The Nourishing Power of Hymns

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Short Summary
The discourse emphasizes the spiritual and emotional power of hymns in worship, highlighting their biblical origins and the importance of singing with understanding and heartfelt praise. It discusses six specific hymns, each illustrating themes such as Jesus’ love, healing, hope, trust, divine support, and the promise of eternal life, encouraging believers to internalize these messages and lean on God’s strength throughout life’s challenges. Ultimately, it underscores music as a meaningful medium to connect with God’s love, provide comfort, and inspire faith.

Long Summary
Detailed Summary: The Nourishing Power of Hymns

Introduction to Hymns and Music in Worship
– The speaker shares a personal fondness for hymns, especially enjoying Carrie Underwood’s “Savior Sunday” on SiriusXM, which dedicates the day to hymns, opening with “Jesus Loves Me.”
– Hymns serve as a powerful medium to praise God, supported by Psalm 68:4: *“Sing unto God, sing praises to his name…”*
– The role of singing in worship is likened to universal human behaviors such as singing in the shower or in cars, illustrating music’s natural and uplifting effect.
– The scientific effects of music on the brain and ears are briefly mentioned, emphasizing music’s positive influence.

Historical and Biblical Foundations of Music
– Reference to Jabal and Jubal in Genesis 4 as the first musicians, showing music’s early place in human culture.
– Exodus 15 records Moses and the Israelites singing a hymn of praise after crossing the Red Sea, highlighting praise as a response to God’s deliverance.
– Apostle Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 14:15 emphasizes singing “with the spirit and also with the understanding,” stressing meaningful worship rather than empty or unintelligible singing.

Personal Background and Music’s Role
– The speaker recounts personal history with music, including family influences and early performances, underscoring music’s formative and spiritual role.

Six Hymns Explored
1. “Jesus Loves Me”
– Originated by Anna Warner, included in a novel about a sick boy comforted by a Sunday school teacher.
– Reflects Jesus’ love for children and the necessity of childlike faith (*Mark 10:13-16*).
– John 15:9 is cited: *“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love.”*
– Emphasizes training children in godly principles and the spiritual strength derived from early instruction.

– Singing example:
*“Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so…”*

2. “There Is a Balm in Gilead”
– An anonymous African American spiritual inspired by Jeremiah’s lament (Jeremiah 8:21-22), symbolizing hope and healing.
– Jeremiah laments Israel’s spiritual sickness and longs for healing balm, a metaphor for Jesus’ healing power.
– The balm represents Jesus’ ransom sacrifice that offers healing and hope for all.
– The historical context of Gilead as a source of medicinal balm and its spiritual symbolism is explained.

– Singing example:
*“There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole…”*

3. “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less” (The Solid Rock)
– Written by Edward Mote, who was once ignorant of God but was converted and published a hymn book.
– Based on 1 John 1:5-9, contrasting God’s light with darkness (sin), emphasizing the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood.
– The hymn stresses reliance not on personal merit but on Jesus’ righteousness and unchanging grace.

– Singing example:
*“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness…”*

4. “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”
– A gospel hymn by Elisha Hoffman, inspired by the loss of two friends’ wives.
– Centers on God’s protective and delivering power, using imagery from Deuteronomy 33:26 portraying God as a celestial warrior.
– Encourages believers to find peace and fearlessness by leaning on God’s everlasting arms.

– Lyrics highlighted (not sung):
*“Leaning on the everlasting arms, what a fellowship, what a joy divine…”*

5. “’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus”
– Written by Louisa Stead after a personal tragedy where her husband died rescuing a drowning boy.
– Reflects the sweetness and peace found in trusting Jesus and resting in His promises.
– John 14:1-3 is cited, emphasizing Jesus’ promise of preparing a place for believers in the Father’s house.

