastor’s wife, Mrs. Bixler wrote over a thousand hymns and gospel songs, including the popular chorus Life Is a Symphony, and she was in great demand as a soloist, accompanist, recording artist, and devotional speaker. She died in 2013, at the age of ninety-seven.

It’s a question we sometimes raise about individuals. Are they worthy of the praise that’s being heaped upon them by enthusiastic supporters? Or worthy of the high office or great responsibility they’ve been given? Or worthy of being entrusted with the great power they wield?

To some extent, worthiness has to do with desirability and esteem. But it’s often founded on such things as knowledge, strength, skill and experience, as well as reliability and moral rectitude. Whether we’re looking at a hockey coach, a teacher, a doctor, a used car salesman, a politician, a pastor, or someone in another role, worthiness can become a key issue. The Bible speaks of it many times.

Early on, overwhelmed by how the Lord had cared for him, Jacob prayed, “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant” (Gen. 32:10).

Near the end of the Bible, the worthiness of God, the Creator of all things, is proclaimed: “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created” (Rev. 4:11).

And of Christ (the “Lamb”) because He died to save us: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honour and glory and blessing!” (Rev. 5:12; cf. Jn. 1:29).

John the Baptist was divinely appointed to be the herald of Christ’s coming. But he wanted it clearly understood where praise belonged. He said, “He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry” (Matt. 3:11).

The Lord is fully worthy of all the praise and honour we can give Him. Therefore, says the psalmist, “I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised” (Ps. 18:3).

Each human being has dignity and worth given by our Creator (Ps. 8:4-5). And we are esteemed so highly by God that He sent His Son to save us. But we have debased our high standing in a spiritual sense, because of sin. We have also failed in many ways to carry out our responsibilities as lords of creation, under God (Ps. 8:6-8). We desperately need the redeeming work of Christ. Through faith in the Saviour, we’re forgiven, and spiritually reborn, and can rightfully be called children of God (Jn. 1:12-13; Gal. 3:26).

In ourselves, we don’t merit such a glorious blessing. It’s ours by the grace of God. Then, as Christians, we are called to live out the new life the Spirit of God has generated within us. We are to “walk worthy of the calling with which [we] were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1-3). And servants of God have found it a cause for “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Acts 5:41).

In 1949 Bea Bixler created the gospel song I Am Not Worthy that expresses our theme. It’s not usually considered a congregational hymn. It works best as a solo or trio number. Many lines allude to specific Scriptures (e.g. Jn. 1:14; Eph. 1:6; Rom. 8:17, 32).

1) I am not worthy the least of His favour,
But Jesus left heaven for me.
The Word became flesh and He died as my Saviour,
Forsaken on dark Calvary.

I am not worthy! This dull tongue repeats it;
I am not worthy! This heart gladly beats it.
Jesus left heaven to die in my place–
What mercy, what love, and what grace!

2) I am not worthy the least of His favour,
But “in the Beloved” I stand;
Now I’m an heir with my wonderful Saviour,
And all things are mine at His hand.”

Questions:
1) What is the difference between being unworthy and worthless?

2) Which are we? And how do you know?

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (none)
The Cyber Hymnal (none)
Hymnary.org

9 July 2018

Teach Me to Pray

Robert Cottrill S8. Reflections: Jul18

Words: Albert Simpson Reitz (b. Jan. 20, 1879; d. Nov. 1, 1966)
Music: Albert Simpson Reitz

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (for another article see here)
The Cyber Hymnal (Albert Reitz)
Hymnary.org

Note: Reitz served churches in Wisconsin and California. He also wrote over a hundred gospel songs, including ‘Twas a Glad Day When Jesus Found Me. Back in 1926, Pastor Reitz called for a Day of Prayer at his Los Angeles church (Rosehill Baptist Church). He reported:

“From early morning until late at night we prayed, and God definitely made His presence real to us. The next morning, still under the influence of the spirit of prayer and intercession, I wrote [the hymn] Teach Us to Pray.

Name dropping is the practice of mentioning a famous person in conversation, often in a seemingly casual and offhand way. “As Prime Minister Trudeau said to me the other day…” Or, when I had lunch with Wayne Gretzky last week…”

Sometimes it’s done to mask feelings of inferiority and inflate the speaker’s ego, by basking in the aura of greatness that seems to surround prominent people. Or it may be a strategy to make an impression on others, in order to gain acceptance in the social circle of those we deem to be above us. Or it may involve an appeal to power and wealth, a way to gain special favours or financial help for some project.

Speaking of myself, through more than seven decades of life, I’ve had occasion to meet a number of prominent people–a member of the Canadian parliament, a British comedienne, a well-known broadcaster, singers, authors, athletes, college presidents, and wonderful saints of God–though the latter didn’t think of themselves as anything special.

Most of these meetings were interesting, but they add no particular lustre to me. They were unsought encounters that circumstances brought my way. However there’s an incredible meeting I had that’s important to me beyond all the rest: I talked with God this morning. Again, that doesn’t make me special, since millions across the world did the same thing. But next to it all other meetings pale utterly.

