A NAME I HIGHLY TREASURE

While preparing for last Friday's hymn sing at the Pinebrook Bible Conference I was searching for hymns about the name of Jesus.  The theme of the sing was "That Beautiful Name".  I was actually surprised at how many familiar hymns I found.  However one that I wanted to use was this week's choice and I was unable to find it in any of the hymnbooks that I have.  I know that my wife and I used to sing it as a duet, but I was surprised that it wasn't part of my books.  So maybe it is new to you.  Hopefully you will appreciate the words and the praise they give to Jesus.  The hymn writer was Oscar C. Eliason (1902 - 1985), a Swedish American clergyman, who served as a pastor and evangelist in the Assemblies of God. He was a prolific poet and composer who composed over 50 hymns and gospel songs.  Eliason and his brother Paul were diagnosed with tuberculosis which resulted in their hospitalization at a sanatorium in Minneapolis. After the death of Paul in 1929 and the collapse of Eliason's right lung, Oscar was "very depressed and discouraged". After reading accounts of healing in the Pentecostal Evangel, Eliason requested prayer and he credits his healing from tuberculosis to the prayers of a visiting Presbyterian minister in 1964.  He wrote this hymn in 1946 and it was purchased by Haldor Lillenas for $400. It was published in several Nazarene song books and hymnals. Cliff Barrows and the Billy Graham Crusade Choir sang it at a Billy Graham crusade in Minneapolis which was attended by Eliason. It was a thrill for him to hear his hymn sung by the huge choir.  The words speak for themselves and should be the testimony of each believer.  Or names are important to us and we all love to hear our names shared in a positive way.  Unfortunately, here on earth the name of Jesus is just a curse word to so many.  But when we have a personal encounter with Him, His name and work should stir our hearts like nothing else.  Can we say that no other name means so much to us.  Meditate on these words this week.  Are they your testimony?

(1)   I've learned to know a name I highly treasure.

O how it thrills my spirit thro' and thro'!

O precious name, beyond degree or measure,

My heart is stirred whene'er I think of You!

My heart is stirred whene'er I think of Jesus,

That blessed name which sets the captive free --

The only name thro' which I find salvation.

No name on earth has meant so much to me.

(2)   That name brings gladness to a soul in sorrow.

It makes life's shadows and its clouds depart --

Brings strength in weakness for today, tomorrow,

That name brings healing to an aching heart.

My heart is stirred whene'er I think of Jesus,

That blessed name which sets the captive free --

The only name thro' which I find salvation.

No name on earth has meant so much to me.

(3)   That name still lives and will live on forever,

While kings and kingdoms will forgotten be.

Thro' mist or rain, 'twill be beclouded never.

That name shall shine and shine eternally.

My heart is stirred whene'er I think of Jesus,

That blessed name which sets the captive free --

The only name thro' which I find salvation.

No name on earth has meant so much to me.

Listen to it being sung here.  LISTEN