– Singing example:
*“’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His word…”*

6. “I Won’t Have to Cross Jordan Alone”
– A spiritual hymn published in 1934, recorded notably by Johnny Cash.
– Based on Deuteronomy 31:1-8, where Moses tells Israel that God and Joshua will lead them across the Jordan River.
– Symbolizes death and transition to the heavenly kingdom; believers will not cross alone because Christ accompanies them.
– Colossians 1:24-27 is referenced, highlighting the mystery of “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
– Emphasizes humility (1 Peter 5:6) as essential for spiritual transformation and readiness to enter God’s kingdom.

– Lyrics highlighted:
*“I won’t have to cross Jordan alone; Christ the Savior will care for His own…”*

Themes and Lessons
– Hymns nourish faith by embedding biblical truths and encouraging heartfelt worship.
– Music connects believers emotionally and intellectually to God’s promises and character.
– Hymns often arise from personal or communal struggles and express hope, trust, love, and reliance on God.
– Worship through singing should be done with understanding to be spiritually fruitful.
– The journey of faith involves trials, but God’s presence and promises provide comfort and strength.
– The ultimate hope is in resurrection and eternal life, symbolized by crossing the Jordan into God’s kingdom.

Encouragement
– Believers are encouraged to let the words and melodies of hymns deepen their love for Jesus and understanding of God’s plan.
– The speaker hopes listeners will experience the spiritual nourishment and encouragement that hymns provide.
– Final exhortation: continue faithfully on the Christian journey, assured that Christ accompanies believers into eternal life.

—

Selected Bible Verses Mentioned:

– Psalm 68:4 — *“Sing unto God, sing praises to his name…”*
– Genesis 4 — Jabal and Jubal, first musicians.
– Exodus 15:1 — Song of Moses after Red Sea crossing.
– 1 Corinthians 14:15 — *“I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also; I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.”*
– Mark 10:13-16 — Jesus welcoming children.
– John 15:9 — *“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love.”*
– Jeremiah 8:21-22 — Lament about the balm in Gilead.
– 1 John 1:5-9 — God is light, cleansing from sin.
– Deuteronomy 33:26 — God as a deliverer and protector.
– John 14:1-3 — Jesus preparing a place for believers.
– Deuteronomy 31:1-8 — God and Joshua leading Israel across Jordan.
– Colossians 1:24-27 — *“Christ in you, the hope of glory.”*
– 1 Peter 5:6 — *“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God…”*

—

This discourse highlights hymns as a vital, nourishing medium for worship and spiritual growth, deeply rooted in Scripture and life experience, encouraging believers to praise God with understanding and heartfelt trust.

Transcript

The nourishing power of hymns.

I like to listen to hymns, and I’m sure you do, too. But I especially like on Sunday mornings, before we go to meeting at the list of SiriusXM, there’s a station called Carrie’s Country. It’s Carrie Underwood. Some of you know Carrie Underwood. She’s also an artist who’s a Christian, and she was, of course, American Idol.

But she Every Sunday is called Savior Sunday, and that whole day is devoted to nothing but hymns, and they open that every Sunday with the hymn that I’m going to use as part of this, which is Jesus Loves Me. It’s a beautiful Anna harmonica. Brother Harry asked me if I brought my harmonica play.

I said no, but we’ll have some audience participation on this. Anyways, this Psalm 68:4 tells us that we’re supposed to sing to God. We’re supposed to sing praises. I remember Sister Rebecca Gray always pictured those singers in Ezekiel’s temple and said, we are those singers that we will praise God and sing to him. Why?

Because of who he is. His name is the Lord, or Jehovah, as we have here exalt before him, and that’s the theme of this particular one. How many of you. Well, maybe I shouldn’t ask it this way.

How many of you took a shower this morning? But how many of you, at least take a shower occasionally? Well, music is a powerful medium. Is there anybody that takes a shower that has never sung in the shower? I don’t care who you are, but that’s something that people love to do.

Doesn’t matter about the voice, and in the car, you go by a car, you see people swaying and singing. I love the advertisements that they have, Billy Joel’s Song for Piano man or Sweet Caroline, and the people singing, those are powerful ones, and even, yes, occasionally we have young kids that love to sing into the microphone.