“Know that the LORD [Jehovah], He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves” (Ps. 100:3).

Do we ever think of prayer as a rendezvous with our Creator, Almighty God, the Ruler of all? And do we appreciate that it’s only because of Christ’s Calvary work that this meeting is possible? We can have “boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us” (Heb. 10:19-20).

We discover that the Lord not only welcomes us (Heb. 4:14-16), but listens to us, responding in the wisest way, according to His will (I Jn. 5:14). Not only that, He desires our fellowship so intensely He has provided for us to spend eternity with Him (Jn. 14:2-3; 17:24). If this is not enough to drive us ardently to the place of prayer (and it should be!), we can also find personal value in it for our everyday lives.

In spiritual terms, all our endeavours ought to be bathed in prayer. If we feel too busy to pray, perhaps that’s the very time when it’s needed most. Handley Moule, the evangelical Bishop of Durham (1841-1920), wrote:

“A prayerful life is always a powerful life; a prayerless life is always a powerless life…but how slow we are to believe that.”

Have we truly learned the humbling grandeur of prayer? Have we learned to live in a spirit of prayer, so that at any moment we can lift a note of praise or an urgent appeal heavenward? Have we learned the power of intercession, as we bring the needs of others to the throne of grace, and see God work in their lives?

If we sense a lack in our prayer life, perhaps a fitting prayer would be, with the disciples, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Lk. 11:1).

1) Teach me to pray, Lord, teach me to pray;
This is my heart-cry day unto day;
I long to know Thy will and Thy way;
Teach me to pray, Lord, teach me to pray.

Living in Thee, Lord, and Thou in me,
Constant abiding, this is my plea;
Grant me Thy power, boundless and free,
Power with men and power with Thee.

2) Power in prayer, Lord, power in prayer,
Here ‘mid earth’s sin and sorrow and care;
Men lost and dying, souls in despair;
O give me power, power in prayer!

Questions:
1) What are three things for which you praise God today?

2) What are three things currently on your regular prayer list that you are asking God for?

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (for another article see here)
The Cyber Hymnal (Albert Reitz)
Hymnary.org

4 July 2018

Drifting

Robert Cottrill S8. Reflections: Jul18

Words: Eliza Edmunds Hewitt (b. June 28, 1851; d. Apr. 24, 1920)
Music: Bentley DeForest Ackley (b. Sept. 27, 1872; d. Sept. 3, 1958)

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (Eliza Hewitt)
The Cyber Hymnal (Eliza Hewitt)
Hymnary.org

Note: Eliza Hewitt lived in Philadelphia. She was the Sunday School Superintendent in her church, and a hymn writer with hundreds of songs to her credit, such as: More About Jesus, Stepping in the Light, Sunshine in My Soul, Will There Be Any Stars? and When We All Get to Heaven.

Words such as drift and drifting have been around for a long time. In Old English, drīfan meant being driven, as one would drive a herd of animals. Plainly drifting usually has to do with movement that is caused by outside forces.

In boating, drift is caused by wind and water currents (cf. Jas. 3:4). In flight, planes are driven off course by crosswinds. In walking, it can mean to wander aimlessly, either missing a goal or having none, possibly being carried along by forces other than one’s own power and decision making.

Drifting can be slow, imperceptible, and even seem relatively random at times. But if we’re not alert to the possibility, and fail to check our instruments or charts, it can result in us getting seriously lost. Strangely, there are even smart phone apps that make a game of it. Random instructions directing you who knows where? One describes itself as, “a tool for getting lost in familiar places.”

Lost in familiar places! That’s a sobering thought. And when we’re thinking of moral and spiritual drift, it concerns our eternal destiny. Sadly, some around us, in familiar places, are lost and don’t know it. Some are lost and don’t really seem to care. And some have no idea where they’re going, anyway. They perhaps think when people die, that’s it. There’s nothing beyond, so they might as well enjoy themselves now.

The Lord Jesus told a story about a rich fool who thought like that. He said to himself, “You have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry” (Lk. 12:19). “But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’” (vs. 20).

A whole book of the Bible, Ecclesiastes, is devoted to a sermon, preached by wise King Solomon, to those who are spiritually adrift. He describes the perspective of those whose only thought is for life “under the sun” (a phrase he uses twenty-seven times, defining this mortal life, from the womb to the tomb). He warns those who drift along, focusing on earthly pleasure, or prosperity, or prestige, that it’s all “vanity” (a word found in the book twenty-nine times). Vanity describes something that is empty, fleeting, and in the end of no real value.

Solomon’s conclusion, at the end of the book, is that we must factor in our accountability to God in eternity up ahead, in order to live purposefully now, and with a meaningful sense of direction. What does God say about this? And what will it be worth, in His sight, in eternity up ahead? Those are critical questions.

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all [the whole duty of man]. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecc. 12:13-14).

