During my college and graduate studies at Susquehanna University and Bucknell University, I enjoyed singing with a male quartet, The Gospel Four, from an area church. We did a live 15 minute radio program at 9 am every Sunday morning on WKOK AM in Sunbury, Pennsylvania. We really weren't very good, but we had quite a following and the men faithfully sang each Sunday morning for several decades. We sang a variety of gospel songs including some southern gospel music. One of my favorite of these was "Kneel At The Cross", written by Charles Ernest Moody (1891-1977) in 1948. Moody was a Georgia composer and musician who played the fiddle, banjo and harmonica. He played with a secular string band, the Georgia Yellowhammers, and wrote numerous secular songs and about a hundred gospel songs. Many of his songs, such as "Drifting Too Far from Shore", became standards of southern gospel music. Now while I enjoyed singing this week's choice, I think Moody could have added more depth to his lyrics. Some reviewers have been very hard on him for his "shallow theology" in this song. But I do think there is enough truth included to share it in this blog. It is true that Christ will meet the need of sinners because of his death on Calvary. And as one yields to Him and accepts Him he will be forgiven and receive a new life - we are a new creation. Then we can leave our cares and sins with Him because He cares for and takes care of His children whom He loved enough to die for. We come to the Cross as hell-bound sinners who have offended a holy God. Then we "kneel" at the cross to confess our helplessness and seek cleansing and forgiveness from Him. That includes, but is much more than just "giving up our idols". It is because of His death and resurrection that we receive eternal salvation when we acknowledge who He is, what He has done for us and our need for Him. And then we do "begin life anew". I also wish that Moody had expanded on the lines "harm can ne'er befall those who are anchored there." Christians are faced with harm through persecution and the cares of life on this earth. But when we walk with the Lord, He provides the strength and wisdom and courage to face these challenges in His power. The scripture tells us that nothing can separate His children from our Father. He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. He was tempted like as we are, yet without sin. We are anchored in Him. So the premise of this song is good - because of the Cross of Calvary, we can come to Christ and experience salvation, a new life, and His presence. He does wait for us and will meet us there. Hopefully this has been your experience. If you haven't come to Calvary and confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior, today is the day to do that. "Jesus will meet you there." Today is the day of salvation. And if you've already done that, then join me this week in thanking the Lord for His grace, His mercy, His plan, His salvation and for meeting us when we "knelt" before Him at the Cross.
Christ will meet you there,
Come while he waits for you;
Leave with Him your care,
And start your life anew.
Jesus will meet you there.
Who would His glory share;
Those who are anchored there.
Jesus will meet you there.
Jesus will meet you there.
Here are some choices for you to listen to:
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