I Love You, Lord

“A remote mobile home gleams faintly in the crisp Autumn sunrise. Within that metal refuge in the high deserts of central Oregon, a young mother is having a quiet time with the Lord. Her toddler is still asleep. Her husband is a full-time college student, and the couple is surviving on $400 per month. They have no home church, no friends nearby, and she does not drive.” Stacie Marshall

"’It was a very hopeless time, a very depressed time,’ Laurie Klein said. ‘I felt the poverty of my own life keenly at that point, both emotionally and physically.’

"That morning I was so empty, I knew I didn't have anything to offer Him. I asked if He would like to hear me sing .  .. if He would just give me something He would be in the mood to hear.’"

Such is the backdrop of Laurie Klein's classic praise song, "I Love You, Lord," written in 1974.

Laurie Klein, a native of Wisconsin, displayed musical talent and interest at a young age. Encouraged by her mother, she learned to play piano, autoharp, and guitar. She started writing songs at age 16, the first one titled “Loving Unconditionally.” At age 24, she met and married Bill Klein while at Central Oregon Community College. Their life was simple and difficult, as they started a family with no money to spare.

Isolated in the Oregon wilderness, Klein had no community, no nearby friends, and no local church body to call home. Making things worse, she did not drive, so she could not go visit friends or family who lived farther away than walking distance. Her loneliness drove her to invest more fully in her daily time of devotion to God. The song rose out of her daily quiet time in the morning before her toddler woke up.

Recognizing that the words had some merit, Klein quickly wrote them down. Later, she sang the song for her husband, who suggested she play it for a local pastor and some musicians

The song found its way to Jack Hayford’s Church on the Way in Van Nuys, California, and was recorded by several musicians of the budding Christian music scene, including Buck and Annie Herring (2nd Chapter of Acts). But its greatest exposure was on Maranatha! Music's Praise 4 in 1980. Since then, the song has “quietly made its way around the world.”

Klein describes herself as a “lifelong creative with a growing contemplative streak,” and notes that she has “switched hats more often than hobos in a vaudeville skit.” Currently, she “scribes” on her blog, lauriekleinscribe.com, which includes reflections on nature, beauty, and human experiences—all through the lens of an ongoing relationship with God.

The Kleins, now parents of two grown daughters, live in Dearpark, Washington. Both have served on staff at various churches over the years, but their focus these days is House of Mercy, through which Bill acts as consultant to worship leaders of various denominations. A sampling of their song writing, including a stunning version of "I Love You, Lord", is available on a 1996 independent recording called “All My Days.”

Now, Klein is more driven by a thirst for intimacy with God than ever. God has placed the phrase, "prepare Me a place" on her heart as a personal theme.

"We're called to prepare room for Him," Laurie explains. The heart of a worshiper becomes evident as she speaks. "We must be prepared to meet Him no matter who we're talking to or what we're doing, whether we're worshiping in church or worshiping with all the tasks that make up our day."

Klein said: "The most meaningful time that I ever heard anyone sing my song was in the fall of 2000 while my husband and I were in a Discipleship Training School. Late one night, in the dormitory, I heard a baby crying. I slipped down the hall to the outside of the door just to pray for the baby, that it would be able to sleep. As I was praying outside the door, I heard the mother singing a song, but the little one kept crying. She then began to sing 'I Love You, Lord,' and while she was singing, the baby fell asleep. The mother had no idea that the one who wrote the song was just outside the door."

Find a desert. Although Klein may not have many pleasant memories of central Oregon and 1974, what washed over this forlorn young woman should make any serious believer and music-lover wonder if he shouldn’t be hunting the desert more intentionally. What was it God said about ‘poor in spirit’ (Matthew 5:3), or about the desert (again, see Hosea 2:14). People see him there (Exodus 16:10), it’s where David sought Him (Psalm 63:1), it’s where he can transform the barren into the fertile (Isaiah 51:3), where He will make the desolate and sad joyful again (Jeremiah 33:9-11). From Moses (Ex. 7:30) to Jesus (Matthew 4), the barren place is an awaiting encounter with Him and a place where He can be present to chase away evil, despite what the surroundings look like. Spend some time in a desert, at least once.    

"Though it is a very simple song, it changed everything for me, and it still is changing life for me. When you are in a dark valley and the Lord gives you light, it makes all the difference, and you keep growing,” Klein said.

