I Need Thee Every Hour

 

Annie Sherwood Hawks was born on May 28, 1836, in Hoosick, New York. Her ancestry on her father's side was English, and on her mother's side, remotely, Holland Dutch. She was educated in the public schools and attended the Troy Seminary.

She never graduated from any school, but she always had a passion for books and read widely. By age 14, she was submitting poems to a local newspaper.

When she was 24, she married Charles Hawks and focused on raising their three children. She and her husband were members of the Hanson Place Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York, whose pastor was the hymn writer, Robert Lowry. He recognized Annie's talent and encouraged her gift of poetry. He promised to write the music for her poems.

Hawks gave a personal account of how she wrote this hymn: “One day, as a young wife and mother of 37 years of age, I was busy with my regular household tasks during a bright June morning, in 1872. Suddenly, I became so filled with the sense of nearness to the Master that, wondering how one could live without Him, either in joy or pain, these words were ushered into my mind, the thought at once taking full possession of me.

“For myself, the hymn, at its writing, was prophetic rather than expressive of my own experiences, for it was wafted out to the world on the wings of love and joy, instead of under the stress of great personal sorrow, with which it has often been associated.

“I did not understand at first why this had touched the great throbbing heart of humanity. Years later, however, under the shadow of a great loss, I came to understand something of the comforting power of the words I had been permitted to give out to others in my hours of sweet serenity and peace.”

Lowry wrote the refrain to the words when he wrote the music. Lowry also set all of Hawks’ hymns to music. Hawks wrote over 400 hymn text, but "I Need Thee Every Hour" is the only one sung today.

After the death of her husband, she moved to Bennington, Vermont to live with her daughter and son-in-law. She died there in 1918 and is interred at the Hoosick Rural Cemetery.

Robert Lowry was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1826. He was the son of Crozier Lowry, who had emigrated from Northern Ireland in the early part of the 19th century. When Lowry was 17, he underwent an experience of religious conversion. He joined the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia, where he worked enthusiastically as a Sunday School teacher and chorister.

In 1848 Lowry was encouraged by his pastor to prepare for a life’s work in the Christian ministry. He began studies at the University at Lewisburg (now Bucknell University).

When asked to explain his methods of composition, Lowry replied: “I have no method. Sometimes the music comes, and the words follow, fitted insensibly to the melody. I watch my moods, and when anything good strikes me, whether words or music, and no matter where I am, at home or on the street, I jot it down. Often the margin of a newspaper or the back of an envelope serves as a notebook.

“My brain is a sort of spinning machine, I think, for there is music running through it all the time. I do not pick out my music on the keys of an instrument. The tunes of nearly all the hymns I have written have been completed on paper before I tried them on the organ. Frequently the words and the music have been written at the same time.”

In 1872, Ira Sankey used this hymn at the National Baptist Sunday School Association Convention. The following year the song appeared in the Royal Diadem for the Sunday School, which was compiled by  Lowry and William Doane.

It is no wonder that this hymn became so well known. Who among us hasn’t felt a great need for God – for God’s presence – for God’s guidance – for God’s help? The need that Mrs. Hawks felt for God is a need that all of us feel at some time in our lives. Her little verse expressed the deepest feelings of her heart – and of our hearts as well. That is why this hymn has been a favorite for more than a century. 

Verse One

"I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;

No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.”

Colossians 3:15

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Biblehub.com, Matthew Poole’s Commentary: He does not say the peace of the world, but the peace of God, or, as some copies, the peace of Christ; be sure, without the mediation of Christ we can have no peace with God; He alone hath made peace.  He is our peace, making it with God and amongst ourselves . . . the Lord of peace Himself, who always gives it where it is enjoyed. It is then the peace of God through Christ; see by faith in Whom we have peace in our own hearts with God, and with one another.

Verse Two

“I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;

Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.”

1 Corinthians 10:13

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Studylight.org, Coffman’s Commentary on the Bible: The agency of God Himself is in view in this passage. All temptation, while allowed by God, is also controlled by Him; and the Father will simply not allow a child of God to be tempted above what he is able to bear. In the wise providence of God, He has made a way out of every temptation; and, as Barclay noted, “There is the way out, and the way out is not the way of surrender, and not the way of retreat, but the way of conquest in the power of the grace of God.”

