Posted by: rcottrill | June 19, 2013

Calvary Covers It All

Words: Ethel Taylor (b. _____; d. ____, 1950)
Music: Ethel Taylor

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (none)
The Cyber Hymnal (none)

Note: There is little information available on this fine song, written in 1934, or its author, but it’s worthy of consideration both for how it came to be written, and for the aptness of its message. The full story is found in Al Smith’s Hymn Histories (pp. 125-127).

The song relates to a dancer named Walter “Happy Mac” MacDonald, whom comedian Eddie Cantor said had the fastest feet in the world. Mac was talented, but he was also in bondage to sin, and addicted to alcohol. One night in the early 1930′s he stumbled into a meeting in the Pacific Garden Mission, in Chicago. When an invitation was given for those present to trust in Christ as Saviour, Mac did not respond. But, as he returned, night after night, workers gradually came to know more about him.

Taylor Walter Taylor EthelwynDirecting the mission in those days (1918-1936) were Walter Grand Taylor and his wife Ethelwyn, affectionately known as Pa and Ma Taylor. Ethel Taylor watched Mac, and her heart went out to him. She prayed, “Dear Lord, please help us say and do the right things, so that we may win Mac to Thee.” Finally, MacDonald did seek counseling, and Ma Taylor listened as he struggled with his past. “You don’t understand,” he prayed. “You don’t know how bad I am, Lord. Really I’m the worst man in the world. You can’t save me; I’m too bad.”

Mrs. Taylor recalled a message she had heard weeks before. Evangelist Percy Crawford had been a rebel in his youth. But one day he accepted Christ as his Saviour. The theme of Crawford’s testimony was, “Calvary covers it all,” and Ethel Taylor shared those words with MacDonald.

He asked her to repeat them, and suddenly the light dawned. “Oh! Mrs. Taylor, I’m so glad it’s true, and you told me. Calvary does cover it all! My whole past of sin and shame.” The former entertainer trusted in the Saviour that night in 1934, and lived to become an outstanding servant of Christ.

A few days later, Ethel Taylor went into the mission chapel, sat down at the piano, and created the words and music of a gospel song.

1) Far dearer than all that the world can impart
Was the message that came to my heart;
How that Jesus alone for my sin did atone,
And Calvary covers it all.

Calvary covers it all,
My past with its sin and stain;
My guilt and despair
Jesus took on Him there,
And Calvary covers it all.

We see this principle of a “covering” in operation in the sacrificial system Old Testament. The offering of a sheep or some other animal on an altar couldn’t actually pay for the sins of a human being (cf. Heb. 10:4). It was only a temporary covering. Each of the thousands of sacrifices offered was an enactment of the principle of substitution–of the innocent dying in place of the guilty. And each one pointed forward to the final great sacrifice of Christ on the cross.

Before that, when an offerer laid his hand in faith upon the slain animal on the altar, it was “accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him” (Lev. 1:4), as though it had died in his place. No wonder David cries, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered….to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity” (Ps. 32:1). Forgiveness was granted in anticipation of what Christ would do one day, when He offered Himself as God’s Lamb, dying for the sins of the world (Jn. 1:29).

Often the word “atonement” is used in a broad theological sense to refer to the whole saving work of Christ. But in the Bible–particularly in the Old Testament–it has a more explicit meaning. It literally means a covering. Back then, the sins were covered by the blood of the sacrifice, and were no longer a barrier to fellowship with God. The final provision for paying for our sins and reconciling us to God came at Calvary.

Questions:
1) What evidence do you see in Scripture than there’s no one so sinful and wicked that God can’t save him or her?

2) What hymns or gospel songs provide the best expression of the saving work of Christ?

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (none)
The Cyber Hymnal (none)

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Posted by: rcottrill | June 17, 2013

My Hope Is in the Lord

Words: Norman John Clayton (b. Jan. 22, 1903; d. June 1, 1992)
Music: Wakefield, by Norman John Clayton

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (Norman Clayton)
The Cyber Hymnal (Norman Clayton)

Note: Norman Clayton had a varied employment career. In his early years, he worked on a dairy farm, and then in an office in New York City, also in construction, and in a bakery, before moving on to a full-time career in sacred music. (You can learn a bit more about him in the Wordwise Hymns link.)

This is a twentieth century hymn, having been written in 1945, in Malvern, New York. The tune, Wakefield, was named after the composer’s mother, Alice Wakefield. The strong, matter-of-fact movement of the melody expresses certainty and confidence in God.

The hymn provides a clear and biblical explanation of the work of salvation. Trace the truths Norman Clayton presents so simply and carefully, through the Scriptures, and you will see what a fine declaration of the gospel of grace he gives us.

