Beyond the Sunset

In this story you will meet a man who saw through others' eyes, allowing him to visualize things beyond our capacity to observe, comprehend and appreciate.

This hymn was written by Virgil Brock. He shares this account of when the hymn was written:

“This song was born during a conversation at the dinner table, one evening in 1936, after watching a very unusual sunset at Winona Lake, Indiana, with a blind guest—my cousin, Horace Burr—and his wife, Grace. A large area of the water appeared ablaze with the glory of God, yet there were threatening storm clouds gathering overhead. Returning to our home, we went to the dinner table still talking about the impressive spectacle we had witnessed. Our blind guest excitedly remarked that he had never seen a more beautiful sunset.

“’People are always amazed when you talk about seeing,’ I told him. ‘I can see,’ Horace replied, ‘I see through other people’s eyes, and I think I often see more; I see beyond the sunset.’

“The phrase ‘beyond the sunset’ and the striking inflection of his voice struck Brock so forcibly, he began singing the first few measures. ‘That’s beautiful!’ his wife interrupted, ‘Please go to the piano and sing it.’

“We went to the piano nearby and completed the first verse. ‘You should have a verse about the storm clouds,’ our guest urged, and the words for this verse came quickly as well. Recalling how closely our guests had walked hand in hand together for so many years due to his blindness, the third verse was soon added. Before the evening meal was finished, all four stanzas had been written and we sang the entire song together.

“Someone raised the question, ‘I wonder what’s beyond all of this?’ Immediately, the answer began to form in my mind. I reasoned — Horace Burr had never seen the glory of an earthly sunset yet was blessed as we tried to describe it to him — so we too, as Christians, have never seen what is beyond, but God in His love and promise, has told us in the Bible of the glory that is awaiting us beyond.”

Virgil was born in 1887 in a rural community in Ohio to devoted Quaker parents. At 16, he accepted Christ personally during a church revival meeting, felt the call for Christian service and was ordained a minister of the Christian church at age 19.

In 1914, while serving in Greens Fork, Indiana, Virgil met and married a talented singer and pianist, Blanche Kerr. She was born in 1888 in Greens Fork and attended the Indianapolis Conservatory of Music and the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. They became a team, serving together in the Christian church and writing more than 500 gospel songs before her death in 1958.

Although Virgil didn’t know music theory and needed Blanche to write the melodies for their songs, he was awarded an honorary degree of sacred music from Trinity College in Dunedin, Florida, in recognition of his 50 years of gospel songwriting.

One of Mr. Brock’s delights was leading a congregation in vibrant singing. His exuberant spirit soon became contagious with any audience. Improvising choruses for a service or composing a custom song for a special occasion became effective characteristics of Brock’s ministry.

Virgil died in 1978 at the age of 91. A large monument at Warsaw-Winona Lake Cemetery, with the words and music of “Beyond the Sunset” engraved in stone, stands as a tribute to the couple.

Verse One

“Beyond the sunset, O blissful morning,

When with our Savior heav’n is begun;

Earth’s toiling ended, O glorious dawning —

Beyond the sunset when day is done.”

 

2 Corinthians 4:17

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

Bibleref.com: Paul wants his readers to see that, by comparison, the very worst suffering experienced on earth is only a "light and momentary affliction" when compared with the glory of the eternity with God that is to come. The comparison he makes is one of magnitude and time. Weighed on a scale, any suffering in this life is far outweighed by the glory of the life to come. Measured in time, the suffering here happens in an instant and is replaced by glory forever. Because he knows this to be true, Paul refuses to lose heart, to give up, even when the suffering in this life feels unbearable.

Studylight.org, Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible: It is hardly possible to express the force of this passage as it stands in the original. Nothing greater can be said or imagined. The apostle, about to describe the happiness of the righteous in heaven takes fire. He calls it not glory, merely, but a weight of glory, in opposition to the light thing of our affliction, and an eternal weight of glory, in opposition to the momentary duration of our affliction, and a most exceeding eternal weight of glory, as beyond comparison greater than all the dazzling glories of riches, fame, power, pleasure, or than anything that can be possessed in the present life? 