It is something that is a medium that moves us, and there’s a scientific purpose behind it. I’m not going to go through all this, but you can find this, the effect that music has on our brain and how it changes us, and I was pointed. I don’t have the ears here, but it’s pointed out to me. Even within our ears, there’s services.

So we know that this is an effect that moves us in a positive way, and that’s why there’s so much different kinds of music. Of course, we cherish hymns and praises to God. I don’t know if you remember Brother Wally Elias. Some of you may remember. He was a dear brother In Jackson, when I was there, Edgar Buckley, you may remember, as his brother in law and Brother Wally came in out of the Baptist church, and he said one of the hardest things for him when he became a Bible student came out of the Baptist Church was to sit in the meetings and sing with the brethren because it was not like he was used to.

They would sing with enthusiasm and everything, and yes, we are more subtle. But the point is, brethren, there is a moving behind that music, and it’s as Brother Tom said, we should be thinking about that, not just singing words, and God created us to have this ability to praise.

You may be surprised that where’s the first place music is mentioned in Scripture? It’s here in Genesis 4. We’re told that Jabal, his brother’s name was Jubal. Jabal and Jubal. Now how’s that for probably twins Says he was the father of all who play stringed instruments and pipes.

Genesis 4. Where are they? They’re just barely out of the Garden of Eden, but yet there was some creative ability for them to know that music was to move them, and he was the one that was the teacher, the first music teacher. We had Moses, when he brought the children of Israel out of the Promised land or out of Egypt into the Promised land.

And we have recorded in Exodus 15, what was the first thing he did when they crossed the first verse of the song of Moses recorded in 15:1. That’s the very start of a powerful hymn that when you read that, it’s praise and thanksgiving to God for his deliverance of them from Egypt and Moses. They crossed the Jordan, they crossed the Red Sea. I’m sorry, crossed the Red Sea, escaped from the oppression that was behind them to, and the first thing they did was give praise to God for that.

In this beautiful song of Moses that’s recorded in the 15th chapter. The apostle Paul sanctioned this, but he made a very interesting precaution on this, and that’s the part that is different, I think, when we think about singing praise to God. In First Corinthians 14, remember he had been addressing the brethren in Corinth who were very heavy into speaking in tongues and the gifts of the Spirit. He said, what is it then?

I will pray with the Spirit, but I will pray also with the understanding. I will sing with the Spirit, but I will sing also with the understanding. Prayer and singing are an essential part of our worship. But understanding what we are singing is the key to acceptable worship. So I’m not a big fan of singing in tongues or singing.

I don’t mind.

We want our minds to be fruitful when we sing praises or we think about God.

Okay, here’s a little bit of disclosure. Anybody guess what this might be? This is my high school yearbook my senior year. Now, this year, about a month from now, I’m going to my 60th high school reunion. Now, anybody guess who’s in there?

Okay, there you see me way in the back row. For me, singing and music. My mom always made sure there were two things that my sister Virginia, who sends her love, by the way, and I got. One was the truth, and the second was music.

My mom and dad sacrificed did work to buy a piano, to buy a violin, to give us a start in this, and she wasn’t a musician, but she just loved the music and her whole family. My Uncle Frank played the musical saw. Now who plays the musical saw anymore? It was great.

So it’s just part of it, part of what we have. But it led me to. Here’s our first real performance. We formed a band, and this is our performance in a talent show. It started me off and saying, yeah, yeah, that’s me in high school.

Can you believe that? But the three of us. Now, this was a hymn, believe it or not, that we did for the talent shows. Michael rowed the boat ashore. You all remember that.

But it did start things, and so, again, singing and praising is a big part of our work and something we want to remember. So I want to talk about six hymns today. Some you may know, some you don’t.

These are the six I’ll talk about and the lesson that we’ll take from what they mean. Because, as Paul says, if it doesn’t affect our mind, then it really doesn’t mean anything. We should have a lesson that we get from this. Some of these are in our hymnbook, some are not. But I think most of them you will know.