Let’s begin with the word “hope.” We tend to use that word of a wish or a maybe. (E.g. “I hope it won’t rain on Saturday. We’re going to a ball game.”) But in Scripture, the word is better defined as: the joyful certainty of future blessing. It describes a settled confidence in God, and His faithful Word. a “living hope.”

CH-1. Our hope rests in the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:30-31), who gave Himself for us on the cross (Gal. 2:20), to pay our debt of sin (I Cor. 15:3; I Pet. 2:24). And the necessary companion of that is His resurrection. “For me He died, for me He lives” (refrain). “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (I Pet. 1:3).

CH-2. The saving work of Christ is not just a hope, it’s our only hope (Jn. 14:6; Acts 4:12). Good works can’t save us, nor church membership, nor special rituals, nor anything else we may do (Eph. 2:8-9; Tit. 3:5). “All have sinned” (Rom. 3:23), and sinners are “condemned already” (Jn. 3:18). A righteous God is “angry with the wicked every day” (Ps. 7:11). “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men” (Rom. 1:18).

What, then, is the answer? Simply that God, in grace, has provided a sinless Substitute to die in our place, and pay our debt of sin. When we trust in Christ as our Saviour, His righteousness is credited to our account, just as our debt of sin was charged to Him. For He [God the Father] made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (II Cor. 5:21).

CH-3 concerns the present intercessory work of Christ, as our great High Priest in heaven. When the work of redemption was accomplished, Christ ascended on high, and is seated at the right hand of the Father (Heb. 1:3). His presence there eternally proclaims that our debt has been paid (Rom. 8:33-34). “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost [completely and forever] those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (Heb. 7:25).

CH-4. This is a work of grace, God’s unearned and unmerited favour, given “freely.” “By grace you have been saved through faith” (Eph. 2:8). Grace renders any human effort unnecessary and totally irrelevant. Works cannot coexist with grace in saving us. “To him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness” (Rom. 4:4-5; cf. 11:6).

1) My hope is in the Lord
Who gave Himself for me,
And paid the price of all my sins
At Calvary.

For me He died,
For me He lives
And everlasting life and light
He freely gives.

4) His grace has planned it all,
‘Tis mine but to believe,
And recognize His work of love
And Christ receive.

To study the words of this song, and check out the Scriptures behind them, is to come to a better understanding of what salvation is, and how it was accomplished.

Questions:
1) If you could write another stanza for Mr. Clayton’s hymn, is there anything you would add to his explanation of the gospel?

2) Does your church preach the gospel in this clear and straightforward way?

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (Norman Clayton)
The Cyber Hymnal (Norman Clayton)

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Posted by: rcottrill | June 14, 2013

Happy the Home

Words: Henry Ware, Jr. (b. Apr. 21, 1794; d. Sept. 25, 1843)
Music: St. Agnes, by John Bacchus Dykes (b. Mar. 10, 1823; d. Jan. 22, 1876)

Links:
Wordwise Hymns
The Cyber Hymnal

Note: This hymn exalting the godly Christian family was published in 1846. Its message is still relevant. In fact, we need strong families even more today, over a century and a half later. Two words in the hymn need a bit of explanation and comment.

The second line of CH-3 says that in the godly home “praise is wont to rise.” To say it’s their “wont” is to say it’s their habit or custom. I notice the Cyber Hymnal changes the line to: “And praise each day does rise,” Fine, but I don’t think a change is really necessary. “Wont” is a common enough word in poetry, and easy to learn.

More significantly, what is a happy home? Ask someone if he’s happy, and he’ll likely consider the mood he’s in, and the degree to which the circumstances of the moment are pleasant and enjoyable. Maybe most would think of the common ditty with its fourfold “Happy birthday to you,” often sung raucously, and off key, amid laughter and jokes about whether the person shows his age or not.

But is that what Henry Ware had in mind, a house full of laughter and fun? The giddier and goofier the better? No, not primarily. He’s using the word in the sense of favoured, or blessed–which is an acceptable connotation. But happy is not a word I would choose, because it’s easy to misunderstand, and because of its root meaning. It comes from “hap” which means by chance (think of the word haphazard), which is not what the author intends, either.

That the word “happy” can be misunderstood was noted by the committee that worked on a revision of the hymnal for the United Methodist Church, leading them, for a time, to exclude this song from the book. They wondered:

“Does it teach that unhappiness in a home (i.e. physical or mental impairment and illness, death, estrangement, violence) necessarily demonstrates a family’s lack of Christian commitment and God’s absence? (Companion to the United Methodist Hymnal, p. 386)

This is a rather strange comment. Yes, the word happy can be misunderstood, as I’ve noted. Perhaps, therefore, for this hymn–which is in the public domain–the phrase could be altered to, “How blessed the home…” in line one of CH-1, 2 and 3.

But, regarding the committee’s comment, we must also make a clear distinction between illness and disability, on the one hand, and estrangement and violence on the other. The former can draw family members together in loving concern and mutual support. Such a home can be blessed with an even stronger sense of the presence and enabling grace of God.