Verse Two

“Beyond the sunset, no clouds will gather,

No storms will threaten, no fears annoy;

O day of gladness, O day unending,

Beyond the sunset eternal joy!”

 

Psalm 16:11

"You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Enduringword.com; David Guzik: With these words David seemed to understand that the benefits of this life, commitment to God, were received in both this life, and the life beyond . . . The path of life is something enjoyed by the believer both now, and in eternity. God gives us eternal life to enjoy as a present gift, extending into eternity . . . In Your presence is fullness of joy: This was a joy David could experience now, but also ultimately receive when in the more immediate presence of God . . . Peter also quoted these lines in his message on the Day of Pentecost . . . At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore: David had full confidence that his life with God – both now and forevermore – would be marked by the highest and best pleasures.

Verse Three

“Beyond the sunset, a hand will guide me,

To God the Father whom I adore;

His glorious presence, His words of welcome,

Will be my portion on that fair shore.”

Psalm 48:14

“For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.”

Biblestudytools.com, John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible: The Lord orders the steps of the righteous, holds them by the right hand, and guides them with His counsel and in judgment: Christ, the great Shepherd of the flock, feeds them . . . and guides them by the skillfulness of His hands; He guides their feet in the ways of peace, life, and salvation, by Himself; He leads them into green pastures, beside the still waters, and unto fountains of living waters: the Spirit of the Lord leads them to the fulness of Christ; guides them into all truth, as it is in Him; directs them into His and His Father's love, and leads them on to the land of uprightness. 

Verse Four

“Beyond the sunset, O glad reunion,

With our dear loved ones who’ve gone before;

In that fair homeland we’ll know no parting —

Beyond the sunset forevermore!”

Psalm 49:19

“They will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life.”

Studylight.org, Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible: To be gathered to one’s own people, or to his fathers, is a common expression in the Old Testament in speaking of death. It means that they were united again with those who had gone before them, in the regions of the dead. Death had indeed separated them, but by death they were again united . . . He and the “generation” to which he has gone to be united, would no more see the light of this world; no more walk among the living.

“The ability to see ‘beyond the sunset’—to anticipate the glories of God’s tomorrow—enables a Christian to live joyfully and victoriously in any of life’s circumstances. It is difficult for us to imagine heavenly scenes or to describe them with earthly symbols. The Bible does promise, however, that these will be ‘eternal joy’ in the ‘glorious presence’ of our Savior on the fair shore.” Kenneth W. Osbeck

  

I am indebted to the following resources:

Staugustine.com, Lindsay Terry

Kenneth W. Osbeck 101 More Hymn Stories

Kenneth W. Osbeck, Amazing Grace

Thedestinlog.com, Pam Griffin

By His Grace . . .

The Lily of the Valley

 

“‘I am the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valleys.' Like a lily among the thorns, so is my darling among the maidens. Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. In his shade I took great delight and sat down…He has brought me to his banquet hall, and his banner over me is love.” Song of Solomon 2:1-4 [NASB]

After reading these words of scripture, Charles Fry sat down and wrote about a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus.  Those words became the hymn, "The Lily of the Valley." 

Charles William Fry was born May 30, 1838, in Alderbury, Wiltshire, England. He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a bricklayer by trade.  He was a versatile musician, playing the violin, cello, piano, cornet, and harmonium, and leading an orchestra and band at the Wesleyan chapel in Alderbury.

Fry was committed to ministry. He formed a brass band with his three sons and named it the Fry Family Band. The story is that Fry, witnessing the abuse of Salvation Army workers, offered to serve as their bodyguard. The Fry Family Band arrived with their weapons—two cornets, a trombone, and a baritone horn or euphonium. They attracted a crowd for the preachers with their music while holding the troublemakers at bay. William Booth was impressed by their efforts, and the first Salvation Army Band was born.

