THE NAME OF JESUS

          As I prepare these hymn blogs it becomes very frustrating when I can find little or nothing about the history of a hymn, especially when it is one of my favorite hymns.  And that is the case again this week.  This is a hymn which was sung very often in my church when I was growing up.  The chorus in particular was often sung acapella in our prayer meeting.  At times I can still hear the saints joyfully proclaiming the name of Jesus.. 

          I did find that the hymn was written by William C. Martin (1864-1914) and first published in 1902.  Martin was pastor of the Noank Baptist Church in Noank, Connecticut .. He later served at the East Albany First Baptist Church in Boston, Massachusetts and then at the First Baptist Church in Ft. Myers, Florida, from 1912 until his death. 

         Martin was a prolific hymn writer,  writing hymns such as My Anchor Holds, He Arose, My Father Watches Over Me, Tell Jesus and Still Sweeter Everyday.   Now while I don't know the circumstances behind the writing of this hymn, the name of Jesus is so important because salvation is found in no other name.  Acts 4:12 tells us "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."  Believers should love to hear the name of Jesus because at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue should confess.  (Philippians 2:9-10)

           Martin's hymn reminds us of how worthy of praise the name of Jesus really is.  In verse one he reminds us that the name of Jesus brings joy.  In verse two, the name of Jesus brings comfort.  The third verse shares that His name brings cheer and verse four tells that it brings sweetness.

           This week let's reflect upon the name of Jesus and what it means to us.  Let's share in Martin's request, "Jesus, let all saints proclaim its worthy praise forever."  Praise His wonderful name!

1.     The name of Jesus is so sweet,

I love its music to repeat;

It makes my joys full and complete,

The precious name of Jesus!

Refrain:

"Jesus," oh, how sweet the name!

"Jesus," every day the same;

"Jesus," let all saints proclaim

Its worthy praise forever!

2.     I love the name of Him whose heart

Knows all my griefs and bears a part;

Who bids all anxious fears depart,

I love the name of Jesus!

Refrain:

"Jesus," oh, how sweet the name!

"Jesus," every day the same;

"Jesus," let all saints proclaim

Its worthy praise forever!

3.     That name I fondly love to hear,

It never fails my heart to cheer;

Its music dries the falling tear,

Exalt the name of Jesus!

Refrain:

"Jesus," oh, how sweet the name!

"Jesus," every day the same;

"Jesus," let all saints proclaim

Its worthy praise forever!

4.     No word of man can ever tell

How sweet the name I love so well;

Oh, let its praises ever swell,

Oh, praise the name of Jesus!

Refrain:

"Jesus," oh, how sweet the name!

"Jesus," every day the same;

"Jesus," let all saints proclaim

Its worthy praise forever!

You can listen to it here.   NAME