The latter, describing division and conflict, is symptomatic of a lack of Christlike love on the part of one or more. Certainly, it’s possible, in the latter case, for individuals in the home who are walking in the Spirit, to sense the nearness of the Lord. But the home will not be characterized overall by His realized presence.

This concern is relevant to Mr. Ware’s thinking. Notice the emphasis in the hymn on Christian unity.

CH-1) Happy the home when God is there,
And love fills every breast;
When one their wish, and one their prayer,
And one their heav’nly rest.

This is continued in CH-2, where “Jesus’ name is sweet to ev’ry ear,” and in the prayer for unity in CH-4. We are to endeavour “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3). It takes continuing effort, but it’s worth it. We are to love one another as Christ has loved us (Jn. 13:34). In truth, much that is said to the local church can also be applied to the Christian home. We should be:

“Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Col. 3:13-15).

Parents are to set the example, in their love for Christ (CH-2), and in basing their conduct and decisions on God’s Word (CH-3). An important part of their responsibility as parents is to train their children to honour and obey the Lord (Josh. 24:15; Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4) and, early on, to love and trust in the Saviour. Praying and praising God as a family will draw them all together in a special way.

Friends of ours have developed a large binder full of pictures of family and friends, as well as Christian workers around the world (hundreds of pictures). As part of family devotions each day they turn to a new page and pray for the individuals pictured there. That is the kind of thing Henry Ware had in mind!

CH-3) Happy the home where prayer is heard,
And praise is wont to rise;
Where parents love the sacred Word
And all its wisdom prize.

Questions:
1) What can you do to encourage and strengthen Christian families–your own, or those of others?

2) What effect would having a number of such families in your church have on its live and ministry?

Links:
Wordwise Hymns
The Cyber Hymnal

2 Comments

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Posted by: rcottrill | June 12, 2013

Just a Closer Walk

Words: (source unknown)
Music: (source unknown)

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (none)
The Cyber Hymnal

Note: This is an old African American spiritual whose exact origins seem to have been lost. It was possibly a slave song in the southern United States, in pre-Civil War days. It continued to be used in black churches into the twentieth century, and was sung by southern gospel quartets in the 1940′s. Around 1956 Elvis Presley made a recording of the number, achieving record sales with it. Soon dozens of secular artists were adding it to their repertoire, and it has become a standard.

Usually, when a religious song receives such wide acceptance, it’s because there is little to it–no doctrinal depth, or strong Bible teaching that would limit its appeal. This one is no exception. There is nothing here about salvation through faith in Christ, or other important truths. But that does not mean it’s without value. The lyric, though simple, reflects a sincere and heartfelt love for the Lord, and a humble recognition of human weakness.

In cosmic terms, earth is close to our sun. Though they are 93 million miles apart, out where most distances are measured in light years, that is not far at all. And the same relativity is true when the word is applied to human relationships. We may live close to our neighbours geographically, and still not be close emotionally. Perhaps we might even confess concerning a relative who has died, “We were never close,” meaning not on intimate terms.

Friendship. A close friendship will be marked by such things as: mutual respect and love, trust in the loyalty of the other person, freedom to share our thoughts and dreams, and a determination to stick together and help one another any way we can.

Sometimes friendships like that can form a stronger bond than blood ties. As the Bible puts it, “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24)–closer even than the members of one’s own family. Ruth experienced that kind of bond with her mother-in-law Naomi. “Ruth clung to her” and determined to go with her wherever she went (Ruth 1:14, 16-17).

The Israelites were commanded, “You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast [keep close] to Him” (Deut. 13:4). As those words suggest, there is a link between closeness to God and adhering to the precepts of His Word.

In spiritual terms, this has an application to our relationship with the Lord today. As Christians, we should “walk by faith, not by sight” (II Cor. 5:7). And we are to “walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4). Such exhortations describe a life of trust in God, and one that is conformed to His Word and will. This is accomplished as we “walk in the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16), responsive to, and enabled by Him. And as John says of his readers, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (III Jn. 1:4).

In a psalm we read, “I cling to Your testimonies [referring to God’s laws]” (Ps. 119:31). And King David wrote of God, “My soul follows close behind You” (Ps. 63:8; cf. I Jn. 1:7). It is a poetic picture of faith and obedience, and of intimate fellowship. A longing for that kind of relationship should infuse the heart of each child of God. If we truly love Him, and know our deep need, we should want to walk with Him in ever closer friendship and fellowship.

CH-1) I am weak, but Thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

CH-2) Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

From earliest times, great saints have walked closely with God in that way. Enoch did, and Noah too (Gen. 5:22; 6:9). It is a walk that should continue on through time into God’s eternal day.

CH-3) When my feeble life is o’er,
Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.