Inspired by service to the impoverished, Fry joined William Booth’s evangelistic efforts, assisting with the Christian mission and devoting himself to the aid of those in need. He became an integral part of the Salvation Army and, with the assistance of his family, helped develop the Salvation Army’s brass band, one that continues to this day.

Mr. Fry declared he had found a friend in Jesus. He compared the “Beloved” in Song of Solomon to Jesus as the lily of the valley.  One commentary explains “Undoubtedly, this lily of the valley symbolizes the sweetness, purity, fruitfulness, humility, and healing qualities of Jesus Christ. Fry could see only in Jesus all he needed to be cleansed and be made fully whole. He declared that Jesus was his comfort in sorrow and in trouble because Jesus has told him to roll every care on Him for He cares. Jesus is indeed ‘the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star, He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.’”        

The tune was adapted from the song Little Old Log Cabin.

Fry died the year after writing his popular hymn in 1882 in Park Hall, Polmont, Stirlingshire, Scotland.

Baptist hymnologist William J. Reynolds noted that: “Soon after Fry’s death on August 24, 1882, the manuscript of these words, written to a secular melody, was found among his personal effects by his widow. Attached to the song was a note stating that this had been written at a Mr. Wilkinson’s home during his service in Lincoln, England, in June 1881, where Fry was a guest with the Salvation Army in that city. “

“The Lily of the Valley” highlights the redeeming power of Jesus. Each stanza draws heavily on Scripture, with the first highlighting Christ’s beauty, atonement, and comfort, echoing the Bible as it crowns Him, “the Bright and Morning Star.” There are multiple direct scriptural references—such as Revelation 22:16b: “I am the root and the offspring of David, and the Bright and Morning Star” (KJV). The refrain cites Song of Solomon 5:10: “He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.” The hymn alludes to other scriptural references, such as atonement (Jeremiah 33:8) and making complete (Job 5:18).

The music is by William Shakespeare Hays (1837–1907), a USA steamboat captain on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers and journalist for the Louisville Courier-Journal. He composed several hundred vaudeville songs, some of which were adapted for hymns. This minstrel song was written in Louisville in 1871 to a text titled, “This Little Old Log Cabin Down the Lane.” It became popular in England, where Fry heard it and adapted it for a sacred text.

Like other hymns of the time, there is a strong theological appeal within this salvationist song, calling for constant reliance, trust, and hope in Jesus. The stanzas center on Jesus’ promises and love —both implicitly and explicitly. The listener and singer alike are drawn to God’s unfailing Word to take courage and press on as they await Christ’s return.

Verse One

“I’ve found a friend in Jesus, He’s everything to me,

He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul;

The Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see,

All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.

In sorrow He’s my comfort, in trouble He’s my stay;

He tells me every care on Him to roll.”

John 15:15

“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

Bibleref.com: Abraham is referred to in Scripture as a ‘friend of God.” Here, Jesus calls the disciples—and by extension, those believers who “abide” in Him, His “friends,” as proven by communication. God openly spoke with Abraham, and Jesus openly speaks with us through His Word. That Christ instructs and informs us, beyond brute commands, as well as offering His life for our sake are powerful proofs that He sees us as His “friends.”

Song of Solomon 5:10

“My beloved is radiant and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand.”

Studylight.org, Gill’s Exposition of the Whole Bible: Christ, as man, is chosen of God, from among the myriads of the individuals of human nature, to union with the Divine Word, or Son of God; as God-man and Mediator, to be the alone Savior and Redeemer of His people; "the standard bearer," Christ is a more excellent standard bearer than all others; there may be ten thousand persons that carry a flag, but none to be compared with Him, for comeliness, strength, and courage: or He is lifted up, as a standard, above others, angels and men; as He was upon the cross, and now, in the ministry of the Word, that souls may gather unto Him, and enlist themselves in His service.

Verse Two

“He all my grief has taken, and all my sorrows borne,

In temptation He’s my strong and mighty tow’r;

I’ve all for Him forsaken, and all my idols torn,

From my heart and now He keeps me by His pow’r.

Though all the world forsake me, and Satan tempt me sore,

Through Jesus I shall safely reach the goal."