The words are worshipful and sweet. The melody is joyous and draws you into God’s presence. Together they make you feel in tune with God and enjoying praising Him in such a tender and special way.

Verse

“I love You, Lord, and I lift my voice,

To worship You, O my soul rejoice.

Take joy, my King, in what You hear,

May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear.”

“I love You, Lord, and I lift my voice”

 Psalm 18:1

 “I love you, Lord, my strength.”

Explainingthebible.com: Psalm 18:1 is a beautiful declaration of one’s love and devotion to God. The psalmist is expressing not just an emotional connection, but a profound recognition of who God is in his life . . . By declaring his love for God, the psalmist invites us to consider our own love for God. Love for God manifests in several ways, including worship, obedience, prayer, and service to others. It calls for an authenticity that comes from recognizing God’s involvement in our lives, which develops a deeper appreciation and affection for Him . . . Love isn’t just a fleeting emotion; it’s about consistency, faithfulness, and dedication to God. This commitment sets the stage for a relationship that’s built on trust and surrender.

Psalm 5:3

“In the morning, Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly.”

Godsbless.ing: David initiates his prayer by asking God to attentively listen to his words, highlighting the significance of verbalizing our prayers. This phrase underscores the intimate relationship between David and God, demonstrating that God is attentive to our spoken petitions . . . David implores God to ponder his innermost thoughts and reflections, emphasizing that prayer encompasses not only spoken words but also the meditations of the heart.

Psalm 119:149

“Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, Lord, according to your laws.”

Explainingthebible.com: “Hear my voice,” represents a personal channel of communication. It’s a reminder of how we must actively pursue a relationship with God. We can come to Him with our deepest feelings, thoughts, and concerns. It’s about being brave enough to open our hearts and speak out. The acknowledgement of our vulnerability creates a space for comfort and connection.

“To worship You, O my soul rejoice”

Psalm 100:2

“Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.”

Biblehub.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: In your worship, and in all your acts of obedience. Let there be joy in this service . . . Let it be a cheerful, happy service; let it be freely rendered, let it be an occasion of joy to the soul. The service of God is a source of the highest joy that man knows . . . Come before His presence with singing - As expressive of joy. So the birds sing; so nature rejoices; so should man - intelligent, redeemed, immortal man, be joyful.

Godsbless.ing: Is a verse that calls for joyful worship and service to the Lord, emphasizing the attitude and spirit with which we should approach our relationship with God. Psalm 100 is a psalm of thanksgiving, calling all the earth to worship the Lord with gladness. It sets the tone for a joyous and grateful approach to God, highlighting the importance of expressing our worship with a spirit of joy.

 Acts 2:26

“Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope.”

Explainingthebible: This verse brings forth a profound truth about the joy and security that comes from trusting in God. When we reflect on this passage, we understand that having a relationship with God fills our hearts with gladness. It’s a reminder that our souls can find peace when we rely on Him. The use of the word “heart” hints at an inner feeling, suggesting that true joy originates from deep within us, resonating through our emotions . . . the phrase “my tongue rejoices” indicates that our expressions should reflect the joy we feel inside. When our hearts are filled with happiness, it naturally overflows into our words and actions. Our celebration of God’s goodness can inspire others to seek Him as well.

"Take joy, my King, in what You hear,"

John 9:31

"We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does His will."

Godsbless.ing: This verse serves as a reassuring and motivating reminder to believers about the power of prayer when it is accompanied by genuine worship and obedience to God's will. It highlights the reciprocal relationship between humans and the divine, emphasizing that God truly listens to the prayers of those who actively engage in worship and strive to align their actions with His teachers.

Psalm 90:14

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”

Explainingthebible.com: By looking for God’s love in the morning, we cultivate an attitude of thankfulness. It encourages us to start our day not with complaints or negativity but with a heart full of gratitude for what God has done for us. Gratitude opens our eyes to see the countless blessings that God pours into our lives. This mindset of appreciation creates a ripple effect, affecting our interactions with others and how we approach our day-to-day responsibilities.

“May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear.”

Psalm 55:19

“God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change— He will hear them and humble them, because they have no fear of God.”

Explainingthebible: The phrase “He will hear them” is a promise that God listens to us. Not only does He hear our words, but He also understands our hearts. This assurance that God is attentive can empower us to be more open and vulnerable with God in our prayers . . .  It is a statement of assurance about God’s willingness to listen. As humans, we may feel unheard or invisible at times, but this verse illuminates the fact that God is always attentive. This invites us to approach Him with confidence during our prayers, knowing that our voices carry weight before Him. Our cries for justice, help, or healing resonate in His heart.