The one who sails is wise to keep checking his instruments and adjusting accordingly. For the one who flies, it’s the same. And God has given us the most wonderful instrument to help us chart our spiritual pilgrimage, and avoid dangerous drifting. It’s the Holy Bible. The Word of the living God is to be our spiritual chart and compass.

It clearly describes the peril which we each face. “All have sinned and…the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 3:23; 6:23a). But then we’re given the solution: “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23b). “Christ died for our sins” (I Cor. 15:3). “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:7). “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). “We must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away” (Heb. 2:1).

In a song called simply Drifting, Eliza Hewitt sounds a warning note.

1) Drifting carelessly with the tide,
Drifting over the waters wide,
With no Captain your course to guide,
Drifting over life’s sea.

Drifting, drifting, no port in sight!
Drifting far from the gospel light;
Lest you go down in the stormy night;
Drifting over life’s sea.

4) Drift no longer! Let Jesus save.
Let Him guide you across the wave,
Lest you sink in a sinner’s grave,
Drifting over life’s sea.

Questions:
1) If a person is spiritually drifting, what kind of forces are driving him or her off the right course?

2) Do you know someone who is “drifting” with whom you can share God’s answer?

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (Eliza Hewitt)
The Cyber Hymnal (Eliza Hewitt)
Hymnary.org

2 July 2018

I Won’t Have to Cross Jordan Alone

Robert Cottrill S8. Reflections: Jul18

Words: Charles E. Durham (b. _____, 1893; d. _____, 1972); Thomas H Ramsey (b. _____, 1905; d. _____1997)
Music: Durham and Ramsey (see note below)

Links:
Wordwise Hymns
The Cyber Hymnal (none)
Hymnary.org

Note: This song was published in 1934, and recorded by Johnny Cash and other gospel artists. Durham was a postman who also wrote gospel songs. He published his first one in 1912. He later became friends with Virgil Stamps, a great promoter of southern gospel music, and Durham dedicated this one to Mr. Stamps. There seems to be some uncertainty as to the involvement of Thomas Ramsey. Did they write words and music cooperatively? It’s unclear.

T he famed motto of the U.S. Postal Service says:

“Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”

The saying is not new. It paraphrases what was said by Herodotus of messengers some twenty-five centuries ago. Even so, it remains true. And, in spite of occasional complaints, most of us greatly appreciate the dependable delivery of the mail.

The job isn’t without its challenges. One of the most notorious perils in door-to-door delivery is from family pets. According to American statistics, though they try to protect themselves by carrying everything from dog biscuits to pepper spray, about three thousand mail carriers are bitten by dogs during the course of a year.

But far more importantly there’s a danger these public servants have to deal with that’s common to us all. It has to do with our eternal destiny. The Bible says, “What man can live and not see death?” (Ps. 89:48). And death is the great dividing line. “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27).

We are to prepare now for the end of life because, after death, our eternal destiny is sealed. In eternity God will declare, “He who is unjust, let him be unjust still, he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still” (Rev. 22:11).

Two possible destinies are described in the Word of God. Some will be resurrected “to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt” (Dan. 12:2). There is “the resurrection of life, and…the resurrection of condemnation” (Jn. 5:29).

It’s faith in God’s provision for our salvation that makes the difference. The words of John 3:16 make it clear: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish [come to eternal ruin] but have everlasting life.”

Christ declared, “No one comes to the Father except through Me” (Jn. 14:6). “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die [physically], he shall live [eternally]” (Jn. 11:25).

“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (Jn. 3:18).

One particular postman who believed that was Charles Durham. Durham delivered mail in rural Texas, in the early years of the twentieth century. And he took paper and pencil each day on his route, in case a sudden inspiration came to him for a new hymn. He eventually wrote over a hundred of them in that way, later publishing song books, and going on to organize gospel quartets.

Durham’s song uses the Jordan River as a symbol of death. It’s not a perfect analogy, since Canaan (the Promised Land) is not a perfect image of heaven. It was full of enemies, and there were battles for the Israelites to fight there. Nevertheless, the Jordan River figures prominently in biblical history, and has become a symbol of death, and dying to what is past.

The postman’s song was his testimony of faith in Christ, and the assurance that the Lord would carry him safely through “the valley of the shadow of death” (Ps. 23:4).

1) When I come to the river at ending of day,
When the last winds of sorrow have blown;
There’ll be Somebody waiting to show me the way,
I won’t have to cross Jordan alone.

I won’t have to cross Jordan alone,
Jesus died all my sins to atone;
When the darkness I see, He’ll be waiting for me,
I won’t have to cross Jordan alone.

3) Though the billows of sorrow and trouble may sweep,
Christ the Saviour still cares for his own;
Till the end of my journey, my soul he will keep,
And I won’t have to cross Jordan alone.

Questions:
1) What are some ways in which Israel in Egypt and then in Canaan picture the condition of the sinner and the saved individual?

2) With this in mind, what does crossing the Jordan picture (cf. Gal. 2:20)?

Links:
Wordwise Hymns
The Cyber Hymnal (none)
Hymnary.org