Studylight.org, Contending for the Faith: Even though the temptations are brought on by human nature and are common to man, Paul encourages the Corinthians by saying, “but God is faithful” and He “will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able.” Paul is not saying that God will remove these natural temptations but that He will leave a way open for them to retreat or endure once they have been seized by the temptation. Whether or not we are overcome with the temptation depends upon our enduring it. Paul says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

 Verse Three

”I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;

Come quickly and abide, or life is vain."

Psalm 31:2

“Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.”

Bibleref.com: David asks God to quickly answer his prayer. This suggests the urgency in which David needed the Lord’s help. David’s need of rescue may have been physical, emotional, spiritual, or all three. At many times in his life, he was under attack . . . This psalm reminds believers of God’s personal relationship to His people. David personally takes refuge in the Lord and calls to Him in the midst of need, trusting God will listen or “incline His ear.”

Verse Four

“I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;

And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.”

Isaiah 48:17

“This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.'”

Dailyverse.knowing-Jesus.com: He is the One who promised to teach Israel those things that would benefit them, both in this life, and in the world to come. And He is the same Lord who has promised to guide us into the way of truth, direct us through deep valleys of darkness and upholds us with His righteous right hand, as we climb the hills of difficulty that pepper our earthly path.

 Biblehub.com, Pulpit Commentary: God’s teachings are all directed to the “profit” of those to whom they are addressed; and, if received in a proper spirit, actually “profit” them more than anything else can do. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable. Very profitable also are the teachings of God’s providence, which chasten men, warn men, and tend to keep men in the right path.

 Verse Five

“I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;

Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.”

Matthew 3:16

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.”

Biblehub.com, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary: At Christ’s baptism there was a manifestation of the three Persons in the sacred Trinity. The Father confirming the Son to be Mediator; the Son solemnly entering upon the work; the Holy Spirit descending on Him, to be through His mediation communicated to His people. In Him our spiritual sacrifices are acceptable, for He is the altar that sanctifies every gift. Out of Christ, God is a consuming fire, but in Christ, a reconciled Father. This is the sum of the gospel, which we must by faith cheerfully embrace.”

Studylight.org, Bridgeway Bible Commentary: When Jesus approached John to be baptized, John hesitated, because he knew Jesus was superior to him in character, status and authority. But Jesus insisted. He wanted to begin His ministry with a public declaration of His devotion to God. Baptism was an act of obedience carried out by those who declared themselves on the side of God and His righteousness. Jesus was baptized to show that, like all the faithful, He was obedient to God and He intended to carry out all God’s purposes . . . Having shown His intentions, Jesus received openly the assurance that His Father was pleased with Him. The Father’s announcement, by combining a quote concerning the Davidic Messiah with one concerning the Servant of the Lord, gave an indication that Jesus’ way to Kingly glory was to be that of the Suffering Servant. In appointing Jesus to His public ministry, the Father poured out upon Him the Holy Spirit, through whose power He would carry out His messianic work.

Refrain

“I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;

Every hour I need Thee;

Oh, bless me now, my Savior,

I come to Thee.”

1 Chronicles 4:10

“Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, ‘Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.’ And God granted his request.”

Biblehub.com, Benson Commentary: He did not say in what respect he desired God to bless him, but leaves that to God, giving Him, as it were, a blank paper, that He might write what He pleased. Spiritual blessings are the best blessings, and those are blessed indeed, who are blessed with them. God’s blessings are real things and produce real effects. We can but wish a blessing: He commands it.

Hebrews 4:16

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Biblehub.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: To a God willing to show mercy He comes with the merits of a sacrifice sufficient for all and pleads for their salvation. We may, therefore, come with boldness and look for pardon. We come not depending on our merits, but we come where a sufficient sacrifice has been offered for human guilt; and where we are assured that God is merciful. We may, therefore, come without hesitancy, or trembling, and ask for all the mercy that we need.

 

I am indebted to the following resources:

En.wikipedia.org

Hymnswelove.blogspot.com

Dianaleaghmatthews.com

Umcdiscipleship.org, C. Michael Hawn

Sermonwriter.com, Richard Niell Donovan

By His Grace . . .

Burdens Are Lifted At Calvary

John MacFarlane Moore was born on September 1, 1925, in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire, Scotland. He was raised by godly parents and accepted Christ when he was sixteen years old

At age sixteen he began his apprenticeship as an engineering draftsman.  However, he decided to become a Baptist minister and was educated at the Evangelical Baptist Fellowship Bible College in Glasgow, Scotland, after which he became an assistant superintendent at the Seamen’s Chapel of Glasgow, one of the area’s outstanding evangelistic centers.

