Hymns With A Message: October 2013

Sunday, October 27, 2013

TAKE THE NAME OF JESUS WITH YOU

So many of the great hymns were written by folks who lived with serious physical challenges. Lydia Baxter (1809 - 1874) was a bedridden invalid for much of her life, but that didn't keep her from leading a life full of service and encouragement. It is said that she and her sister were once responsible for establishing a Baptist Church in Petersburg, New York. After her marriage, she and her husband moved to New York City where her home became known as a gathering place for preachers, evangelists, and Christian workers who would come to her for inspiration and advice. It is said that a visit to her sickroom was not so much to comfort her as to receive encouragement for their own lives and spirits. Whenever she was questioned about her cheery disposition, despite her physical limitations, she would reply, "I have a very special armor. I have the name of Jesus. When the tempter tries to make be blue or despondent, I mention the name of Jesus, and he can't get through to me anymore." This week's hymn is said to have been written by her on her sickbed, four years before her death in 1874. William H. Doane composed the music for this text shortly after Mrs. Baxter wrote it, and the hymn was first published in the hymnal, Pure Gold, edited by Doane and Robert Lowry, in 1871. This hymn was widely used during the Moody-Sankey evangelistic campaigns, in the latter quarter of the nineteenth century. Although she wrote a number of other gospel hymns, this is the only one that remains in common use today. It is has often been used in church services as a closing hymn since it provides an important reminder to go forth each day, taking His name with us, while sharing with others what He has done in our lives. In one sense the hymn is really the personal testimony of Lydia Baxter's experiences with the name of Jesus throughout her life. His name is indeed precious and sweet and the only real hope of earth and joy of heaven. May we fall prostate before the King of Kings and claim victory through His precious name!

(1) Take the name of Jesus with you,

Child of sorrow and of woe;

It will joy and comfort give you,

Take it then where'er you go.

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heav'n;

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heaven.

(2) Take the name of Jesus ever,

As a shield from every snare.

If temptations round you gather,

Breathe that holy name in prayer.

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heav'n;

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heaven.

(3) Oh, the precious name of Jesus,

How it thrills our souls with joy;

When His loving arms receive us,

And His songs our tongues employ.

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heav'n;

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heaven.

(4) At the name of Jesus bowing,

Falling prostrate at His feet,

King of kings in heaven we'll crown Him,

When our journey is complete.

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heav'n;

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heaven.

Listen to it here. LISTEN

Sunday, October 20, 2013

THROW OUT THE LIFELINE

While I write this week's blog we are taking a few days of vacation at the shore. I have enjoyed sitting on our balcony watching the waves roll in. It has made me recall the many hymns that have been written using the sea as a theme. It is so relaxing to watch the waves, but I wouldn't want to be caught in one of the big ones as the tide comes in. It is off season and swimming is not permitted. There are no life guards and no life saving equipment at this time of year. And yet, there are a few people here who are breaking the rules and are out in the heavy surf, despite the risk. At the end of the boardwalk there is a museum devoted to life saving equipment and experiences. There have been many successful rescues here, but also some sad failures. The heavy waves can be very dangerous. In 1888, Reverend Edward S. Ufford, a Baptist minister, was visiting Point Alverton, near Boston. While there, he visited a lifesaving station on the coast and watched men practicing rescue procedures that they would use in the event of shipwreck. One of the drills they practiced involved throwing a lifeline to those struggling in the water. As he watched, it occurred to him how saving those in danger had parallels in the Christian's life. He went home and in just fifteen minutes he wrote the lyrics and melody to this week's hymn choice. Two years later, the song was purchased by Ira Sankey who had George C. Stebbins harmonize it. It was published in 1890 and again in 1891 in Sankey's hymnals. As Ufford realized, there are many parallels to life around us. For all around us folks are struggling with the waves of life. Some are weighted down with obvious sins, others are sinking with their liberal anti-Christian views, others are just everyday folks living without hope and facing daily trials and despair. And we sit there with the answer, the lifeline - the Gospel of Christ. And often as they are sinking, we just sit and watch as they drown. We need to throw out the lifetime so that they can be saved from certain death. The song may be old and the theme may sound old fashioned in today's modern world. But, the need is greater than ever. And as the lifeguards are ready to save those in trouble at the shore or at sea, may we ever be ready to help the many around us who are eternally in trouble. May it be our challenge this week to throw out the lifeline to them.

(1) Throw out the life line across the dark wave;

There is a brother whom someone should save;

Somebody's brother! O who then will dare

To throw out the life line, his peril to share?