WHEN JESUS COMES

In searching for the background of the writing of this great hymn I came upon two different stories and I'm not sure which one is the accurate one.  The first one says that the great missionary Dr. Oswald Smith (1890-1979) spent 1915-1917 as a missionary to the West Coast Canadian Indians. He traveled to the villages by packboat. Oswald's faith was simple - knowing Jesus personally. Secondly, he knew Jesus brought deliverance and divine healing. He saw the despair, the disease, the alcoholism that was destroying the native people. He was particularly shaken by the anguish and lack of hope at a traditional Native funeral for a young child. The image haunted him, and he wrote a hymn depicting the change that took place in the lives of men when Jesus came.  The second story tells of Evangelist Dr. Harry Rimmer preaching on John 11.   He pictured the sorrow that darkened the home, and the sadness of Mary and Martha, when their brother Lazarus died. Suddenly, he paused, and shouted triumphantly, "Then Jesus came!" Sitting in the audience that evening was gospel musician Homer Rodeheaver. The phrase struck him as a great theme for a song. Shortly after, he was visiting with pastor and hymn writer Oswald Smith. It was May of 1939. The musician said, "I want a hymn depicting the change that took place in the lives of men and women when Jesus came. Dr. Smith provided the text, and Rodeheaver set it to music. Now I have no idea which story is the correct one, but I assume that part of the hymn is based on the story of blind Bartimaeus who was miraculously healed by Jesus as He passed by the blind man.  But it also shares other incidents where lives where changed when Jesus came.  And even today more verses could be written as lives continue to be changed when Jesus comes.  He takes away the gloom, breaks the tempter's power and He fills the life with glory.  And He comes to stay.  Hopefully you, too, have experienced this transformation when Jesus came your way.  Thank Him for the transformation in your life as you reflect upon these words this week.

(1)   One sat alone beside the highway begging, 

His eyes were blind, the light he could not see. 

He clutched his rags and shivered in the shadows 

Then Jesus came and bade his darkness flee.

When Jesus comes, the tempter's power is broken; 

When Jesus comes, the tears are wiped away, 

He takes the gloom and fills the life with glory, 

For all is changed when Jesus comes to stay.

(2)   From home and friends the evil spirits drove him, 

Among the tombs he dwelt in misery; 

He cut himself as demon powers possessed him, 

Then Jesus came and set the captive free.

When Jesus comes, the tempter's power is broken; 

When Jesus comes, the tears are wiped away, 

He takes the gloom and fills the life with glory, 

For all is changed when Jesus comes to stay.

(3)   "Unclean, unclean!" the leper cried in torment, 

The deaf, the dumb, in helplessness stood near; 

The fever raged, disease had gripped its' victim, 

Then Jesus came and cast out every fear.

When Jesus comes, the tempter's power is broken; 

When Jesus comes, the tears are wiped away, 

He takes the gloom and fills the life with glory, 

For all is changed when Jesus comes to stay.

(4)   Their hearts were sad as in the tomb they laid him, 

For death had come and taken him away; 

Their night was dark and bitter tears were falling, 

Then Jesus came and night was turned to day.

When Jesus comes, the tempter's power is broken; 

When Jesus comes, the tears are wiped away, 

He takes the gloom and fills the life with glory, 

For all is changed when Jesus comes to stay.

(5)   So men today have found the Savior able, 

They could not conquer passion, lust and sin; 

Their broken hearts had left them sad and lonely, 

Then Jesus came and dwelt, Himself, within.

When Jesus comes, the tempter's power is broken; 

When Jesus comes, the tears are wiped away, 

He takes the gloom and fills the life with glory, 

For all is changed when Jesus comes to stay.

Listen to it being sung by George Beverly Shea who used this song so often in Billy Graham Crusades.    LISTEN

MY HEAVENLY FATHER WATCHES OVER ME

As has so often been the case, several weeks ago I heard a gospel song on the radio that I hadn't heard in many years and it caught my interest  I love listening to one of our local Christian radio stations, WDAC, on Friday and Saturday nights because they play continuous great music throughout the night and morning hours.  And on Saturday evenings they feature old time songs which often bring back special memories to me.  And such was the case with this song.  But when I went to try and find some background I found that there were many you-tube renditions of this song, but almost nothing about its history or its writing.  That is the opposite of what I often find when researching hymns on the internet. So it has been a popular song for many performers over the years.  It appears that the music was written by William C. Martin (1864-1914), a former pastor.  Some sources give the credit for the words to Charles Hutchinson Gabriel (1856-1932), although he may have actually written the music and not the words.  However, Gabriel is given credit for writing and or composing between 7,000 and 8,000 songs, many of which can be found in recent hymnals.   He used several pseudonyms, including Charlotte G. Homer, H. A. Henry, and S. B. Jackson.  Gabriel was born and raised on a farm. His father led singing schools in their home, and young Charles developed an interest in music. It is said that he taught himself to play the family's reed organ. Even though he never had any formal training in music, he began to travel and lead his own singing schools in various locations around the age of 17.  There is one interesting folklore story about him. It is said that the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Wilton, Iowa, once saw Gabriel walking in town. He asked Gabriel if he knew a good song to go along with his sermon. The pastor shared the sermon topic and by the end of the week the boy had written a song for that Sunday, words and music.   Well I guess it doesn't really matter who actually wrote this hymn but the words are really special.  It is often easy to trust God when things are going great, but when the problems come it is often easier to worry and get depressed.   But this hymn reminds us that we can put our trust in God at all times, including times of storms or rough seas, or on the battlefield, or in the lions' den or in the dark valley.  He is there keeping us and watching over us in all of those rugged and challenging times of life.  Maybe you are facing the storms or the lions in your life this week.  Let this then be a reminder to you of a God who you can trust in both the good and bad times of life.  May He be your strength today, for He does care for you.