God still uses people in our generation to write words that celebrate Him. Laurie Klein is one of those.

I am indebted to the following resources:

Umcdiscipleship.org

Godtube.com, Stacie Marshall

Staugustine.com, Lindsay Terry

Songscoops.blogspot.com

Thehlukejourney.wordpress.com

By His Grace . . . 

When the Roll is Called Up Yonder

James M. Black was the Youth Pastor at a church in Williamsport, PA, in 1893. One day he was on his way to the post office and thought he would take a shortcut through an alley which he had never used before. James did not know of the poverty and misery that alley contained.

As he made his way through the alley, he noticed a ragged young girl, daughter of an alcoholic, sweeping a rear porch on her apartment. “Do you go to church?”  he asked.  “No sir, I have nothing proper to wear,” was her response.

“What is your name?” he asked.  “Bessie,” she replied. “Bessie, I will have my wife and another lady visit you soon!” he said as he quickly continued his way to the post office. James’ wife and another lady from the church visited Bessie and took her some dresses. Bessie started attending the services both Sunday morning and Sunday evening.

One Sunday in 1893 Bessie failed to answer the roll call.  Black made a comment to the effect, “Well, I trust when the roll is called up yonder, she’ll be there,” telling the students what a sad thing it would be if, when their names are called from the Lamb’s Book of Life in judgment, one of them would be absent.  Then he said in his prayer, “O God, when my own name is called up yonder, may I be there to respond!” 

It turned out the girl was deathly ill with pneumonia. Though Black called upon the doctor to attend to her, she died some days later.

Grief stricken, Black searched the hymnal but didn’t find a song on this subject. Never having written a hymn before, an inner voice seemed to say, "Why don't you write one." And that is what he did. Black penned the words to the song “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” in just 15 minutes, all three stanzas.

After completing the lyrics, he sat at the piano and composed the tune, which is the same tune in the hymn book today. He spoke those words at the girl’s funeral. Her very life, absence from class, and her death inspiring the words that Black now sang over her grave.

James Milton Black was born on August 19, 1856, in South Hill, New York. He acquired an early musical education in singing and organ playing and knew such famous songsters of his day as Daniel Towner and John Howard. Around 1881, he moved to Williamsport, Pennsylvania where he carried on Christian work through the Methodist Episcopal church. Teaching music during the week, he was a song leader, Sunday school teacher and youth leader in his spare hours. He loved young people and tried to win them for Christ. In addition to all this work, he edited hymnals.

The song was first published in the 1894 Songs of the Soul which he edited with Joseph F. Berry.  In its first two years, the book sold more than 400,000 copies.  Also in 1894, Henry Date was publishing a new song book, Pentecostal Hymns, for the Hope Publishing Company of Chicago, IL, with the help of gospel song writer Charles Hutchinson Gabriel.

Date was looking at some hand-copied song manuscripts that had been submitted.  An assistant started to discard them when Gabriel asked to see if there was anything useful in them.  After receiving them, he also was about to lay them aside when one caught his attention because it was written in green ink.  The name of James M. Black was not familiar to the famous composer, but Gabriel decided that “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder” had merit and decided to include it, thus securing its popularity. 

Verse One

“When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more,

And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair;

When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore,

And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.”

Matthew 24:31

“And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.”

Explainingthebible.com, Jamie Wilson: This powerful verse from Matthew 24:31 provides a profound insight into God’s plan for His people. Jesus speaks directly about the time when God will send His angels to gather His elect, the chosen ones, from all corners of the earth. The imagery of a loud trumpet call is captivating, as it signifies not just an announcement but a moment of urgency and significance. We can picture the scene: the sound carrying across the skies, and the angels at work, collecting those who belong to God. This verse reminds us of the finality of this gathering and how crucial it is to be prepared. It is not just a casual gathering but one that signifies the culmination of God’s redemptive work in the world . . . Moreover, the “four winds” mentioned in this verse reflect the global scope of this gathering. It shows us that God’s reach extends beyond borders, cultures, and nations. Every believer, regardless of where they live, will be included in this grand assembly. The term “elect” emphasizes that God has chosen these individuals for His own purposes, showing that our relationship with Him is a special and intentional one. This verse speaks to our hope as believers. In a world filled with uncertainty and chaos, we have the assurance that God will come back for His people. We can hold onto this promise, encouraging one another as we await His return.