In 1952, while serving at the Seamen’s Chapel, Moore received a call from the company secretary of a large shipping firm requesting that he visit a young merchant seaman who was lying in a Glasgow hospital critically ill. He tells in his own words how this hymn came to be:

“After getting permission from the nursing sister, I went in to visit the young sailor. I talked for a few moments and then put my hand in my case for a tract, not knowing which one I would pull out. It happened to be a tract based on 'Pilgrim's Progress', with a color reproduction of Pilgrim coming to the cross with a great burden on his back.

“I showed the young seaman this picture and told him the story in brief, adding that Pilgrim's experience had been my experience too. I explained that when I came to the cross of Christ, my burden rolled away and my sense of sin and guilt before God was removed. He nodded his head when I asked him, 'Do you feel this burden on your back today?' We prayed together and never shall I forget the smile of peace and assurance that lit up his face when he said that his burden was lifted!

“Later that night, sitting by the fireside with paper and pen, I could not get the thought out of my mind--his burden is lifted! I started writing, but never for a moment did I imagine that this little hymn would become a favorite throughout the world. Since that time, I hear of people all over the world who are being blessed and saved through the singing of this hymn."

Moore was very active in the Baptist denomination. He obtained an honorary Doctor of Divinity from the Northwest Baptist Theological College and Seminary in Langley, British Columbia.

Before immigrating to North America, he married Esther Marr.  They have one son. Moore was a pastor and evangelist to a church in Ontario, Canada before his death in 2017.

Moore was a prolific gospel hymn writer, in addition to being a minister.  However, "Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary" is the best known of the more than 150 songs he has written.

This song points us to Calvary as the place where Jesus has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. Moore wrote that he never imagined this little hymn would become a favorite throughout the world. He also wrote the music for this hymn.

Verse One

“Days are filled with sorrow and care,

Hearts are lonely and drear;

Burdens are lifted at Calvary --

Jesus is very near.”

Psalm 68:19

“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.”

Studylight.org, Gill’s Exposition of the Whole Bible: With all spiritual blessings, with an abundance of grace, as well as with temporal mercies, for which He is, and ought to be, praised day by day . . . He will hear us or carry us . . . in His own time and way, deliver [us] from [our] burdens and be the author of salvation to [us] . . . and therefore His name is to be praised.

Galatians 6:2

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Studylight.org, Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible: Bear with each other; help each other in the divine life. The sense is, that every man has special temptations and easily besetting sins, which constitute a  heavy burden. We should aid each other in regard to these, and help one another to overcome them . . . The special law of Christ, requiring us to love one another . . . This was the distinguishing law of the Redeemer; and they could in no way better fulfil it than by aiding each other in the divine life . . . They should be pressed to the warm bosom of brotherly kindness; and prayer should be made to ascend without ceasing around an erring and a fallen brother . . . This the case in regard to all who bear the Christian name.

Verse Two

“Cast your care on Jesus today,

Leave your worry and fear;

Burdens are lifted at Calvary --

Jesus is very near.”

 Psalm 55:22

“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.”

Studylight.org, Clarke’s Commentary: Whatever cares, afflictions and trials [you] may be with which [you] art oppressed, lay them upon Him . . . He shall sustain [you] . . . He shall bear both [you] and [your] burden. What a glorious promise to a tempted and afflicted soul! God will carry both [you] and [your] load. Then cast [yourself] and [your] burden upon Him . . . While a man is righteous, trusts in and depends upon God, He will never suffer him to be shaken. . . While he trusts in God, and works righteousness, he is as safe as if he were in heaven.

1 Peter 5:7

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

Studylight.org, Clarke’s Commentary: Whatever things concern a follower of God, whether they be spiritual or temporal, or whether in themselves great or small, God concerns Himself with them; what affects them affects Him; in all their afflictions He is afflicted. He who knows that God cares for him, need have no anxious cares about himself. 

Verse Three

“Troubled soul, the Savior can see,

Every heartache and tear;

Burdens are lifted at Calvary –

Jesus is very near.”

1 Samuel 1:15

“Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled, I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord.”