(1)  I trust in God wherever I may be,

Upon the land or on the rolling sea,

For, come what may, from day to day,

My heav'nly Father watches over me.

I trust in God, I know He cares for me,

On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea;

Tho' billows roll, He keeps my soul,

My heavn'ly Father watches over me.

(2)  He makes the rose an object of His care,

He guides the eagle thru the pathless air,

And surely He remembers me,

My heav'nly Father watches over me.

I trust in God, I know He cares for me,

On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea;

Tho' billows roll, He keeps my soul,

My heavn'ly Father watches over me.

(3)  I trust in God, for in the the lion's den,

On battlefield, or in the prison pen,

Thru praise or blame, thru flood or flame,

My heav'nly Father watches over me.

I trust in God, I know He cares for me,

On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea;

Tho' billows roll, He keeps my soul,

My heavn'ly Father watches over me.

(4)  The valley may be dark, the shadows deep

But O, The Shepherd guards His lonely sheep;

And thru the gloom, He'll lead me home

My heav'nly Father watches over me.

I trust in God, I know He cares for me,

On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea;

Tho' billows roll, He keeps my soul,

My heavn'ly Father watches over me.

This week I will give you two choices to listen to.  The first is a more traditional rendition done at a Billy Graham rally.   CHOICE ONE

This song was often a favorite of groups who do southern gospel, so the second choice is a more upbeat version that you might enjoy.   CHOICE TWO

FOR HE IS SO PRECIOUS TO ME

Do you have something that is very precious to you?  Maybe it is an item that you have inherited from a parent or a grandparent, such as a ring or a bracelet or a watch.  Maybe it is something of value that you have worked long to earn enough money to purchase.  Maybe it is a gift that you received from a spouse or a child. Maybe it is a special card or a letter from somebody who has passed on.  Maybe it is an investment. Possibly it is a relationship with a friend or a loved one.  Actually, good relationships are the most precious things that a person can have.  They are to be valued and nurtured. The dictionary defines precious as something that is greatly loved or treasured by someone.  The hymn writer Charles Gabriel (1856-1932) realized that the most precious relationship that he could have was a relationship with Jesus.  Can you say and mean the same thing?  He is the one who gave His life for us. He is with us constantly to direct and guide and answer our prayers.  His love to us is demonstrated daily.  He gives us perfect peace in the most difficult situations. What could be more precious than a relationship like that?  Gabriel's song was copyrighted in 1902. However, no details could be found as to how or why it was written.  The original words to his first verse were slightly different, but alterations apparently were made by Edwin Othello Excell (1851-1921) who purchased the song and filed a new copyright registration in 1907.  This week reflect upon the words that remind us how we can cling to Him in our weakness, how He waited for us to invite Him in, how He blesses us, how He is preparing a place for us and how one day we will look on His face.  And these truths are ours because of Him, not because of anything we could do.  And that is why He is so precious to me.  But let me leave you with a key question, does your life and relationship to Him really demonstrate that He is precious to you?  Can you go days without spending time with Him?  Sometimes our words say one thing and our life and actions show something else.  So think carefully about the words of this old hymn this week.  Hopefully He is precious to you.

(1)   So precious is Jesus, my Savior, my King;

His praise all the day long with rapture I sing.

To Him in my weakness for strength I can cling,

For He is so precious to me.

For He is so precious, so precious to me;

For He is so precious, so precious to me.

'Tis heaven below, my Redeemer to know,

For He is so precious to me.

(2)   He stood at my heart's door 'mid sunshine and rain,

And patiently waited an entrance to gain.

What shame that so long He entreated in vain,

For He is so precious to me.

For He is so precious, so precious to me;

For He is so precious, so precious to me.

'Tis heaven below, my Redeemer to know,

For He is so precious to me.

(3)   I stand on the mountain of blessing at last,

No cloud in the heavens a shadow to cast,

His smile is upon me; the valley is past,

For He is so precious to me.

For He is so precious, so precious to me;

For He is so precious, so precious to me.

'Tis heaven below, my Redeemer to know,

For He is so precious to me.

(4)   I praise Him because He appointed a place

Where some day, through faith in His wonderful grace,

I know I shall see Him, shall look on His face,

For He is so precious to me.

For He is so precious, so precious to me;

For He is so precious, so precious to me.

'Tis heaven below, my Redeemer to know,

For He is so precious to me.