Questions:
1) How would you summarize the important qualities of the Christian walk?

2) What are the main obstacles and hindrances to a consistent Christian walk?

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (none)
The Cyber Hymnal

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Posted by: rcottrill | June 10, 2013

Majestic Sweetness Sits Enthroned

Words: Samuel Stennett (b. June 1, 1727; d. Aug. 24, 1795)
Music: Ortonville, by Thomas Hastings (b. Oct. 15, 1784; d. May 15, 1872)

Links:
Wordwise Hymns
The Cyber Hymnal

Note: Pastor Stennett’s beautiful hymn of worship was published in 1787, and back then called “Chiefest Among Ten Thousand, or the Excellencies of Christ,” originally a reference to the bridegroom in the Song of Solomon (5:10). The hymn had nine stanzas, of which CH-1, 4, 5, 7, and sometimes 9 are commonly used today. (With the tune Ortonville, the last line of each stanza is repeated.)

Little of Stennett’s work has been altered, though the second line of CH-1 was changed from “Upon His awful brow.” (Awful, now, is usually taken to mean disgusting or revolting, though it used to refer to something that filled one with awe and reverence.) Stennett began the hymn with CH-2, which is certainly an appropriate summons to praise:

CH-2) To Christ, the Lord, let every tongue
Its noblest tribute bring
When He’s the subject of the song,
Who can refuse to sing?

Samuel Stennett was a fifth generation pastor, and an able and godly man. His mind seemed to be full to overflowing with the things of the Lord. On one occasion, because of a throat problem, he was given a concoction to gargle that contained vinegar and other ingredients. Immediately, he said, with great emotion:

“‘And in His thirst they gave Him vinegar to drink’ [Ps. 69:21]. Oh, when I reflect upon the sufferings of Christ, I am ready to ask, ‘What have I been thinking of all my life? What He did and suffered are now my only support.”

The phrase “majestic sweetness” (CH-1) is an interesting combination. The latter word is used in the sense of pleasing and agreeable. Christ in heavenly majesty, crowned with glory at the right hand of God the Father (Heb. 1:3), is not seen as harsh and tyrannical, but as abundantly gracious. In this character He is approachable by the children of God in their need.

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:14-16).

CH-1) Majestic sweetness sits enthroned
Upon the Saviour’s brow;
His head with radiant glories crowned,
His lips with grace o’erflow.

This is the One who willingly humbled Himself, and became obedient to the Father’s will, even to the point of suffering the cruelty of the cross (Phil. 2:8). He did it to pay our debt of sin, so that we, through faith in Him, could be delivered and receive the gift of eternal life (Gal. 2:20; Eph. 2:4-5).

CH-5) He saw me plunged in deep distress
And flew to my relief;
For me He bore the shameful cross
And carried all my grief.

Several of the stanzas that are seldom used also have a tender message for us. It’s worth going to the Cyber Hymnal and reading them all. But here are a couple of examples. Pastor Sennett glories in the beauty of His Saviour (CH-3), and revels in the blessings He has poured out “upon my guilty [unworthy] head.”

CH-6) His hand a thousand blessings pours
Upon my guilty head:
His presence gilds my darkest hours,
And guards my sleeping bed.

After dealing in depth with the subject of our great salvation, earlier in Romans, the Apostle Paul says there is only one possible response to what the Lord has done for us.

“I beseech you [appeal to you] therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God [because of all that He has done for you], that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (Rom. 12:1).

With the able pen of Samuel Stennett, this becomes:

CH-9) Since from His bounty I receive
Such proofs of love divine,
Had I a thousand hearts to give,
Lord, they should all be Thine.

Questions:
1) What truth in particular about our Saviour strikes you, in Pastor Stennett’s hymn?

2) What other hymns do you know and use that have this kind of warmth in worship, while also expressing strong doctrinal teaching?

Links:
Wordwise Hymns
The Cyber Hymnal

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Posted by: rcottrill | June 7, 2013

Ivory Palaces

Words: Henry Barraclough (b. Dec. 14, 1891; d. Aug. ____, 1983)
Music: Henry Barraclough

Links:
Wordwise Hymns
The Cyber Hymnal

Note: You can learn more about Mr. Barraclough in the Wordwise Hymns link, as well as reading of the strange association of the Bible text involved here with a common household product. Henry Barraclough wrote a few more hymns and tunes, but as far as I know this is the only one that has continued to be used. The Cyber Hymnal gives part of the story behind this hymn. A fuller account was provided by Billy Graham in 1967, for the book Crusade Hymn Stories (pp. 25-26).

Briefly, what led to the writing of the hymn is this. Presbyterian evangelist and Bible teacher Dr. J. Wilbur Chapman was preaching in 1915 at the Montreat Conference Center, in North Carolina. The team also consisted of song leader Charles Alexander, soloist Albert Brown, and their young accompanist Henry Barraclough.