Biblehub.com, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary: Hannah mingled tears with her prayers; she considered the mercy of our God, who knows the troubled soul. God gives us leave, in prayer, not only to ask good things in general, but to mention that special good thing we most need and desire. She spoke softly, none could hear her. Hereby she testified her belief of God's knowledge of the heart and its desires . . . Hannah went away with satisfaction of mind. She had herself by prayer committed her case to God, and Eli had prayed for her. Prayer is heart's ease to a gracious soul. Prayer will smooth the countenance; it should do so. None will long remain miserable, who use aright the privilege of going to the mercy-seat of a reconciled God in Christ Jesus.

Refrain

“Burdens are lifted at Calvary,

Calvary, Calvary.

Burdens are lifted at Calvary,

Jesus is very near.”

Christianity.com: Golgotha, a skull-shaped hill in biblical Jerusalem, is the place of Jesus’ crucifixion. It is mentioned in all four books of the Gospels. Also known as Calvary, this site was directly outside Jerusalem's boundaries where Jesus was crucified along with two thieves, one who confessed that Christ was God and was saved that day.

Carrying any burdens? Give them to the Lord and experience the peace that only He can give. This song not only reminds us that our sin burden was lifted at Calvary, but it also reminds us that Jesus can do the "heavy lifting" of our other burdens. Cast your cares upon the only One who can relieve you of them.

 

I am indebted to the following resources:

Drkenney.blogspot.com; V. E. Howard and Broadus E. Smith, eds.

John3sixteenuk.blogspot.com

Dianaleaghmatthews.com

Barryshymns.blogspot.com

Hymnstudiesblog.wordpress.com

By His Grace . . .

In The Sweet By and By

This is the only hymn ever written in a drugstore. It was originally written on a little piece of 5 x 7 paper, but it was big enough to sing its way into the hearts of millions of Christian people for over 140 years.

Sanford Fillmore Bennett was born in New York in 1836. He was converted at a Methodist revival meeting. In 1864 he enrolled in the Wisconsin Volunteers and served as Second Lieutenant. Following the war, he resided in Elkhorn, Wisconsin and started a drug store. He also began the study of medicine and graduated from Rush Medical College in 1874.

Bennett enjoyed writing verses. He wrote a number of prose and poetry throughout his life.

Joseph Webster, the composer, was a music teacher and was recognized as the town’s leading musician. He studied music with Lowell Mason in Boston and spent several years in New York and Connecticut, teaching music and giving concerts. He was said to have been proficient in playing the flute, violin, and piano.

Because of his strong anti-slavery convictions, Webster moved to Elkhorn, Wisconsin, shortly before the outbreak of war. He is credited with more than one thousand musical compositions.

These two gentlemen met often in Bennett’s drugstore for friendly discussions. Bennett tells of how Webster, violin under his arm, dropped in to see him one quiet, winter afternoon. The two men had a mutual love of music and composed several tunes together; Bennett writing the words and Webster composing the music. Mr. Webster was of an exceedingly nervous and sensitive nature, and subject to periods of depression.

Bennett had learned his friend’s peculiarities so well, that on meeting him he could tell at a glance if he was melancholy and had found that he could rouse him by giving him a new song on which to work.

The following account comes from Bennett’s autobiography:

“He [Webster] came into my place of business, walked down to the stove, and turned his back on me without speaking. I was at my desk. Turning to him, I said, ‘Webster, what is the matter now?’ ‘It’s no matter,’ he replied, ‘it will be all right by and by.’ The idea of the hymn came to me like a flash of sunlight, and I replied, ‘the sweet by and by! Why would not that make a good hymn?’ ‘Maybe it would,’ he said indifferently. 

"Turning to my desk, I penned the words of the hymn as fast as I could write. I handed the words to Webster. As he read the words, his eyes kindled. I stepped back to my desk, and he began writing the notes, seated at the stove. Taking his violin, he played the melody and then jotted down the notes of the chorus. It was not over thirty minutes from the time I took my pen to write the words before two friends, with Webster and myself, were singing the hymn.”

As the men were singing the new hymn, R. R. Crosby, Sanford’s uncle, came into the store. "Never heard that song before,” exclaimed Mr. Crosby. “I heard it across the street and couldn’t resist coming in to hear it better. That hymn is immortal.” It was used in public shortly after, for within two weeks children on the streets were singing it.