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 Commentaries 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.” 

Verse Three

“He’ll never, never leave me, nor yet forsake me here,

While I live by faith and do His blessed will;

A wall of fire about me, I’ve nothing now to fear,

From His manna He my hungry soul shall fill.

Then sweeping up to Glory to see His blessed face,

Where rivers of delight shall ever roll.”

Deuteronomy 31:6

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Dailyverse.knowing-Jesus.com: We are to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power by putting on Christ and standing firm by abiding in Him, knowing that His grace is sufficient for the greatest challenges we may meet, and being fully assured God is the one Who is going with us, for He has promised.

Biblequeue.com: This verse is a reminder that we are never alone, and that God is always with us. It is easy to be afraid when we are faced with difficult situations, but this verse reminds us that we can trust in God’s strength and courage. When we put our faith in Him, He will never leave us or forsake us. This is excellent advice for facing the challenges of life. After all, courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the ability to face our fears and overcome them. He will give us the strength to endure and the courage to overcome.

Hebrews 13:5

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"

Biblehub.com, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary: Christians have reason to be contented with their present lot. This promise contains the sum and substance of all the promises; I will never, no, never leave thee, nor never forsake thee. In the original there are no less than five negatives put together, to confirm the promise: the true believer shall have the gracious presence of God with him, in life, at death, and forever.

Refrain

“He’s the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star,

He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.”

Revelation 22:16

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the Bright Morning Star.”

Biblestudytools.com: Christ is compared to a "star,” for its light, the light of nature, and of grace, and of the new Jerusalem state being from Him; and for its glory, His glory being the glory of the only begotten of the Father, and He having a glory, as Mediator, which His saints will ever behold, and be delighted with; and for its influence, all the blessings of grace, life, and righteousness, being from Him; and to a "bright" star, because He is the brightness of His Father's glory, and so splendid, shining, and illustrious, that He is light itself, and in Him is no darkness at all; and to a bright "morning" star, which shows the night is going off and the day is coming on, and is the bringer of light; as Christ by His first coming, who was then the dayspring from on high.

I am indebted to the following resources:

Dianaleahmatthews.com

Umcdiscipleship.org, C. Michael Hawn

 

By His Grace . . .

God Will Take Care of You

“God Will Take Care of You” is a beautiful and uplifting hymn that has been a source of comfort and inspiration for many Christians over the years. The story behind its creation is just as inspiring as the song itself.

Civilla Durfee Martin (1866-1948) was born in Nova Scotia. She was a schoolteacher with a modest musical training. She and her husband, Walter Stillman, often wrote gospel songs for revival meetings. “God Will Take Care of You” is an example of their collaboration.

 Walter Martin was a Baptist minister who received his education at Harvard. He later became a member of the Disciples of Christ, teaching at Atlantic Christian College (Now Barton College) in Wilson, North Carolina, and, before moving to Atlanta in 1919.

The couple was spending some time at the Practical Bible Training School in Lestershire, New York, when Civilla became suddenly ill on a Sunday morning.

Walter was scheduled to give a sermon at a church some distance away. He considered canceling his speaking engagement so that he could stay by her side. It was then that their young son spoke up, reminding them that if God wanted Mr. Martin to preach that day, He would take care of Mrs. Martin while her husband was away.

Inspired by her son’s words, Civilla wrote the lyrics to “God Will Take Care of You” that afternoon. When her husband returned, she shared the words with him, and he composed the music on his organ. The same evening, he and two of the teachers at the school sang the completed song, and it was included in a songbook that Martin and the school’s president were compiling.

Civilla Martin also penned the text of "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" (1905) and “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power” (1912).

This hymn has impacted many lives, and to this day still does. One man in particular, about 25 years or so after the song was written (1930), was hospitalized with a severe case of shingles.  His prior business deals had failed, and he was in physical pain as well as emotional pain. He was filled with despair and little hope. One morning while in his hospital bed, he heard this hymn coming from the hospital chapel.  