One evening that summer Dr. Chapman spoke on Psalm 45, a royal wedding song, which also has a secondary application to the Messiah. (More about the text in a moment.) After the service, twenty-four-year-old Barraclough was a passenger in the car that drove them away from the meeting place. The phrases of a new song’s refrain began to take shape in his mind.

Having nothing else to write on, he took a business card and scribbled the refrain on the back. Later, at their hotel, he added the first three stanzas and the music. The song was sung at the meeting the next morning by Alexander and Brown. Then, at Dr. Chapman’s request, Henry Barraclough added a fourth stanza speaking of the second coming of Christ.

Billy Graham adds a personal footnote to this story. When he was beginning his ministry as an evangelist in 1945, it was Albert Brown who introduced Billy to a young musician named Cliff Barrows, who continued to work with him in his evangelistic crusades for decades afterward.

As to the Bible text involved, its poetic imagery can only be fulfilled in part by a mortal king of ancient times. Its fullest sense was to be captured by the Messiah-King, the Lord Jesus Christ. In confirmation of this, we see vs. 6-7 of the psalm quoted in Hebrews 1:8-9, as God the Father speaks to God the Son:

“To the Son He says: ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Your Kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.’”

The grace and beauty of the King are celebrated (Ps. 45:1-2), and His glorious victories (vs. 3-5). The latter verses of the psalm (vs. 10-17) give attention to the beautiful bride. In its New Testament application this would apply to the church, the body of Christ. Dr. Chapman’s central text that evening was vs. 8 of the psalm.

“All Your garments are scented with myrrh and aloes and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, by which they have made You glad.”

The text is a poetic description of the king in his resplendence, coming from his palace for his wedding. As he proceeds on his way, the fragrance of his garments is shed abroad. Mr. Barraclough’s hymn takes a stanza to describe each of the spices mentioned in Psalm 45:8. There is the fragrance of myrrh (CH-1), and of aloes (CH-2), and of cassia (CH-3).

Myrrh and cassia were two of the principle ingredients of the anointing oil referred to in vs. 7 (cf. Exod. 30:22-25). It was used in inaugurating the priests and kings of Israel. And myrrh and aloes are mentioned in the marriage preparations of King Solomon (S.S. 4:14).

The spices which perfumed the king’s robes also have a connection to the Lord Jesus. Myrrh was one of the gifts of the wise men brought to the Baby Jesus (Matt. 2:11). And myrrh and aloes were used to embalm the body of Christ at His burial (Jn. 19:39).

CH-1) My Lord has garments so wondrous fine,
And myrrh their texture fills;
Its fragrance reached to this heart of mine
With joy my being thrills.

Out of the ivory palaces,
Into a world of woe,
Only His great eternal love
Made my Saviour go.

CH-4) In garments glorious He will come,
To open wide the door;
And I shall enter my heav’nly home,
To dwell forevermore.

Questions:
1) In what ways is King Jesus superior to the earthly monarch celebrated in the psalm?

2) What can we say about the experience of the bride at such a wedding (cf. Rev. 19:7, 9)?

Links:
Wordwise Hymns
The Cyber Hymnal

3 Comments

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Posted by: rcottrill | June 5, 2013

The Strife Is O’er

Words: Origin uncertain; translation by Francis Pott (b. Dec. 29, 1832; d. Oct. 26, 1909)
Music: Victory, by William Henry Monk (b. Mar. 16, 1823; d. Mar. 1, 1889)

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (Francis Pott)
The Cyber Hymnal

Note: Translator John Mason Neale (1818-1866) believed this hymn came from the twelfth century, but the earliest printed version of the Latin hymn we have is from a Jesuit book published in 1695. Francis Pott published his own translation of it in 1861–a version that has been altered here and there, over the years.

William Monk’s tune was adapted from a work by Giovanni Palestrina (c. 1525-1594), the great Italian composer of choral works.

Even a quick glance will show that this hymn is different from many others in our hymn books. Five three-line stanzas, followed by a three-word refrain, a repeated “Alleluia!” (In some books, the refrain is simply used as a kind of opening fanfare, at the beginning of the song.)

“Alleluia” is the Greek version of the Hebrew word “hallelujah.” It’s found in the book of Revelation. For example:

“I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, ‘Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honour and power belong to the Lord our God!’” (Rev. 19:1).

The original Hebrew word is a compound of two others. Halal means to praise, to glory in, or boast of. And Jah is a shortened form of Jehovah (or Yahweh). A simple translation of the word is therefore, “Praise the Lord!”

And what is it for which this joyous and repeated praise is sounded? It is the resurrection of Christ. In His death, the Lord Jesus paid the debt of sin. “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures” (I Cor. 15:3; cf. Eph. 1:7; I Pet. 2:24; 3:18; Rev. 5:9). But the story could not end there. A dead “saviour” is no saviour at all. If His purpose was to deliver us from the power of death and eternal condemnation, He needed to show His power over it Himself–and He did.

