Having
completed the devotions on the Sunday Collects, we will now undertake to study
the Hymns of the Church - their meaning, authors, purpose, and relevant
histories. I feel that an introduction to this series will be helpful in
understanding all that follows in the devotions. We must begin embark with a
clear understanding of what a hymn really is and what purpose it serves in
worship - public or even private.
What is a Traditional Hymn of the Church? A hymn is a spiritually biblical song
set to morally sound, uplifting music. It is primarily intended for the praise
of God and to glorify Him in worship. Not only must the words be biblical and
true, but the music itself must be of a nature that evokes reverence, love, and
inspiration. In a sense, a hymn is a prayer set to reverential music. If we
cannot say 'AMEN' to a hymn, then it is not suitable for worship.
Does the style of music matter that much? Of course, it does matter. There
truly is Godly, and ungodly, music. If the music does not evoke respect, but
rather immoral emotions, then it is not fit to be set to the Godly words of a
hymn.
We are counseled throughout Scripture on the value and importance of hymns and
Psalms. In the ancient churches, the only hymns to be sung were from the
Psalms; however, we have a multitude of beautiful and lovely hymns today that
have developed a testimony of their own over time. If we sing the good, old
classical hymns of the church, we will learn to heart many biblical passages
and clear doctrine of the Church. Unfortunately, today, many churches have
abandoned Godly hymns for light and trivial kindergarten themes which enforce
the dumbing-down process taking place generally in our society today.
The Songs of Moses, David, and Solomon remind us of the importance
of joyful song in thanking and praising God for His wonderful works toward us.
Because we have become new creatures in Christ Jesus, our songs should be
filled with joy and celebration of that new birth. And he hath put a new song
in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall
trust in the LORD . (Psalms 40:3)
There are also songs of sorrow recorded when God brought sure and certain
judgment upon a rebellious people when Jerusalem fell to Nebuchadnezzar and
were carried away captive to Babylon. By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat
down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the
willows in the midst thereof. For there they that carried us away captive
required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying,
Sing us one of the songs of Zion. (Psalms 137:1-3) Sadly, America may be
singing the same song if repentance does not soon follow.
The last thing Christ did following the Last Supper was to sing a hymn before
going into the sorrow of Gethsemane. And when they had sung an hymn, they went
out into the Mount of Olives. (Mark 14:26)
We are counseled to sing hymns and spiritual songs: Speaking to yourselves in
psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart
to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the
name of our Lord Jesus Christ; (Eph 5:19-20) You may have noted that our hymns
and Psalms even become a part of our Christian vocabulary. Let the word of
Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another
in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to
the Lord. (Col 3:16) So soem may ask: "What is wrong with mixing popular
tunes and lyrics with the more serious hymn? If we do and say EVERYTHING to the
glory of God, there will not be space, particularly in worship, for such light
and trivial words and tunes. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in
the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (Col
3:17) Remember, in worship we come into the very presence of the Lord. If God
commanded Moses to remove his shoes before the Burning Bush because it was Holy
Ground, how much more so must we maintain a spirit of reverence, respect, and
awe before God in His House of Worship!
We will now proceed to the first Hymn on the next page.
Devotion on the Hymn "Jesus Loves Me" - 23 July 2013, Anno Domini
“ But
Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me,
and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” -( Luke
18:16)
“And He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon
them, and blessed them.” - (Mark 10:16)
We may often tend to believe that some hymns are for children and others for
adults, but I ble3ieve this simple and perfect little hymn is for all ages -
the very young as well as the very old. It simplicity has lent itself for wide
use on the mission field as well. Should we not, being Children of God, be as
little children in the innocency of singing as well as living and faith? Not
only was the hymn conceived in an innocent and pious heart, but it has gained a
long-living testimony from the moment of its creation among young and old.
Several years ago, an old church down in Atlanta was having a Pastor's
Appreciation Day. As many surviving past pastors of the church as were still
living were invited to attend and be honored. The eldest of these was a 95 year
old pastor who had led this Church in the early days of its existence into
green pastures and still waters. He was asked to say a few words that would
represent the most comforting to him in his long years of ministry. Slowly he
arose, and haltingly walk up to the Pulpit. He said, "These are the words
from which I have derived the most comfort as a Christian and as a minister
over my entire life from childhood." He then began to sing in a weak but
sure voice, "Jesus loves me, this I know. Cause the Bible tells me
so." With that, he took his seat. In a sense, what greater truth
can we know than that which occupies the opening lines of this little hymn? You
do know that Jesus loves you, don't you? And you know it because you are told
He loves you in the Holy Bible.
The great lady who composed this him was Anna B. Warner. She wrote the hymn
while teaching Sunday School to the cadets at, of all places, the US Military
Academy at West Point in 1860. She and her sister, Susan, lived on an island of
the Hudson River facing the Military Academy. Every Sunday, they would row from
their home on Constitution Island (later donated by them to the Academy) in
order to teach the Bible to the cadets. The hymn was doubtless first sung at
West Point. Though there are many great soldiers and patriots buried in
the military cemetery at West Point, there are also two conspicuous Sunday
School teachers buried there as well - Anna and Susan Warner.
Jesus loves me, this I know,
For the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong;
They are weak, but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me,
Yes, Jesus loves me,
Yes, Jesus loves me,
The Bible tells me so.
Jesus, take this heart of mine;
Make it pure and wholly Thine.
Thou hast bled and died for me;
I will live henceforth for
Thee.
Yes, I love Jesus.
Yes, I love Jesus.
Yes, I love Jesus.
In prayer I tell Him so.
Jesus loves me! This I know,
As He loved so long ago,
Taking children on His knee,
Saying, “Let them come to Me.”
Refrain
Jesus loves me still today,
Walking with me on my way,
Wanting as a friend to give
Light and love to all who live.
Refrain
Jesus loves me! He who died
Heaven’s gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.
Refrain
J
esus loves me! He will stay
Close beside me all the way;
Thou hast bled and died for me,
I will henceforth live for Thee.
Refrain
I love them that love me; and those
that seek me early shall find me. (Proverbs 8:17) It is really
rather simple, isn't it?