The man followed the music into the chapel and as he listened, he felt his burdens lift. All worries left him, as he realized just how much God loved him. He later recalled those moments in the chapel as the most dramatic and glorious twenty minutes of his life.  

Who is this man who was so filled with despair? James C. Penney, founder of the store chain, J.C. Penney.

Verse One

“Be not dismayed whate’er betide,

God will take care of you;

Beneath His wings of love abide,

God will take care of you.”

Isaiah 41:10

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Biblehub.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: This verse is plain in its meaning and is full of consolation. It is to be regarded as addressed primarily to the exiled Jews during their long and painful captivity in Babylon; and the idea is they who had been selected by God to be his special people had nothing to fear. But the promise is one that may be regarded as addressed to all His people in similar circumstances. It is as true now and it was then. Those whom God has chosen have nothing to fear.

Enduringword.com, David Guzik: It was as if God said to His people, “Remember Me? The God of all power and glory? I’m that One. I am your God” . . .  be not dismayed, for I am your God.

Crosswalk.com, Anne Peterson, Contributing Writer: Matthew Henry's Commentary gives a wonderful, hope-filled explanation of Isaiah 41:10: “The scope of these verses is to silence the fears, and encourage the faith of the servants of God in their distresses. Perhaps it is intended, in the first place, for the support of God’s Israel, in captivity; but all that faithfully serve God through patience and comfort of this Scripture may have hope.”

Verse Two

“Through days of toil when heart does fail,

God will take care of you;

When dangers fierce your path assail,

God will take care of you.”

Psalm 91:3-4

“Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

Biblehub.com, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary: He that by faith chooses God for his protector shall find all in Him that he needs or can desire. And those who have found the comfort of making the Lord their refuge, cannot but desire that others may do so. The spiritual life is protected by Divine grace from the temptations of Satan, which are as the snares of the fowler, and from the contagion (communication of disease) of sin, which is a noisome pestilence. Great security is promised to believers in the midst of danger.

Verse Three

“All you may need He will provide,

God will take care of you;

Nothing you ask will be denied,

God will take care of you.”

Philippians 4:19

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”

Biblestudytools.com: God is rich not only in the perfections of His nature . . . and in the works of His hands, of creation and providence, the whole earth is full of His riches and according to these riches of His goodness He supplies the wants of all creatures living. He is also rich in grace and mercy, and it is according to the riches of His grace that He supplies the spiritual wants of His people. He does it like Himself, according to the riches He has; He gives all things richly to enjoy, plenteously and abundantly.

Dailyverse.knowing-Jesus.com: We rejoice in the abundant supply of our generous God who is overflowing with gracious-mercy and bubbling over with loving-kindness. He does not make any promises that will be broken, and the super-abundance of His generosity covers all things. It covers anything and everything that we need.

Verse Four

“No matter what may be the test,

God will take care of you;

Lean, weary one, upon His breast,

God will take care of you.”

1 Peter 5:7

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

Biblehub.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: The meaning is that we are to commit our whole cause to Him. If we suffer heavy trials; if we lose our friends, health, or property; if we have arduous and responsible duties to perform; if we feel that we have no strength, and are in danger of being crushed by what is laid upon us, we may go and cast all upon the Lord; that is, we may look to Him for grace and strength, and feel assured that He will enable us to sustain all that is laid upon us. The relief in the case will be as real, and as full of consolation, as if He took the burden and bore it Himself. He will enable us to bear with ease what we supposed we could never have done; and the burden which He lays upon us will be light.”

Refrain

“God will take care of you,

Through ev’ry day,

O’er all the way;

He will take care of you,

God will take care of you;”

Psalm 55:22

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

The lyrics of “God Will Take Care of You” are a testament to the faith and trust that we can have in God’s care and protection. It reminds us that no matter what challenges we may face, we can rely on God to see us through and provide for our needs . . . So, whenever you feel down or lost, just remember these simple yet powerful words: “Be not dismayed whatever betide, God will take care of you.”