“Now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep [in death]….Each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming” (I Cor. 15:20, 23).

CH-1) The strife is o’er, the battle done;
The victory of life is won;
The song of triumph has begun: Alleluia!

The second stanza refers to “legions” being dispersed. (Potts’ original word was “foes.”) It’s speaking of Satan and his hosts, who would have done anything they could to keep Christ in the tomb. But in His death and resurrection Christ triumphed over them.

CH- 2) The powers of death have done their worst;
But Christ their legions hath dispersed;
Let shouts of holy joy outburst: Alleluia!

Ephesians speaks of the power of God that delivered our Saviour from the grave, reminding us that the same power is at work on behalf of His saints.

“[That we may know] what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come” (Eph. 1:19-21; cf. 3:20-21).

When a bee stings, it leaves its stinger embedded in the person, and the insect dies. In a way, death embedded its stinger in Christ on the cross, and death died. He has taken the sting for us, and fully recovered. It is by the sufferings of Christ that we are delivered from the sting of death.

“‘O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?’ The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Cor. 15:55-57).

It’s Isaiah who speaks of the healing wounds of Christ (Isa. 53:5), imagery that refers to the spiritual restoration that is ours through the work of redemption (cf. I Pet. 2:24-25). And God’s purpose in the death and resurrection of Christ isn’t simply to provide an escape hatch from hell. It’s so that, in the words of the hymn, “we may live, and sing to Thee.” Or, in the words of Scripture, “That we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12).

CH-5) Lord, by the stripes which wounded Thee,
From death’s dread sting Thy servants free,
That we may live, and sing to Thee: Alleluia!

Questions:
1) In addition to saying “Praise the Lord!” how can we best celebrate the resurrection?

2) What are your favourite hymns of Easter (Resurrection Sunday)?

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (Francis Pott)
The Cyber Hymnal

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Posted in R3. Reflections: June13 | Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: rcottrill | June 3, 2013

While Shepherds Watched

Words: Nahum Tate (b. _____, 1652; d. Aug. 12, 1715)
Music: Christmas, by George Frederick Handel (b. Feb. 23, 1685; d. Apr. 14, 1759)

Links:
Wordwise Hymns
The Cyber Hymnal

Note: The hymn tune Christmas is a common one for this carol in our hymn books. But also associated with it is Winchester Old, from Este’s Psalter, published in 1592.

Nahum Tate did not have a great reputation as to his character. One writer describes him as intemperate and careless, another as a drunkard and a spendthrift. However, as a poet, he did work with Nicholas Brady (1659-1776) to produce a new metrical version of the Psalms in 1700, one superior to what the church had used previously.

Tate and Brady also added a Supplement to the book containing a number of hymns of their own creation. As well as this hymn for Christmas, there were others for Easter, and for the Lord’s Supper.

Some appreciated the new songs, others did not. On one occasion, Tate was visiting in the home of friends when it came time for family devotions. The maid explained her refusal to sing with the others by saying, “Sir, as long as you sung Jesus Christ’s Psalms I sung along with ye; but now that you sing Psalms of your own invention, ye may sing by yourselves!” Even so, this Christmas hymn gained early acceptance, likely because it is close to a word-for-word rendering of Scripture passage (Lk. 2:8-14).

There is a lesson in this. “The word of God is living and powerful” (Heb. 4:12). Even when it is recited by unregenerate lips, or put on paper by the pen of a drunken wastrel, the Spirit of God can use it. Years ago I worked in an advertising company managed by a well-known Canadian agnostic named Charles Templeton. My parents had known him years before, when he laboured as a clergyman. My father’s gospel quartet sang in his church. But those days were long gone.

During the years I worked with him, he would occasionally reminisce about those bygone times, and we’d sing a hymn or two as we worked. He knew the words, but his heart was unchanged. Charles confessed to me that he never believed what he was preaching. To him, it was all for show, and an ego trip. My dad continued to pray each day–for decades–that the man would repent and be truly saved but, as far as I know, he died far from Christ.

However, when I later trained for the ministry, and began serving in a church, I met a fellow-pastor who said he was saved under Charles Templeton’s ministry. Amazing! The Word had borne fruit in His heart by the power of the Holy Spirit.

So, am I saying it doesn’t matter whether a preacher is a believer or not? No. Hardly. I’m sure Charles misled many people by his hypocrisy, or his open defection from the faith. And he himself missed the joy of serving the Lord Jesus Christ wholeheartedly. But it remains true that God will sometimes speak, in sovereign grace, through some strange instruments. After all He did that one day with Balaam’s donkey (Num. 22:22-35)!

