How often today do we sing any gospel song that includes the phrase "verily, verily"? It's not a word in our vocabulary today. But Jesus used the word verily many times as he taught. It means truly or certainly. Saying, "Verily, verily," before making a statement is a strong claim to its truth. Jesus is not merely saying, "Believe me, this is true." He is actually saying, "I know this is true firsthand." So, when we read Jesus' words and see statements beginning with "verily," "truly," or some variation, we should recall the deeper meaning. Those claims are not only Jesus' opinion on the truth. Those are ideas about which He has intimate, personal, firsthand knowledge. And so that was the case when in John 5:24 Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." As a result we should believe it and claim it. It is said that this was the favorite verse of James McGranahan (1840-1907) and also the motivation in 1878 for his writing of this week's hymn choice. He was an American Gospel song and hymn writer who also wrote the music for such familiar hymns as "Christ Returneth!," "There Shall Be Showers of Blessing," and "The Banner of the Cross," as well as both the words and music for "Verily, Verily," and "Go Ye into All the World." During his life he composed over 25 hymns. Now this song of his is a song that I have not heard or sung in decades. But it brings back many good memories of hearing it sung joyfully in services when I was growing up. Think of the words. What a thrill to know that He has set us free from all condemnation. He paid all of our indebtedness. And even though we are unworthy, weak and sinful, He will not cast us out. And He assures us that we have everlasting life because of what He has done for us and our response to Him. Verily, verily - it's true! What a great Savior! Rejoice in this truth!
1 Oh, what a Savior that He died for me!
From condemnation He hath made me free;
"He that believeth on the Son" saith He,
"Hath everlasting life."
"Verily, verily, I say unto you;"
"Verily, verily," message ever new!
"He that believeth on the Son"-'tis true! -
"Hath everlasting life!"
2 All my iniquities on Him were laid,
All my indebtedness by Him was paid;
All who believe on Him, the Lord hath said,
"Hath everlasting life."
"Verily, verily, I say unto you;"
"Verily, verily," message ever new!
"He that believeth on the Son" -'tis true! -
"Hath everlasting life!"
3 Though poor and needy, I can trust my Lord;
Though weak and sinful, I believe His word;
Oh, glad message; every child of God
"Hath everlasting life."
Verily, verily, I say unto you;"
"Verily, verily," message ever new!
"He that believeth on the Son" -'tis true! -
"Hath everlasting life!"
4 Though all unworthy, yet I will not doubt;
For him that cometh He will not cast out:
"He that believeth" - oh, the good news shout!
Hath everlasting life."
Verily, verily, I say unto you;"
"Verily, verily," message ever new!
"He that believeth on the Son" - 'tis true! -
"Hath everlasting life!"
Listen to it here VERILY
No comments:
Post a Comment