The hymn became a Gospel standard and has been included in hymnals ever since.

 Verse One

“There’s a land that is fairer than day,

And by faith we can see it afar;

For the Father waits over the way

To prepare us a dwelling place there.”

Hebrews 13:14

“For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.”

Biblehub.com, Matthew Poole’s Commentary: We have reason to go forth and suffer with Him, since it will instantly bring us to that heavenly city, which we profess that we only live to fit ourselves for, and then to enter in and possess it.

Biblestudytools.com: Seeing they [Israel] have no continuance here [Jerusalem], they will be the sooner at home: and they have that to support them, under the instability of worldly things, which others have not; they are interested in an unchangeable God, and in His love; and in an unchangeable Saviour; and in an unchangeable covenant; and have a right to eternal glory and happiness, a city which has foundations . . . yet to come; though certain, being built and prepared by God; and is continuing, will abide, being well founded: hence the saints seek for it.”

 Verse Two

“We shall sing on that beautiful shore,

The melodious songs of the blessed;

And our spirits shall sorrow no more,

Not a sigh for the blessing of rest."

Isaiah 25:6-10

“On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain He will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; He will remove His people’s disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken. In that day they will say, ‘Surely this is our God; we trusted in Him and He saved us.'"

Biblehub.com, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary: The kind reception of repentant sinners, is often in the New Testament likened to a feast. The guests invited are all people, Gentiles as well as Jews. There is that in the gospel which strengthens and makes glad the heart and is fit for those who are under convictions of sin and mourning for it. There is a veil spread over all nations, for all sat in darkness. But this veil the Lord will destroy, by the light of His gospel shining in the world, and the power of His Spirit opening men’s eyes to receive it. 

Matthew Henry continuing: He will raise those to spiritual life who were long dead in trespasses. Christ will Himself, in His resurrection, triumph over death. Grief shall be banished; there shall be perfect and endless joy. Those that mourn for sin shall be comforted. Those who suffer for Christ shall have consolations. But in the joys of heaven, and not short of them, will fully be brought to pass this saying, God shall wipe away all tears.  The hope of this should now do away over sorrow . . .  Sometimes, in this world God takes away the reproach of His people from among men; however, it will be done fully at the great day. Let us patiently bear sorrow and shame now; both will be done away shortly.

 Verse Three

“To our bountiful Father above,

We will offer our tribute of praise,

For the glorious gift of His love,

And the blessings that hallow our days.”

Psalm 150

“Praise the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens. Praise Him for His acts of power; praise Him for His surpassing greatness. Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre; praise Him with timbrel and dancing. Praise Him with the clash of cymbals; praise Him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.”

Enduringword.com, David Guzik: Each of the five divisions of the Book of Psalms closes with a doxology. This entire psalm can be seen as a doxology that not only closes the fifth and final volume of the collected psalms, but also closes the entire Book of Psalms. Psalm 150 contains no argument, no real teaching, no real explanation. It is an eloquent, passionate cry to all creation to give Yahweh the praise due to Him. Alexander Maclaren wrote: “The psalm is more than an artistic close of the Psalter: it is a prophecy of the last result of the devout life, and, in its unclouded sunniness, as well as in its universality, it proclaims the certain end of the weary years for the individual and for the world . . . The last line of the Psalter could be nothing else than Hallelujah! Yahweh is to be praised and honored and will be so among His people and all creation.“

 Refrain

“In the sweet by and by,

We shall meet on that beautiful shore;

In the sweet by and by,

We shall meet on that beautiful shore.”

Today visitors to Elkhorn, Wisconsin, may visit the Webster House and see the authentic, nineteenth-century home of the composer of this hymn and view the violin that was first used to play the melody of this beloved gospel hymn.

 

I am indebted to the following resources:

Godtube.com

Enjoyingthejourney.org

Dianaleaghmatthews.com

Kenneth W. Osbeck, 101 More Hymn Stories

By His Grace . . .

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

 

How do you express the inexpressible? The mystery of the Creator whose name was unutterable in Hebrew Scriptures, save for the self-described “I AM.” Walter Chalmers Smith attempted this in his classic hymn, “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise.”