As to the angelic announcement to the shepherds, it was means of tying the Old Testament and the New together. Bethlehem is only five miles south of Jerusalem. It’s almost certain that the sheep raised there were going to be used for temple sacrifices. Sacrifices that had been offered since ancient times, foreshadowing the great and final Sacrifice to come. How wonderful for those men to hear the news that the Saviour had been born, the One John the Baptist would later call, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn. 1:29).

“You were…redeemed with…the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (I Pet. 1:18-19).

Further, Christ’s humble beginning, with a manger for His cradle, would be a symbol of welcoming grace. Even the shepherds, rendered ceremonially unclean by their occupation, were summoned to Him and went joyfully (Lk. 2:15-16). When He began His earthly ministry, “many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him,” and “the common people heard Him gladly” (Mk. 2:15; 12:37). God’s grace is extended to all.

CH-3) “To you, in David’s town, this day
Is born of David’s line
A Saviour, who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be the sign.

CH-4) “The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid.”

CH-6) “All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace;
Good will henceforth from heav’n to men
Begin and never cease.”

Questions:
1) Can you think of an instance in recent times when God blessed His Word, in spite of the sinful (and perhaps unregenerate) nature of the human instrument?

2) In the shepherds, we have an example of those who shared the gospel message (cf. Lk. 2:11, and 17) though they surely didn’t fully understand what it meant. What lesson is there for us in that?

Links:
Wordwise Hymns
The Cyber Hymnal

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Posted in R3. Reflections: June13 | Tags: , , , , ,

Posted by: rcottrill | May 31, 2013

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

Words: Edmund Hamilton Sears (b. Apr. 6, 1810; d. Jan. 14, 1876)
Music: Carol, by Richard Storrs Willis (b. Feb. 10, 1819; d. May 7, 1900)

Links:
Wordwise Hymns
The Cyber Hymnal

Note: Edmund Sears served as the pastor of several small Unitarian churches in Massachusetts. The carol was written at the request of his friend and fellow pastor in Quincy, W. P. Lunt. The original title was “Peace on Earth.”

CH-1) It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth,
To touch their harps of gold;
“Peace on the earth, good will to men,
From heaven’s all gracious King.”
The world in solemn stillness lay,
To hear the angels sing.

Perhaps the startling thing about this Christmas carol is that it does not make a single reference to Christ or His birth, in any of its five original stanzas. All the stranger since it’s about the angel’s message to the shepherds, which begins by telling them the One in whom “peace” can be found (Lk. 2:11). Perhaps we might be inclined to put that down to the fact that Sears was a Harvard-graduated Unitarian, and that group does not believe in the deity of Christ. However, Pastor Sears seems to have been a Unitarian more in name than in practice, since he believed and preached that Christ is God the Son.

There is another strain in this carol that not all evangelicals would espouse. It’s among the first American hymns to be rooted in the social gospel, the idea that if we just do good works, correct social wrongs, and love their neighbours, “the age of gold” (CH-5) will be ushered in, a kind of heaven on earth. And therefore that the church should put its focus on helping the poor and downtrodden, rather than on calling people to eternal salvation through Christ.

The social gospel seems to have been a particularly American phenomenon, and the middle of the nineteenth century was a great breeding ground for it. Opposition to slavery was seething and there was a growing unrest as north and south took sides–conflict that would eventually lead to the Civil War. In addition, 1849 brought the California Gold Rush, with its passionate greed for gain, and attendant wickedness. After nearly two millennia, the peace and good will of the angelic announcement of Christ’s birth (Lk. 2: 14) seemed farther away than ever.

CH-3) Yet with the woes of sin and strife
The world has suffered long;
Beneath the angel strain have rolled
Two thousand years of wrong;
And man, at war with man, hears not
The love-song which they bring;
O hush the noise, ye men of strife
And hear the angels sing.

There are a couple of issues that need to be addressed, with regard to this emphasis:

1) The Gospel. To put our focus on preaching the gospel of imperishable grace, and on the need for sinners to prepare for eternity, does not mean Christians should fail to be concerned about what is going on around them in society. It’s a matter of emphasis and focus. Helping the poor, and speaking out against social wrongs must not replace the mandate of the church to preach the gospel (Mk. 16:15). And the gospel is not, at its core, a message of temporal social betterment. Here is the gospel:

“I declare to you the gospel…that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (I Cor. 15:1, 3). “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16).

The gospel (the good news) is that through faith in Christ we can be delivered from eternal condemnation and receive God’s gift of everlasting life (Jn. 3:16; cf. Eph. 1:7, 13-14; Col. 1:3-5; II Tim. 1:9-10). Whatever else we do, in compassion and mercy to others in need, we cannot forget or minimize that.

