JESUS IS THE SWEETEST NAME I KNOW

Often it is hard to find any information about the writing of a song.  Other times it is hard to verify that a story is correct.  So I pass on this interesting story even though I haven't been able to verify its truth.  in 1924, Peter W. Philpott was serving as pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago, Illinois. One night he was awakened by a call to come help a young woman staying at a hotel in the city. He arrived to find her in the company of two family members. The woman, Lela Long, was gravely ill, and in great distress. Philpott prayed for her physical needs, and had the privilege of leading her to faith in Christ. Late the next day, he phoned the hotel to see how she was doing, only to learn the three had checked out. He wondered what had become of them, but had no way of getting in touch.  Five or six years later, Philpott was pastor of a large church in Los Angeles, California. At the close of one service, who should come up to him but the three people he had met in Chicago. They had seen his picture in a church advertisement and came to meet him. An emergency had required their rapid departure from Chicago, and they apologized for not getting in touch. Lela Long thanked him for pointing her to the Savior, saying her life was wonderfully changed, and that she was now using her musical talent to serve the Lord. She handed Philpott a copy of Jesus Is the Sweetest Name I Know, written shortly after her conversion: "I have written this especially for you, in remembrance of the day that you introduced me to the most wonderful Person I have ever known."  Her song has been a favorite of many since that day.  For most folks their name is very special and they love to hear it.  But when we consider who Jesus is and what He has done for us, His name should be the one we love to hear.  But, tragically, to many today the only time that they hear it is when it is used as a swear word.  But to believers it is a name to be honored.  And I love the reminder of the last verse that some day we will see Him face to face and thank and praise Him for His wondrous grace.  What an exciting day that will be.  Yes, Jesus is the sweetest name I know!

(1)    There have been names that I have loved to hear,

But never has there been a name so dear

To this heart of mine, as the Name divine,

The precious, precious Name of Jesus.

Jesus is the sweetest name I know,

And He's just the same as His lovely Name,

And that's the reason why I love Him so;

Oh, Jesus is the sweetest name I know.

(2)   There is no name in earth or Heav'n above,

That we should give such honor and such love

As the blessèd Name, let us all acclaim,

That wondrous, glorious Name of Jesus.

Jesus is the sweetest name I know,

And He's just the same as His lovely Name,

And that's the reason why I love Him so;

Oh, Jesus is the sweetest name I know.

(3)   And some day I shall see Him face to face

To thank and praise Him for His wondrous grace,

Which He gave to me, when He made me free,

The blessèd Son of God called Jesus.

Jesus is the sweetest name I know,

And He's just the same as His lovely Name,

And that's the reason why I love Him so;

Oh, Jesus is the sweetest name I know.

You can listen to it being sung here.   LISTEN