 

I am indebted to the following resources:

UMCDiscipleship.org

Dianaleaghmatthews.com

Littlebirdieblessings.blogspot.com

Kenneth W. Osbeck, 101 More Hymn Stories

Robert J. Morgan, then Sings My Soul

By His Grace . . .

The Solid Rock

As Christians, we always hear about Christ being our solid Rock, our solid foundation. We first read this in Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus speaks of building your life on solid Rock.

"The Solid Rock" was written by Edward Mote, born into poverty in 1797. His parents, owners of a pub, wouldn’t allow a Bible in their house, but somehow Edward heard the gospel as a teenager and came to Christ. He said: "So ignorant was I that I did not know there was a God." At age 18 he heard God's Word, and it changed his heart - his life.

He eventually became a skilled carpenter and the owner of his own cabinet shop. He recalled, “One morning on my way to work, it came into my mind as I went to labor to write a hymn 'On the gracious experience of a Christian'. As I went up to Holborn, I had the chorus ‘On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.’ That day I had four verses complete. On the Sabbath following, I met brother King who informed me that his wife was very ill and asked me to call and see her. I had an early tea and called afterwards. He said that it was his usual custom to sing a hymn, read a portion and engage in prayer before he went to a meeting. He looked for his hymn book but could not find it. I said, 'I have some verses in my pocket. If you'd liked, we can sing them.' His wife enjoyed them so much that after the service he asked me to leave a copy of them for her.

"I went home and by the fireside composed the last two verses and took them to sister King, as these verses so met the dying woman's case. I had a thousand printed for distribution in 1852."

In 1852, Edward gave up his carpentry, at the age of 55, to pastor the Baptist church in Horsham Sussex, England, where he served for 21 years. Largely through his personal efforts, a building for a Baptist congregation was built in the village of Horsham, Sussex. The church members, out of gratitude to Mote, offered him the deed to the property. He refused their offer, saying: “I do not want the chapel; I only want the pulpit, and when I cease to preach Christ, then turn me out of that.”

Mote, who was in failing health, resigned in 1873, saying, "I think I am going to heaven, yes I am nearing port. The truths I have been preaching, I am now living upon and they'll do very well to die upon at the precious blood."

He left this world for his heavenly home at age 77, leaving his mark through songs inspired by the heart of God.

Verse One

”My hope is built on nothing less,

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”

Hebrews 10:19-22

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water."

Studylight.org; Barnes Notes on the Whole Bible: The “full assurance of faith” means unwavering confidence; a fullness of faith in God which leaves no room for doubt. Christians are permitted to come thus because God has revealed Himself through the Redeemer as in every way deserving their fullest confidence.

Studylight.org; Smith’s Bible Commentary: The clause "Let us draw near" generally refers to prayer or worship. In this context, it means "to draw near to God in order to receive His grace and favor." This drawing near is not a one-time action but is a continual action; thus, Paul’s message is let us keep approaching or let us keep drawing near to God. The overriding purpose of this epistle is to exhort Christians to remain close to God and to persevere in their faithfulness to Him.”

 

Verse Two

“When darkness veils His lovely face,

I rest on His unchanging grace;

In every high and stormy gale,

My anchor holds within the veil.”

Hebrews 6:19

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.”

Biblehub.com; Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: Hope accomplishes for the soul the same thing which an anchor does for a ship. It makes it fast and secure. An anchor preserves a ship when the waves beat and the wind blows, and as long as the anchor holds, so long the ship is safe, and the mariner apprehends no danger. So it is with the soul of the Christian. In the tempests and trials of life, his mind is calm as long as his hope of heaven is firm. Both sure and steadfast, firm and secure.

David Jeremiah said in his book, Hope, "An Anchor for Life": "The Bible says that the hope God gives us forms an anchor for the soul. The Bible is full of living hope from the loving God. His hope can anchor your life and become a lifeline to your world.”

Verse Three

“His oath, His covenant, His blood,

Support me in the whelming flood.

When all around my soul gives way,

He then is all my hope and stay”

Hebrews 6:18

“God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.”

