Hymns With A Message: JESUS LOVES ME

Sunday, August 26, 2018

JESUS LOVES ME

The very first Christian song that most children learn is "Jesus Loves Me." If one were to conduct a poll of preschoolers about their favorite Christian songs, this very simple, but precious song would still probably be near the top of their favorites. Yet few people know that this song began life not as a song but as a part of one of 1860's best-selling novels. Anna Warner (1827–1915) was well aware of the coming of the war between the states. She lived near the United States Military Academy at West Point. Every Sunday Anna taught Bible classes to the cadets. She fully comprehended the importance of leading each of them to Jesus. With an urgency brought about by a nation on the brink of dividing, sharing Christ's love became her mission in life. With her sister Susan she also wrote several novels, using the pseudonym Amy Lothrop. In 1860 the sisters' Say and Seal' became one of the country's best-selling work of fiction. But the book quickly passed from the public's fancy. However, thanks to one very special scene on but a single page, the essence of the book and of Anna's faith would live for decades after 'Say and Seal' and Anna herself would be forgotten. In one chapter a child lay dying. Nothing could be done to ease his pain or give him a second chance at life. As his ultimate fate grew nearer, the novel's focal character, Mr. Linden, attempted to comfort the small boy. Looking into the child's eyes, he slowly recited a poem that began, "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so." It is said that these simple lines also moved thousands of readers to tears. It quickly became one of the most beloved poems of the era. One of the scores of readers who memorized the poem was William Bradbury, a teacher of voice and organ. A lover of children's voices, as well as a proponent of music education in both school and church, Bradbury allowed the child in his own heart to spring forth when writing the simple musical notes for "Jesus Loves Me." Then, to fully complete the work, he added the now familiar refrain. Later David Rutherford McGuire added stanzas two and three. Today few know of the writings of Anna Warner or recognize the name of William Bradbury, but almost everyone knows this song. Children and adults of all races and even millions outside the Christian faith can sing "Jesus Loves Me." It is the foundation on which many children come to know the love and sacrifice of the Lord who inspired it. And this message is often what keeps them singing the gospel throughout their lives. The song claims Christ's devotion to me, but how can that be true? As a sinner, wouldn't the holy God despise me? Thankfully, the song is not hopeful delusion but rather sound, biblical theology. While God hated my sin, His love for me compelled Him to give up His beloved Son. Jesus, God the Son, loved us so much that He died a terrible death to pay the just penalty for our sins (John 3:16). Meditate on this amazing truth this week and be reminded of the simple but powerful truth that Jesus Loves You.

1. Jesus loves me! This I know,

For the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to Him belong;

They are weak, but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me!

The Bible tells me so.

2. Jesus loves me! This I know,

As He loved so long ago,

Taking children on His knee,

Saying, 'Let them come to Me.'

Yes, Jesus loves me!

The Bible tells me so.