There’s a couple I’m going to ask you to participate in, just a cappella. I’ve got Nancy over on the keyboard, but there’s only one verse in these, and some I have changed words slightly that you notice. But let’s talk number one, Jesus Loves Me. The reason I picked this one, I told you about Carrie Underwood’s station, and she has a record called My Savior.

Beautiful gospel hymns, but that starts out with a harmonica solo on Jesus Loves Me, and it’s a beautiful way to start to put your mind in there. Let’s think about that hymn. You may say it’s a child’s hymn, but Anna Warner wrote this, and it was Included in her sister’s novel, which was say and Seal. It’s about a sick little boy named Johnny.

They’re all named Johnny, right? But comforted by a Sunday school teacher who was a person named John Linden. He rocks the child in his arms, and when Johnny asks him to sing, this is the song he sings, and she provides four stanzas of the hymn.

We’ll look at just one. But think about what Jesus said when Jesus, Remember in Mark 10, and they brought the children to him. This is mark 10, 13, 16. I won’t read the whole thing, but you can read it faster than I can say it. Jesus said, don’t forbid these to come to me, because these are what heaven is made up of.

These children we’ve got to enter like a child if we want to participate in God’s heaven, and Jesus says at the end of his ministry, in John 15, he says, just as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you remain in my love. Love is an important part and a real love for Jesus, and ask yourself, do I have a love for Jesus? It’s hard because we don’t know him.

We know what he did, and there was a wonderful explanation this morning of that, what he sacrificed. But can we really feel that love for Jesus and that he didn’t know us? It’s really important.

The greatest gift we as parents can share with children is training them. Training them in godly principles. Speaking of God in your home as an uplifting and comforting terms, it creates a strength. I know for me it did. A strength that you can rely on.

Youth is like springtime, right? When we plant the crops, you plant the seeds so that you have the growth, and that’s where the excellent spiritual growth comes from. My grandmother, my mom’s mother, died in 1950. I was born in 47, so I was almost 4 when she died.

I regret she died so early because my mom said you could speak Polish back then, but you lost it all. Well, that’s too bad. But my mom says when she started to cry, my grandma died. I said, don’t cry, Mama. Jesus will raise grandma in the resurrection.

That was how stringent she was at making sure we understood God’s plan, and that’s an important part, encouraging words to rely on God. Of course, my Babcha, she was consecrated, and hopefully she is with the Lord now. But my mom’s diligence in making sure we understood that was very important and setting a great example, and that’s really what’s behind this song.

Ultimately, yes, we all make Our own choices. But the benefits of instruction and understanding early in life and the love of God and the love of Jesus is very important. I’ve given resources. I’m not going to quote the resources that where some of these suggestions came from. So we’re going to sing Everyone knows this a cappella.

Asked Nancy to give me a G.

Jesus loves me, this I know for the Bible tells me so his precious wants to him belong While they are weak, he is strong Jesus, this heart of mine make it pure and holy Thine on the cross you died for all I now hear your loving call. We don’t sing the chorus. I would love to sing the chorus. We don’t have time for everything, but hopefully that’s the kind of feeling we get when we think about Jesus dying for us. Jesus loved us before he even knew us and says he loved me before I loved him.

The second hymn, There is a balm in Gilead. I think you’ve heard this if you don’t know it, but the anonymous creators of this spiritual came out of the African American community, and they were identifying with the struggles, oppression, the desperation, many in the Old Testament, because remember, this comes from Jeremiah, an Old Testament forebears in faith, and they used this for their own inspiration of healing and restoration and hope, and it was a man named Howard Thurman.

And you’re going to notice most of these people lived right at the time Jesus returns. Very interesting point. At that time, God is releasing a new way of thinking on the Christian community, and I really think a lot of that happened not by accident, but he did it because it was time for us to start thinking about what this was going to mean for the world. But this is what he, the slave caught the mood of this spiritual dilemma and with it did an amazing thing.

He straightened the question mark in Jeremiah’s sentence into an exclamation point. There is a balm in Gilead. Here’s the note of creative triumph, and of course that Jeremiah 8, 21, 22. Jeremiah is lamenting over the sad state of Israel at this point.