Studylight.org, Clarke’s Commentary: The promise and oath of God: the promise pledged his faithfulness and justice; the oath, all the infinite perfections of his Godhead, for He sware by Himself.

Calvin’s Commentary on the Bible: The word of God, then, is a sure truth, and in itself authoritative. But when an oath is added it is an overplus added to a full measure. We have, then, this strong consolation, that God, who cannot deceive when He speaks, being not content with making a promise, has confirmed it by an oath. 

David Jeremiah said in his book, "Hope, An Anchor for Life": "Hope is a mental attitude. It’s not really an emotion or a matter of our feelings. It’s a mindset, and the writer of Hebrews tells us to be diligent to the very end in claiming and realizing our hope."

Verse Four

“When He shall come with trumpet sound,

Oh, may I then in Him be found.

Dressed in His righteousness alone,

Faultless to stand before the throne."

Hebrews 10:36

 “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.”

Bibleref.com: Christians ought to be extremely confident in our faith. This reason for confidence should give us encouragement and boldness, even in the face of persecution. At the same time, the profound assurance God offers us leaves no excuse when we choose to sin (Hebrews 10:26–29). In order to obtain all of the blessings God intends for us, spiritually, we need to be willing to do His will.

Preceptaustin.org, Butler: Waiting requires patience. This is a struggle for all saints, for after you have obeyed and done what God says to do, the results do not always come immediately. Patience will help you wait for the results. Patience involves remaining loyal to the Lord and being pure in conduct as well as not giving up on the promise.

 Refrain

“On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.”

The solid Rock of Jesus is resilient to any kind of storm in our lives. In His presence, we can be at peace. Whatever comes our way, we can always trust in the love, hope, and enduring Rock of Jesus.

  

I am indebted to the following resources:

Godtube.com

Zionlyrics.com

101 More Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck

Christianity.com, Contributing Writer

By His Grace . . .

All Hail the Power of Jesus Name

Edward Perronet was born in Sundridge, England in 1726, the grandson of a French immigrant. His father, Vincent, was a clergyman in the Church of England and a close friend and associate of John and Charles Wesley. Though Edward had planned to follow his father into the Anglican ministry, the influence of the Wesleys prevailed, and he became a traveling Methodist preacher.

Wesley personally led Perronet to faith in Christ. On Tuesday, October 7, 1746, Wesley prayed with Edward Perronet, just on the point of receiving faith. By Friday, Perronet was totally given to Christ. Wesley then set out for Newcastle with his young companion and friend, Perronet, whose heart the Lord hath given him.

Perronet was in many meetings with John Wesley and even though he was a great preacher in his own right, He would never preach in the presence of Wesley. “Wesley was not one to take no for an answer and one day in the middle of a meeting he simply announced to the large crowd that Brother Perronet will now speak. Thinking quickly, Perronet declared, ‘I will now deliver the greatest sermon ever  preached on earth.’ He then read the Sermon on the Mount and sat down. This was the kind of man Edward Perronet was, he preferred his brother before himself."

Edward was a capable preacher and sincere follower of Christ. For some reason, however, he developed a strong antagonism towards the Church of England and began to express it in his behavior and speech.

In John Wesley’s journal we find this entry: “Edward Perronet was thrown down and rolled in mud and mire. Stones were hurled and windows broken, but he abounded in valor. It was such formative experiences that later led Edward Perronet to write this immortal hymn."

Edward eventually left the Methodist movement over various Methodist policies and settled down with a dissenting congregation, which he pastored until his death in 1792.

In addition to preaching, Edward was also a skilled writer. In the latter years of his life, he published anonymously, in a series of small books, a number of hymns he had composed. One of these books, Occasional Verses, Moral and Sacred, contains as its third entry the hymn titled “On the Resurrection,” that is now known as “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.”

The popularity of this late 18th century hymn may be partially explained by the fact it is included in hymnals with as many as three different musical arrangements: Coronation, Diadem and Miles’ Lane. Each tune reflects a different cultural and denominational context in which this hymn is sung.

