HE'S A WONDERFUL SAVIOR TO ME

           "His Name shall be called Wonderful."  (Isaiah 9:6)  Those of us who have experienced the joy of sins forgiven certainly can join in singing the words of this week's hymn choice, "For He's a wonderful Savior to me, He's a wonderful Savior to me. I was lost in sin, but Jesus took me in, He's a wonderful Savior to me."  And truly He is a wonderful Savior.  These words were penned by Virgil Prentiss Brock (1887- 1978) in 1918.  It was one of the first songs which he wrote.  I haven't been able to find many of the details about why he wrote it, although one source says it was inspired by the witness of a traveling salesman who distributed Gideon Bibles.  The music was written by his wife, Blanche K. Brock, who added all the music for his hymns. For 42 years Blanche accompanied Virgil with his work as a general evangelist . She was a talented pianist and singer, having studied voice at the Indianapolis Conservatory of Music and at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, IL.  Over 500 gospel songs were written through their collaboration. Virgil knew nothing about music theory, so he depended on Blanche to write the melodies for his lyrics. She would then harmonize and arrange these melodies.  Virgil pastored several Quaker churches in the early years of his ministry, but most of his life's ministry was given to evangelistic endeavor.  Blanche Brock died in 1958 and in 1959, he married Martha Anderson. They continued in church work until her death in 1969. Virgil resided at Winona Lake, Indiana, for many years, and was closely associated with Homer Rodeheaver.  Most of his hymns were published by the Rodeheaver Company. He is buried in a Warsaw-Winona Lake Cemetery, and engraved on his large memorial monument are the words and music of his most well known hymn, "Beyond the Sunset."  This week's upbeat hymn choice reminds us of at least four reasons why Jesus is such a wonderful Savior. Stanza one says that He came to rescue us that we might be free from sin  In stanza two Brock says that Jesus is a friend who is kind and patient.  Stanza three says that He is always near to comfort us and dry our tears.  And in stanza four we are told that His love grows dearer every day as we journey through this life. In all these things Jesus has shown beyond doubt that His aim is to save to the uttermost those who come to Him (Hebrews 7.25).  What a powerful testimony for those of us who are children of God and have been found, rescued and set free.  Is that your testimony?  If so, meditate on these words this week and sing them from the bottom of your heart. "For He's a wonderful Savior to me, He's a wonderful Savior to me;  I was lost in sin, but Jesus took me in, He's a wonderful Savior to me."

1.     I was lost in sin, but Jesus rescued me,

He's a wonderful Savior to me;

I was bound by fear, but Jesus set me free,

He's a wonderful Savior to me.

For He's a wonderful Savior to me,

He's a wonderful Savior to me;

I was lost in sin, but Jesus took me in:

He's a wonderful Savior to me.

2.    He's a Friend so true, so patient and so kind,

He's a wonderful Savior to me;

Everything I need in Him I always find,

He's a wonderful Savior to me.

For He's a wonderful Savior to me,

He's a wonderful Savior to me;

I was lost in sin, but Jesus took me in:

He's a wonderful Savior to me.

3.     He is always near to comfort and to cheer,

He's a wonderful Savior to me;

He forgives my sins, He dries my every tear,

He's a wonderful Savior to me.

For He's a wonderful Savior to me,

He's a wonderful Savior to me;

I was lost in sin, but Jesus took me in:

He's a wonderful Savior to me.

4.    Dearer grows the love of Jesus day by day,

He's a wonderful Savior to me.

Sweeter is His grace while pressing on my way,

He's a wonderful Savior to me.

For He's a wonderful Savior to me,

He's a wonderful Savior to me;

I was lost in sin, but Jesus took me in:

He's a wonderful Savior to me.

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