And he’s saying, for the hurt of my people, I’m hurt. I mourn. Dismay has taken hold of me. Is there no bomb in Gilead? Of course we know that bomb in Gilead would be Jesus.

When he came to heal, to heal Israel. Why then has the health of my poor people not been restored? Jeremiah looks forward to the restoration of of Israel, and Jeremiah died really in a sad case of not having that answer. But I think he believed and he knew that it would come at another point.

Remember when Joseph’s brothers threw him in the pit. They sold them to this caravan that was going by of merchants. They were traveling from Gilead. They were traveling from Gilead. They had spices, they had balm, they had myrrh going to Egypt.

Gilead was famous for the balms and the medicinal qualities of those bombs. When Jeremiah cried out to have the healing of his people, there was no bomb for them. There was no way out. They had a spiritual sickness that came from their disobedience for so long, and Jeremiah preached endlessly.

But who listened? No one man today cannot live righteously because of sin. There is a balm, however, that balm which in due time will heal them and they’ll heal that sickness. Jesus ransom paid the price for Adam’s sin. Eventually everyone will benefit.

There will be a resurrection and an opportunity to know a pain free life. Almost everybody would raise their hand if I said how many have experienced excruciating pain sometime in your life? Some live with it every day. We know many do. When we’re discouraged in our witnessing, when we’re discouraged in other things, remember that the greatest witness message we have is that Jesus died to take away the sin and to give all oppressed and in misery a chance for a better life.

Do you know this tune? I think we can sing a little bit of it. Nancy, give me another G.

There is a bomb in Gilead to make whole in Gilead to heal the sin sick soul.

Sometimes I feel discouraged.

Then God’s holy spirit revives me once again.

I cannot preach like Peter. I can expound like Saul. I can tell the truth of Jesus and how he died. For all brethren, valiant attempt. Okay, I appreciate it.

But I think I want you to feel those words, and we probably won’t so saying, maybe another one. But I want you to feel. What I want is for you to experience that feeling inside of praising God and understanding what those words really mean that are based on the scripture. This one’s a little easier for us.

My hope is built on nothing less.

That’s the original name of this tomb, and you’ll know what it is when I put it up. Writer is Edward Mote again living in that late 18th century was the son of pub owners in London. He was so ignorant, he says that he didn’t even know that there was a God. His cabinet maker mentor took him to church.

Two years later he publishes a hymn book, and the hymn book was entitled the Immutable Basis of a Sinner’s Hope, and one of These was the hymn here my hope is built on nothing less. Think about First John 15:9. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and we do not live according to the truth. But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Based on reprint 5544 this comment stands as an acclamation to this hymn. Darkness stands for sin, for everything contrary to righteousness. God is represented as a great light, and in him is no darkness at all. Light is healing, beneficial, health giving. Jesus stood for God’s light.

He represented the truth. The heavenly Father and those in darkness opposed him in proportion to their darkness, some knowingly, some in more or less ignorance. The God of this world hath blinded the minds of all who believe not. Satan has been skillful in putting that darkness for light, light for darkness. As the Creator of all things and the originator of all law, God is thoroughly acquainted with all the intricate subtleties of physical, moral and intellectual law.

So think about this. No problem could arise that the results are unclear. In his mind, God is light and in him is no darkness. This one, of course, we know as the Solid Rock, and sometimes you think it’s a hymn about Jesus.

Well, it’s really talking about God and what he did through His Son, Jesus. This one I think we can do. Let’s do this hymn right. Give me a G.

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 When darkness seems to veil his face I rest on his unchanged, changing grace God’s oath, His covenant and Christ’s blood Support me in your whelming flood when all around my soul gives way he then is all my hope and strength Day on Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand all other ground is sinking sand.

The fourth hymn we’ll consider is Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. Now this is a gospel hymn. Many of you may know it, but the theme is God does deliver his people. This was written by Elisha Hoffman. He wrote it after Two of his former classmates lost their wives on the same day.

