Hymns With A Message: OH IT IS WONDERFUL

Sunday, August 18, 2019

OH IT IS WONDERFUL

Throughout our lives we encounter many things which really excite us such as the birth of a child, a job promotion, a victory by a favorite team, a special vacation or falling in love. But all of these pale in the light of the love that Jesus showed in what He has done for us. Who else would give his life to save helpless sinners? In 1898 Charles Gabriel (1856-1932) penned his reaction in the words "I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me ... That for me, a sinner, He suffered, He bled, and died." He went on to add a chorus which says "Oh, it is wonderful that He should care for me! Enough to die for me! Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!" And indeed His love is amazing and wonderful and that should be a theme of our hearts every day. Gabriel was born in Wilton, Iowa, and raised on a farm. His father led singing schools in their home and young Charles developed an interest in music. It is said that he taught himself to play the family's reed organ. Even though he never had any formal training in music, he began about the age of 17 to travel and lead his own shape note singing schools in various locations. He is said to have written and/or composed between 7,000 and 8,000 songs, many of which are still available in 21st century hymnals. He used several pseudonyms, including Charlotte G. Homer, H. A. Henry, Charles Marsh and S. B. Jackson and as a result he often doesn't get recognized for writing familiar hymns such as "O That Will Be Glory", "He is So Precious to Me", "He Lifted Me", "The Way of the Cross Leads Home", "Just When I Need Him Most", "Since Jesus Came Into My Heart", "I Need Jesus", and "Send The Light". In this week's hymn choice Gabriel marvels at how Jesus transcended from His throne divine to extend His great love to sinners such as us. He is amazed that He would be pierced and die to pay our debt. And he looks forward to the day when He will praise and adore the Lord and kneel at the glorified throne. And those realities should make us raise our hearts and voices in amazement saying, Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me! Yes, it is amazing and wonderful!

1. I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,

Confused at the grace that so fully He proffers me;

I tremble to know that for me He was crucified—

That for me, a sinner, He suffered, He bled, and died.

Oh, it is wonderful that He should care for me!

Enough to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

2. I marvel that He would descend from His throne divine,

To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine;

That He should extend His great love unto such as I;

Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.

Oh, it is wonderful that He should care for me!