Smith, was born in 1824, in Aberdeen, Scotland. He was the son of Walter Smith, a cabinetmaker. Smith was educated at the grammar school in Aberdeen, and at Marischal College, which he entered at the age of thirteen, graduating M.A. in 1841. His original intention was to adopt law as his profession, but he entered the New College, Edinburg, to study for the ministry of the Free Church of Scotland at the advice from a friend.

Smith served as pastor of congregations in London, Glasgow, and Edinburg. Perhaps his highest tribute came when he was elected moderator of the General Assembly in 1893 for the church’s 50th Jubilee celebration.

In 1853, he married Agnes Monteith and they were blessed with three daughters and a son. In the year 1908 on the 20th day of September, God called him to eternal glory.

This hymn is the only one of his volumes of poetry that remains in common use. Hymnologist Albert Bailey says composing poetry was for Smith “the retreat of his nature from the burden of his labors.”

It is a praise and worship hymn. It praises our God who is eternal, immortal, invisible and all-wise. It is one of those hymns that makes one contemplate the greatness of our God.

The words, “immortal, invisible, God only wise” are taken directly from St. Paul’s letter to his “son,” Timothy. In the first line of the hymn, the parameters of praise are so profound that this hymn becomes a primer of the worship of this incomprehensible God.

The Bible has several verses that mention immortality. 1 Timothy 1:17 describes God as “eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God.” Romans 6:23 states that “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:53-55 describes the transformation of the mortal body into an immortal one. 2 Timothy 1:10 states that Jesus “abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”

In the New Testament, immortality is often associated with eternal life, which is a gift from God to those who believe in Him. The Bible also teaches that immortality is not a natural state of human beings, but rather a gift from God.

It is important to note that the concept of immortality is not limited to the New Testament. In the Old Testament, God is described as “the King eternal, immortal, invisible.” Jeremiah 10:10a says: “But the Lord is the true God; He is the living God, the eternal King.”

 Verse One

“Immortal, invisible, God only wise,

In light inaccessible, hid from our eyes,

Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,

Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.”

Daniel 7:9

“As I looked, ‘thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of His head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.'” 

The name “Ancient of Days” refers to Daniel 7:13-14, which again describes a glorious vision of the coming Christ, presented before God the Father: “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and He came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him. And to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him; His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His Kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.” Unknown

 Verse Two

“Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,

Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;

Thy justice, like mountains, high soaring above,

Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.”

Psalm 36:5-6

“Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.”

Blueletterbible.org, David Guzik: One can easily imagine that the psalm was written on some natural height from which the singer [David] looked out on a far-stretching scene in which he saw symbols of truth concerning his God. Note the sweep of vision: the heavens, the skies or clouds, the mountains . . .  and over all, the light . . . David can only describe these attributes of God with the biggest things he can think of – the heavens, the clouds that fill the sky and the great mountains.

Verse Three

“To all, life Thou givest, to both great and small,

In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;

We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,

And wither and perish, but naught changeth Thee.”

Hebrews 1:10-12

“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.”

Studylight.org, Contending for the Faith: As magnificent as the earth and heavens are, they all will be treated as an old garment and folded and put away; however, Jesus and His Kingdom will always remain the same yesterday, today, and forever . . . While the heavens and the earth will be changed, Jesus will be unchanged.

Studylight.org, Dr. Constables Expository Notes: Even though the earth as we know it will end, the Son’s rule will continue eternally and with it His joy.

Verse Four

"Thou reignest in glory, Thou rulest in light,

Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;

All praise we would render, O help us to see,

‘Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee!"

Some lyrics show this as the first line of verse four: “Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,”

James 1:17

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

Biblehub.com, Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers: “God,” remarks Bishop Wordsworth, “is the Father of all lights—the light of the natural world, the sun, the moon, and stars, shining in the heavens; the light of reason and conscience; the light of His Law; the light of prophecy, shining in a dark place; the light of the gospel shining throughout the world; the light of apostles, confessors, martyrs, bishops, and priests, preaching that gospel to all nations; the light of the Holy Ghost shining in our hearts; the light of the heavenly city; God is the Father of them all. He is the Everlasting Father of the Everlasting Son, who is the ‘Light of the world.’”

The greatness of God is, indeed, proclaimed in this hymn!

 

I am indebted to the following resources:

Godtube.com

Umcdiscipleshiop.org, Dr. Hawn

Christianmusicandhymns.com

Songsandhymns.org

Phamoxmusic.com

Hymnologyarchive.com, Chris Fenner

 

By His Grace . . .