Think about this. There is none like the God of Jerusalem Riding through the heavens as your help, and in his triumph through the skies a refuge the God of old from beneath the arms everlasting he drove from before you the enemy and he said, destroy. We go back to that Deuteronomy when Israel was delivered from Egypt and they remembered this. They pictured God in this kind of a picture.

Now, when we look at the Masoretic texts of Deuteronomy 33:26, it turns this into a whole narrative and says, there’s none like God, O Jerusalem, and this is even before Jerusalem, which is Jeshurun. It seems more likely that this is perhaps the God of Israel being talked about. These are linked, it says, as a construct, and it signals a summarizing statement of this poem of Moses that goes on. Think of God as a celestial warrior riding a cherub through the skies, appearing in the Psalms many times that way and elsewhere.

Interestingly enough, it’s worth noting that the word for help often means rescue from a military threat. Brethren, that’s a really great picture and image of our final battle that will take place in Jerusalem when God delivers Israel. In the words of Ezekiel 38, he says he Himself will deliver them. A reminder to us should be that he can pull us from the deepest threat.

We’re not going to sing this one, but I would like to read the words here. Leaning on the everlasting arms what a fellowship what a joy divine Leaning on the everlasting arms what a blessedness what a peace is mine Leaning on the everlasting arms what have I to dread, what have I to fear? Leaning on the everlasting arms I have blessed peace with my Lord so near Leaning on the everlasting arms Brethren, what a picture we have from that scripture in Deuteronomy of leaning. Are you leaning on the everlasting arms of our Lord?

Number five. Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus. This is another one you’ve probably heard the choir sing if you’ve been to General Convention or International even, and I think in this hymn we have captured the idea that life in him brings the richest rewards we could find. It was written by Louisa Stead.

She was born in dover, England, in 1850. She consecrated her life, she says, at the age of nine. In 1871, she immigrated to Cincinnati, and due to her health, she couldn’t become what she wanted to become, which was a missionary. Many missionaries in those days, you know, that were going out in 1875. She married, moved to New York City, and she had there she had a daughter, Lily.

When Lily was 4 years old, she and her family went out to Long Island Sound. Many of you have probably been there, and they heard the frantic sounds of a drowning boy who was drowning in the sound. Her husband jumped into the sound in an attempt to save the child. But tragically he and the child both died at that incident, right before her and her daughter’s eyes.

That disaster, it’s believed, inspired her to write the lyrics of this song. It first appeared in 1882 in a hymn book called Songs of Triumph. John 14:1 3 is something that should be dear to our hearts. Let not your heart be troubled. Believe in God.

Believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many abiding places or mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. For I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am you may be also.

When Jesus washed the disciples feet, he told them they were going to be offended that night because of him. Of course they were very disturbed with that word. The 11 that I believe were still there were heavy troubled. They began to ask questions. Undoubtedly, had they been deluded.

When Jesus says that Jesus told them he was the Messiah just a few days earlier and he would sit in the throne, and they would sit with him on the throne. Judging the 12 tribes of Israel. He’d been received five days earlier by the people in the town shouting hosanna. What could it mean that the Master said he was now exceedingly sorrowful? And he spoke of betrayal.

He spoke of their dispersion and of his own death, and it was then he spoke these words to them. Let not your heart be troubled. They knew, they trusted God. But his promises respecting, as we heard, were the earthly kingdom and the fact that he would come at that point and bless the families of the earth.

But now they wondered, maybe they had built some false expectations. But Jesus was the way. He was the ransom imputing his merit to sinners that made him acceptable to the Father to restore them into fellowship with Him. He was the truth. His words, instructions, guidance brought hope of a coming harmony with God.

He was the life. The dying race could not come again into life conditions through the life which he gave, except with the life that he gave for ours and for theirs. That sacrifice opened a way, it opened a room in the heavenly division of God’s abode for us. For the Gospel church by the same Sacrifice the redeemed of earth will be restored in the home of an earthly paradise, and it will become their Father’s house as well.