Verse Two

“On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise,

And the glory of His resurrection share;

When His chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies,

And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.”

2 Peter 1:19

“We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”

Godsbless.ing: This verse underscores the reliability of prophecy, the illuminating guidance of Scripture, the anticipation of Christ’s return, and the divine inspiration of the Bible . . . “Until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,” symbolizing Christ’s return and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Revelation 22:16 identifies Jesus as the “bright Morning Star,” emphasizing the hope and transformation His return brings to believers.

Mark 13:27

“And He will send His angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.”

Explainingthebible.com: One of the stunning aspects of this passage is the use of angels in gathering the elect. Throughout the biblical text, angels often serve as messengers or agents of God’s will. Their role signifies that this gathering is a heavenly and divine act, drawing on both the physical and spiritual realms. It represents God’s steadfast love for His people, allowing us to picture a future where we are united with Him in glory.

Verse Three

“Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun,

Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care;

Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done,

And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.”

1 Corinthians 15:58

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Biblehub.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: Always abounding in the work of the Lord - Always engaged in doing the will of God; in promoting His glory and advancing His kingdom. The phrase means not only to be engaged in this, but to be engaged diligently, laboriously, excelling in this. The "work of the Lord" here means that which the Lord requires; all the appropriate duties of Christians. Paul exhorts them to practice every Christian virtue, and to do all that they could do to further the gospel among people.

Revelation 14:13

“Then I heard a voice from heaven say, 'Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' 'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.'”

Biblestudytools.com: Both of body and soul; from all toil of body, and laborious work, from all diseases and distempers of body, and all outward sorrows and calamities men labor under, and are fatigued with in this life; and from all inward troubles, from a body of sin, from the temptations of Satan, and from all doubts and fears, from their present warfare state, and all conflicts with their spiritual enemies: and their works do follow them; they do not go before them, to prepare heaven and happiness for them; nor do they take them along with them, and use them as pleas for their admission into the heavenly glory; but they will follow them, and will be found to praise, and honor, and glory, and will be taken notice of by Christ, and graciously rewarded by Him, at His appearing and kingdom. 

Godsbless:ing: It reminds us of the eternal reward that awaits those who have lived a life guided by the principles of love, compassion, and faith. We are encouraged to strive towards a life that is pleasing to the Lord as we navigate our own journey on this earth, so that we too may find peace and blessing in our final moments . . . So, as you ponder these words, take comfort in the promise of blessings for those who have passed away in faith. Let it serve as a reminder to live a life that is centered on God, so that when our time comes, we can do so in the knowledge that we are entering into a state of eternal peace and joy with the Lord.

Refrain

“When the roll, is called up yonder,

When the roll, is called up yonder,

When the roll, is called up yonder,

When the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there.”

Revelation 3:5

“The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.”

Bibleref.com: In this verse Jesus extends three promises to every faithful believer at Sardis. First, He will grant Him white garments . . . White clothing that is given to the faithful represents not only honor but also purity and righteousness . . . Second, Jesus promises that He will not blot the faithful believer's name out of the Book of Life. While some individuals think this statement implies that a believer may lose His salvation, it simply means the conqueror—the "overcomer"—can be secure knowing their name will never be erased. Every born-again person has eternal life that will be his divinely given possession forever . . . Third, Jesus assures the faithful believer that He will confess His name before His Father and the angels. In a public ceremony in heaven, Jesus will acknowledge that these overcoming, enduring, faithful "conquerors" belong to Him.

“The calm assurance of a future heavenly home is one of the greatest blessings for every Christian. It has been said that only those with an absolute confidence in their hereafter truly know to live victoriously in this life. Having a personal relationship with Christ means that we need have no fear that we will not hear 'the trumpet call of God,’ whether we are still alive or asleep in Jesus.” Amazing Grace, Kenneth W. Osbeck

Give God praise for the certainty about your eternal destiny that you, as a child of God, enjoy. Live this day in that confidence.

               

I am indebted to the following resources:

Enjoyingthejourney.com

Dianaleaghmatthews.com

The-end-time.org

Christianity.com

Staugustine.com, Lindsay Terry

Hymnstudiesblog.wordpress.com

Plymouthbrethren.org

By His Grace . . . 

