During the past year or two I have seen more physicians and specialists than I ever thought I would need to see. And I am very thankful that close by we have many excellent doctors and medical care available, and I have gotten good care. However, physicians are very busy and it is often hard to even get an appointment. I had to wait three months to see a surgeon who had operated on me before. And then when you do get an appointment you often have to wait to actually see them. And no matter how good they are, they are "practicing physicians" and there is no guarantee that they can even help you. But there is one perfect physician. He is available 24/7 and you never have to wait to enter his presence. No appointments needed, never on vacation, no waiting time required and no co-pays! And He knows your physical need ahead of time because he created you. I am talking about the Great Physician, theLord Jesus Christ. Now, while he can do amazing miracles, and He always does hear our pleas, we are His workmanship and He has a plan for each of our lives. And that plan may include the miracle of physical healing or it may be that He will choose to walk with you, comfort you and care for you in your physical need. He will never leave you or forsake you. But there is one condition that He will always heal, if you ask Him to, and that is the disease that we all were born with - Sin. He is the dying and risen Lamb who provides redemption for all who call upon His name. And that spiritual healing, forgiveness, and new life which He gives should make us want to sing and praise His sweet name - Jesus, blessed Jesus! The words of this week's old hymn were penned by William Hunter (1811- 1877) who emigrated from England and settled in York, PA with his family when he was 6 years old. He graduated from Madison College at Uniontown, PA and became a Methodist minister. He later taught Hebrew at Allegheny College, and also edited various periodicals. Though he wrote 125 hymns, the only one still in use is The Great Physician (originally called Christ, the Physician). Originally the hymn had seven verses but hymn books generally have printed just four. I have decided to include one of the omitted ones as verse five below because I feel it is a perfectly suited verse to conclude this hymn. Hopefully you've experienced the healing of your sin condition and your heart is rejoicing in His work in your life. But also be reminded this week that He is the sympathizing Jesus. He is the one who with His presence will wipe away your guilt and fear. And while we sing His praises and bless His name now, someday we will gather around His throne and join together in singing His praises. Sweetest carol ever sung, Jesus, blessed Jesus!
(1) The Great Physician now is near,
He speaks the drooping heart to cheer,
Oh, hear the voice of Jesus!
Sweetest note in seraph song;
Sweetest name on mortal tongue;
Sweetest carol ever sung:
(2) Your many sins are all forgiv'n,
Oh, hear the voice of Jesus;
The veil 'twixt you and God is riven,
Redemption wrought by Jesus.
Sweetest note in seraph song;
Sweetest name on mortal tongue;
Sweetest carol ever sung:
(3) All glory to the dying Lamb!
I love the blessed Savior's name,
I love the name of Jesus.
Sweetest note in seraph song;
Sweetest name on mortal tongue;
Sweetest carol ever sung:
(4) His name dispels my guilt and fear,
Oh, how my soul delights to hear
The precious name of Jesus!
Sweetest note in seraph song;
Sweetest name on mortal tongue;
Sweetest carol ever sung:
(5) And when to that bright world above,
We rise to see our Jesus,
We'll sing around the throne of love
His name, the name of Jesus.
Sweetest note in seraph song;
Sweetest name on mortal tongue;
Sweetest carol ever sung:
1 comment:
Sweet Jesus.
The sweetest name ever.
My Lord and Savior, Healer and Comforter
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