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus Just to take him at his word Just to rest upon his promise Just to know he’s with the Lord yes, tis sweet to trust in Jesus Just from sin and self to cease Just from Jesus Sweetly taking life and rest and joy and peace Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him How I’ve proved him O’ er and o’ er Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus oh, for grace to trust him more Brethren, is all our trust in Jesus or do we still at times doubt? Well, our last hymn is one. Probably not too many of you know, but some of you do. It’s another spiritual, I Won’t have To Cross Jordan Alone. It’s about Christ in you, the Hope of Glory.

It was published in 1934, and Johnny Cash recorded it. He’s got a wonderful recording of it. Other gospel artists have also done it. The author is kind of unknown, but Thomas Ramsay, who wrote a lot of gospel hymns, was certainly involved. But here’s the scripture to think about.

Back in Deuteronomy again, where this is based. When Moses had finished speaking all these words to Israel, he had recounted all the words and all the travels they had through the desert for 40 years. He said to them, the Lord has told me, you shall not cross over this Jordan. The Lord your God himself will cross over before you. Joshua also will cross over before you, as the Lord promised.

And we know in that picture Moses representing the ancient worthies who would not have a heavenly resurrection. But Joshua picturing the church, who would cross over and be the establishment picture of Jesus as being the leader into the heavenly kingdom. They said, be strong and bold. Have no fear or dread. He will not fail you or forsake you.

In Colossians 1:24:27, Paul says, Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake and fill up my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of the Christ in my flesh. For his body’s sake, which is the church. Even the mystery which hath been hid, which is Christ in you the hope of glory. Brethren, only a handful know of the promise of a church. God’s promises were shrouded in mystery.

In due time came Moses. He was a great deliverer who led Israel from bondage, and before he entered Canaan, the great deliverer died. But he said, a prophet. Shall the Lord your God raise up unto me of your brethren, like unto me Joshua, whose name signifies Deliverer or savior became their leader.

They won great victories. They entered the land promised in the covenant. But Joshua died. When Jesus was born, everyone was looking for the Messiah, we’re told. When Jesus came as a sacrifice, however, they all overlooked the Jeremiahs and the prophecies that were there before that.

The sufferings of Christ and the glory that would follow. That’s the great mystery of God which had been hidden from previous ages. The hope of glory.

Incomprehensible. Brethren, have you ever tried to think about it? I cannot. My mind just goes somewhere else when I try to think of that kind of glory. But guaranteed.

Guaranteed by Jesus. Sacrifice the church you sitting there called Chosen. If faithful Jesus is to begin with us if we are there. The transformation of the entire world. God has put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things that he might have preeminence.

His atoning blood shed for all makes his called ones whole. Yet the promise of glory comes at a price. There are blows, there’s polishing. Each of those who would be part of that have to be transformed into the image of Jesus. Almost impossible by ourselves.

Impossible by ourselves. But there must be no self will in us to thwart that accomplishment of the will he has for us. Peter says, therefore humble yourselves under God’s power so that he may raise you up in the last day. Peter’s number one quality and number one commandment. Humble yourselves.

Understand what it is that we are about to undertake and how God is working in us. With our hope realized, we will be raised up as we cross over Jordan with the first words of our master. Being excellent, you are a good and faithful servant. You’ve been faithful over a little. I’ll put you in charge of much.

Come celebrate with me. Brethren, you should see that Study five in the divine plan of the ages called the Hope Glory is an amazing one. So yes, Jordan represents that time of death when we cross over. But when we think about. You won’t have to cross alone.

Because who’s waiting on the other side? When I come to the river at ending of day when the last winds of sorrow have blown There’ll be somebody waiting to show me the way. I won’t have to cross Jordan alone. Though the billows of sorrow and trouble may sweep Christ the Savior will care for his own Till the end of the journey My watch he will keep and I won’t have to cross Jordan alone. Jesus died for all sins to atone.

In the darkness I see he’ll be waiting for me. I won’t have to cross Jordan alone. Brethren, may you continue on this way, and at the end of your journey, you won’t have to cross Jordan alone either.

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