The hymn was originally sung to the tune “Miles Lane,” written by, William Shrubsole, who was a friend of Edward.

Just a few years after its release, Oliver Holden of Massachusetts composed an alternate tune for it. That tune “Coronation,” is the melody most familiar to us in North America. The tune “Diadem” is popular in Australia and was penned by James Ellor in 1838.

The hymn is often referred to as the “National Anthem of Christendom.”

One of the most dramatic instances of the hymn’s use was found in the experience of the Rev. E. P. Scott in India. He saw an unusual tribesman on the street, and he asked where the man came from. He was told that the man was from a mountain tribe and came only once a year to the major city to trade. Scott also discovered that the gospel had never been taken to that tribe.

After praying about it, he packed up his bags and violin and started in the direction of the mountain village. He traveled for two days and finally found himself in the mountains.

Before he reached their tribe he was accosted and surrounded by them. He had no weapon with him. He had only his violin. He closed his eyes and began to play and sing "All Hail the Power of Jesus Name” fully anticipating that he would open his eyes in Heaven. After a few minutes he opened his eyes to steal a look and much to his surprise they had dropped their spears and were looking at him in awe and curiosity. Later, after welcoming him in, he shared with them the glorious story of the Gospel and led many of them to the Lord.

He spent the next two and a half years telling them about Jesus and his love. When Scott had to leave because of his health, the tribespeople escorted him forty miles to where he could get other transportation.

Verse One

“All hail the power of Jesus' name! Let angels prostrate fall.

Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of all.

Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of all!”

Acts 4:12

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Churchpowermusic.com: Power! There is power in the name of Jesus to save. This is in fact the only way to be saved; to call upon the name of the Lord . . . The name of Jesus also has power to Secure. The Bible says in 1Timothy 2:5 that Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man . . . There is power in the name of Jesus to help us. It is comforting to know that Jesus is standing ready to run to our aid when we call for him.

Verse Two

“O seed of Israel’s chosen race now ransomed from the fall,

Hail him who saves you by His grace, and crown Him Lord of all.

Hail him who saves you by His grace, and crown Him Lord of all.”

Isaiah 28:5

“In that day the Lord Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of His people.”

Biblehub.com, Geneva Study Bible: This signifies that the faithful, who do not put their trust in any worldly prosperity but made God their glory, will be preserved.”

Verse Three

“Let every tongue and every tribe responsive to His call,

To Him all majesty ascribe, and crown Him Lord of all,

To Him all majesty ascribe, and crown Him Lord of all!”

Revelation 7:9

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”

Studylight.org; Smith’s Bible Commentary: So here is a crowd now in heaven, a great number of them; however, these are from all over the world, from all of the various races, ethnic groups. Their cry is the same, salvation to our God, who sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

 Verse Four

“Oh, that with all the sacred throng we at His feet may fall!

We’ll join the everlasting song, and crown Him Lord of all.

We’ll join the everlasting song, and crown Him Lord of all.”

Revelation 4:10

“The twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: ‘You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.’”

Biblehub.com; Geneva Study Bible: Three signs of divine honor given to God, prostration or falling down, adoration and casting their crowns before God: in which the godly, though made kings by Christ, willingly empty themselves of all glory, moved with a religious respect for the majesty of God.

Thank God there will come a day when “every tribe and every tongue” will fall prostrate before Him. Albert Barnes said: “To bow the knee” is an act expressing homage, submission, or adoration. It means that every person shall acknowledge Him as God and admit His right to universal dominion. God is all powerful, He is all knowing, and He is all present, this is the omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence of God. He is the creator of the universe and everything in the universe. As such, He deserves all glory and honor. This world at this time does not recognize God as the only God, but there will come a day when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess.

 

I am indebted to the following resources:

Godtube.com

History.com

Believersportal.com

Louis Benson records in his Studies of Familiar Hymns

Churchchoirmusic.com

Dianaleighmatthews.com

A Song in my Heart by Robert J. Morgan

The Complete Book of Hymns by William J Petersen and Ardythe Petersen

By His Grace . . .