Crown Him With Many Crowns

“Crowns are more than decorative headwear reserved for royalty. They signify honor, power, and dominion. For the King of Kings, a single crown could never suffice to represent His infinite glory and authority. And so we 'Crown Him with Many Crowns' as we lift our voices to praise the One exalted high above all others. This beloved hymn magnifies Jesus, the Lord over all creation deserving of every crown. The lyricists beautifully capture just some of the many facets of our Savior’s majesty that demand our worship. As we sing, we join the eternal chorus around God’s throne, proclaiming the wonder of who Christ is and what He has done. The rich imagery stirs our hearts to offer Him every crown, for no earthly treasure compares to the treasure we have in our Risen, Glorified Lord.”  Hymncharts.com

The hymn “Crown Him with Many Crowns” was written in 1851 by Matthew Bridges, an Anglican minister who later converted to the Roman Catholic Church. Bridges was born in Essex, England in 1800 and pursued literary interests in history and poetry. He was influenced by John Henry Newman and the Oxford Movement, which aimed to reconnect the Anglican tradition with ancient Christian history and liturgy. This led Bridges to convert to Catholicism in 1848.

In 1868, Anglican priest Godfrey Thring wrote additional verses while serving at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. Born in 1823, Thring spent his life in dedication to the Church of England. As a Protestant minister, he brought a different theological perspective than Bridges’ Catholic lyrics. Thring’s new stanzas broadened the hymn’s vision by focusing on Jesus as the “Lord of life,” “Lord of love,” and “Lord of years” – bringing out more perspectives on Christ’s eternal nature and lordship.

As an Anglo-Catholic, Bridges was influenced by medieval church history and liturgy, inspiring his use of Greek and Latin hymnody. Thring served at Windsor’s St. George Chapel, immersing him in British royal heritage and shaping the kingly metaphors in his lyrics.

Though the two men never met and came from differing backgrounds, the joining of their lyrics after their deaths allowed Christians from many denominations to find common ground in this rich, popular hymn praising Christ the King with lyrics reflecting on the many crowns and diadems of Jesus. The song appears in the hymnals of Baptist, Methodist, Anglican, and Catholic traditions.

The first six stanzas were written by Bridges. The second six stanzas were written by Thring.

The tune DIADEMATA was composed in 1874 by Sir George Job Elvey, a prominent English organist who served the royal family at Chapel Royal. His tune perfectly captures the celebratory, march-like spirit of the lyrics.

Music scholar J.R. Watson described DIADEMATA as a “magnificent setting for the text, march-like and joyful without ever becoming mechanical or strident.” Elvey’s contribution of the memorable tune helped cement the hymn’s lasting prominence.

Despite their theological differences, the joint work of Bridges, Thring, and Elvey produced a rich hymn of praise that has inspired Christians across denominations for over 150 years.

“Crown Him with Many Crowns” stands as a masterpiece that beautifully encapsulates the majesty and glory of Jesus Christ.

From theprofoundbrunette.com: “What a beautiful magnification of the sovereignty of our Lord! This declaration of Christ’s supreme authority resonates deeply and affirms His unmatched greatness . . . ‘Ineffably sublime’ conveys that Jesus’ nature and attributes are beyond human comprehension. The qualities of Christ leave us in awe – the grandeur of His majesty is the focus of our worship. And worship of Him is never ending . . . In closing, each stanza of this hymn beautiful weaves scripture into its verses, inviting us to worship Jesus Christ as the Lamb, the Conqueror of Death, the Lord of Peace, the Lord of Love, and the Eternal Creator of All Things. As we sing these words, we celebrate these Biblical truths and also deepen our understanding of the profound impact of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.”

Verse One

“Crown Him with many crowns, the Lamb upon His throne.

Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own.

Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee,

And hail Him as thy matchless King through all eternity.”

Acts 7:49

“Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me, says the Lord, or what is the place of My rest?”

Biblehub.com, Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible: There is the seat of the divine Majesty; there His glory is most conspicuous; there He keeps His court, that is His palace; and there are His attendants, the angels; and from thence are the administrations of His regal power and government, over the whole world.

Godsbless.ing:  This highlights that God’s presence transcends any earthly building, urging us to understand His omnipresence beyond the limitations of man-made constructs. Furthermore, Stephen proclaims, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool,” illustrating God’s sovereignty and majesty over all creation. This imagery underscores the vastness of God’s power and presence, reminding us of His dominion over the entire universe.