Listen to it here.    LISTEN

TELL IT TO JESUS

I guess when you are young you never think about the challenges of getting old. But most of us someday will experience the physical changes which we all face during our senior years.  However, I doubt that few people ever think of the challenges one will face upon the loss of family members and close friends. At least I never thought about it until it happened.  Sometimes when the problems seem to roll in, I long to be able to talk to my parents, or to my brother, or to my close friend Jim.  But alas, they are all now in heaven.  And, with the exception of my wife, I've reached the point where I no longer have that special person here on earth with whom I can share my burdens.  A few weeks ago when I was feeling this need I turned on the radio and found that they were playing this week's hymn choice.  It was a special reminder to me at that time that I can always share my burdens with Jesus.  He is never on vacation or too busy to listen.  He has promised never to leave us or forsake us.  And He is faithful to keep all of His promises to us.  The original text of this hymn was written in German and was composed by Edmund Simon Lorenz (1854-1942). Lorenz was born in North Lawrence, a small village near Canton in Stark County, OH, and he studied music at Otterbein University in Westerville, OH, at Yale, and in Europe. The English translation was made by Jeremiah Eames Rankin, who is sometimes incorrectly listed as the author.  An interesting sidelight of Lorenz's background is that he served as president of Lebanon Valley College from 1886-1888.  I find that interesting since my one grandson just began his college experience at Lebanon Valley. Eventually, Lorenz settled in Dayton, OH, where he remained for the rest of his life, and founded the Lorenz Publishing Company, for which he wrote several books and composed a number of sacred works.   Now I don't know the circumstances that brought him to compose this hymn but I can't help but believe that it must be his testimony of his life experiences.  Maybe today you are facing the difficult challenges of life and you may feel overwhelmed.  You are fortunate if you have a friend here on earth who can bare these challenges with you.  But please remember that the best place to take your challenges is straight to the Lord.  Are you weary, are you heavy laden, are the tears flowing, are you anxious about tomorrow, are you worried about dying?   Then take it to Jesus in prayer.

(1)   Are you weary, are you heavy hearted?

Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.

Are you grieving over joys departed?

Tell it to Jesus alone.

Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus,

He is a Friend that's well known.

You've no other such a friend or brother,

Tell it to Jesus alone.

(2)   Do the tears flow down your cheeks unbidden?

Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.

Have you sins that to men's eyes are hidden?

Tell it to Jesus alone.

Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus,

He is a Friend that's well known.

You've no other such a friend or brother,

Tell it to Jesus alone.

(3)   Do you fear the gathering clouds of sorrow?

Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.

Are you anxious what shall be tomorrow?

Tell it to Jesus alone.

Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus,

He is a Friend that's well known.

You've no other such a friend or brother,

Tell it to Jesus alone.

(4)   Are you troubled at the thought of dying?

Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.

For Christ's coming kingdom are you sighing?

Tell it to Jesus alone.

Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus,

He is a Friend that's well known.

You've no other such a friend or brother,

Tell it to Jesus alone.

Listen to it being sung here.   LISTEN

JUST AS I AM

This week's hymn brings back many vivid memories of altar calls in church, in camp meetings, and especially in Billy Graham evangelistic campaigns.  It was during the singing of this hymn that thousands came forward to meet Christ and have their lives changed by his power and grace.  Billy Graham claims that he was saved in 1934 in a revival meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina led by evangelist Mordecai Ham hearing the altar call song "Just As I Am". This song became an altar call song in the Billy Graham crusades in the latter half of the twentieth century and those of us who followed these crusades, while growing up, just automatically associate it with those huge meetings.  The words were written by Charlotte Elliott after a time of spiritual conflict during which she questioned the reality of her whole spiritual life.  She wondered if it was all just an illusion of the emotions. After a night of restlessness she took a pen and paper and set down in writing, for her own comfort, "the formulae of her faith."  So in verse she restated to herself the Gospel of pardon, peace and heaven.  "Probably without difficulty or long pause" she wrote the hymn, getting comfort by recollecting the eternity of the Rock beneath her feet.  So out of her spiritual conflict and resolution came the words that have meant so much individually to thousands since that time.  However, while we normally associate this hymn with coming to Christ to secure salvation, I have come to see it in another light.  I recently heard of a pastor who asked that during his final hours of life that this hymn be played over and over for him.  Until then I never thought of this being a hymn that should be our testimony as we face eternity.  For in those moments we will have nothing else for our plea but what the Lamb of God has done for me.  And in our final days and hours we come to Him with nothing else, nothing that we have done or even could have done to gain His merit.  Our only plea as we enter His presence will be His blood that was shed for us.  As we come to Him may we say O lamb of God, I come - without one plea, I come.

(1)   Just as I am, without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

(2)   Just as I am, and waiting not

To rid my soul of one dark blot,

To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

(3)   Just as I am, though tossed about

With many a conflict, many a doubt,

Fightings and fears within, without,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

(4)   Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;

Sight, riches, healing of the mind,

Yea, all I need in Thee to find,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

(5)   Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,

Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;

Because Thy promise I believe,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

(6)   Just as I am, Thy love unknown

Hath broken every barrier down;

Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Listen to it being sung here.   LISTEN