2) The Golden Age. As CH-5 proclaims, there is indeed an “age of gold” coming up ahead. But it will not be brought about by social action, or peace treaties, or any of the feeble and faltering efforts of man. It will be ushered in at the return of Christ, when He rules over the earth, bringing in the Kingdom Age of peace and plenty. The “prophet-bards foretold” it, many times (e.g. Isa. 2:1-4; 9:6-7; Dan. 7:13-14; Amos 9:11-15; cf. Rev. 20:1-4).

But, that is not how the Bible portrays the present age, as we look forward to Christ’s return. “In latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons” (I Tim. 4:1). “Evil men and imposters will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived” (II Tim. 3:13).

“In the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power” (II Tim. 3:1-5).

Yes, a better day is coming with the return of the glorified Son of God. But not yet. And we pray with John, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev. 22:20).

Questions:
1) Even when world “peace” eludes us, what aspects of peace can we experience now, by the grace of God?

2) How can Christians and local churches maintain a balance between social action on the one hand, and the mandate of the Great Commission on the other?

Links:
Wordwise Hymns
The Cyber Hymnal

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Posted in Q3. Reflections: May13 | Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: rcottrill | May 29, 2013

He the Pearly Gates Will Open

Words: Fredrick Arvid Blom (b. May 21, 1867; d. May 24, 1927)
Music: (Arranger) Elsie Rebekah Ahlwen (b. May 25, 1905; d. Jan. 6, 1986)

Links:
Wordwise Hymns
The Cyber Hymnal

Note: This 1917 Swedish hymn was translated into English by Nathaniel Carlson (1879-1957) around 1935. The original melody was written by Alfred Olsen Duhlin (1894-c.1960), a member of the Salvation Army, as was Blom. Gospel singer George Beverly Shea did a great deal to popularize this song through the use of it in Billy Graham’s meetings, and his recordings.

The story behind the hymn is found in the Wordwise Hymns link. However, you should also read the two comments from Mats Ahlgren (and my response). His account differs from mine in several details, and I’m uncertain which is the correct version.

The biblical reference to the “pearly gates” of heaven is found in Revelation 21:21, a passage which gives many details concerning the beautiful heavenly city (vs. 10-23).

“The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass” (Rev. 21:21).

This city is what we commonly call “heaven,” where the throne of God is (Rev. 4:1-2), and where the Lord is presently preparing dwelling places for us (Jn. 14:2). As John describes it, it is glorious and beautiful, a city of gold and light. But we can be sure any words would fail to give anything more than an inkling of the marvels that await us there.

The heavenly kingdom is given several names in the Word of God, names that clearly suggest a parallel to the earthly city of Jerusalem, but show its infinite superiority with terms such as “heavenly,” “holy” and “new.” It is referred to as: [heavenly] Mount Zion; the city of the living God; the heavenly Jerusalem (Heb. 12:22); the holy city; New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:2); the great city; the holy Jerusalem (Rev. 21:10).

CH-1) Love divine, so great and wondrous,
Deep and mighty, pure, sublime!
Coming from the heart of Jesus,
Just the same through tests of time.

He the pearly gates will open,
So that I may enter in;
For He purchased my redemption
And forgave me all my sin.

The occupants of the city include: God Himself (Matt. 23:22; Rev. 4:1-5), the holy angels (Matt. 22:30; Rev. 5:11), and the saints of God (Rev. 15:3; 19:8; cf. I Thess. 3:13). Scripture is also very clear about those who are excluded: the devil and his demonic host (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10), and all the unsaved sinners, those who have not appropriated God’s means of salvation (II Thess. 1:8-9; Rev. 20:15; 21:8; 22:15).

There remains only the question of how one qualifies to enter heaven. How does a sinner become a saint (one of God’s set-apart ones)? How can a condemned sinner be fitted for heaven? God’s way is truly wonderful. He sent His Son to take sin’s punishment for us, on the cross. When a sinner puts His faith in Christ, that payment is credited to his account, and he is forgiven and set free (Jn. 3:16; II Cor. 5:21; Eph. 1:7; I Jn. 1:7).

There is no other way (Jn. 14:6; Acts 4:12). The many animal sacrifices that came before Calvary were accepted by God, when they were offered in faith. But they were only a foreshadowing of what was to come. Their fulfilment came in Christ, the Lamb of God (Jn. 1:29; I Pet. 1:18-19). Now, sinners are called to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,” and on that basis they will be saved (Acts 16:30-31).

CH-3) Love divine, so great and wondrous,
All my sins He then forgave!
I will sing His praise forever,
For His blood, His pow’r to save.

Questions:
1) How would you answer someone who feels that he/she will reach heaven by being sincere and doing the best he/she can?

2) Other that the Lord Jesus being there, what is the greatest thing about heaven for you?

Links:
Wordwise Hymns
The Cyber Hymnal

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Posted in Q3. Reflections: May13 | Tags: , , , , , , , ,

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