Revelation 7:17

“For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Godsbless.ing: To stand before God’s throne symbolizes acceptance, honor, and the ultimate act of worship . . . Let us find hope and assurance in the promises of standing before God’s throne, being sheltered in His presence, and finding ultimate satisfaction in Jesus, the Good Shepherd. May we cling to the comfort and healing offered by God, knowing that He will wipe away every tear from our eyes . . . Let us embrace these promises with faith and gratitude, finding strength in the eternal hope they provide.

Verse Two

“Crown Him the Lord of life, who triumphed o'er the grave,

And rose victorious in the strife for those He came to save;

His glories now we sing who died and rose on high,

Who died eternal life to bring, and lives that death may die.”

2 Corinthians 13:4

“For He was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but in dealing with you we will live with Him by the power of God.”

ExplainingtheBible.com: This signifies not only resurrection but also an ongoing relationship with God. Believers are encouraged to recognize that they live not by their own merit but through the grace of God. This part of the verse reminds us that our own lives can echo this principle. In moments of despair—which may make us feel powerless—our reliance on God’s strength allows us to endure and overcome challenges.

Studylight.org: There is a living Redeemer in heaven; a Redeemer who is able to exert all the power which He ever exerted when on earth; a Redeemer, therefore, who is able to save the soul; to raise the dead; to punish all his foes.

Studylight.org, Gill’s Exposition of the Whole Bible: He was raised from the dead by a divine power; by His own power as God, as well as by His Father's, and so was declared to be the Son of God with power; and He lives at the right hand of God as man and Mediator, vested with all power in heaven and in earth.

Verse Three

“Crown Him the Lord of love; behold His hands and side,

Rich wounds, yet visible above, in beauty glorified;

No angels in the sky can fully bear that sight,

But downward bends their burning eye at mysteries so bright.”

Ephesians 5:32

“This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.”

ExplainingtheBible.com: Paul introduces a profound mystery that highlights the deep connection between Christ and the Church. As believers, we often look for ways to understand our faith and our relationship with Jesus. This connection is essential to understanding why the church exists and why our lives are transformed through Christ. Throughout the New Testament, this mystery is woven through the teachings of Jesus, where He often spoke of the Kingdom of God as a relationship rather than a mere set of rules.

Studylight.org, Dr Constable’s Expository Notes: The mystery in view is the truth previously hidden but now brought to light. The relationship that exists between a husband and his wife is the same as the one that exists between Christ and His church. The church has as close a tie to Christ spiritually as a wife has to her husband spiritually. One of the purposes of marriage is to model Jesus Christ’s relationship with the church. He leads, loves, and serves the church. The church reverently submits and is subject to Him.

Verse Four

“Crown Him the Lord of years, the Potentate of time,

Creator of the rolling spheres, ineffably sublime.

All hail, Redeemer, hail! for Thou hast died for me;

Thy praise shall never, never fail throughout eternity.”

Psalm 90:4

“For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.”

Biblehib.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: For a thousand years in thy sight - Hebrew, "In thy eyes;" that is, It so appears to thee - or, a thousand years so seem to thee, however long they may appear to man. The utmost length to which the life of man has reached - in the case of Methuselah - was nearly a thousand years Genesis 5:27; and the idea here is, that the longest human life, even if it should be lengthened out to a thousand years, would be in the sight of God, or in comparison with his years, but as a single day.

ExplainingtheBible.com: In this verse, we see the vastness of God’s perspective on time. When the psalmist reflects on how a thousand years are like a mere day to God, it offers us a moment to contemplate our human experience against the eternal backdrop of God’s existence and authority. Time is a concept that often weighs heavily on us; we feel the pressure of deadlines, the worry of our own lifespans, and the urgency of our prayers. Seeing God as outside of time — as someone for whom a millennium might pass as if it were simply a moment — serves to remind us of His omnipotence. In this way, we can find encouragement in our daily lives, knowing that we serve a God who is not rushed, one who exists within the framework of all time . . . When considering “a thousand years,” we ponder our life span, which seems long to us. Yet, when viewed from God’s perspective, our lives are just brief moments in the continuum of time. This announcement of time creates a sense of humility and reverence for the Divine.

  

I am indebted to the following resources:

Hymncharts.com

Umcdiscipleship.org

Invertedchristian.com, Dr. Roger D Duke

By His Grace . . .