You may be familiar with John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. He preached to hundreds of thousands in his lifetime and is also estimated to have ridden hundreds of thousands of miles on horseback to reach his preaching appointments. But how many of his sermons have you read? Not many, is my guess.
Juxtapose that with his younger brother, Charles. We know John because of his preaching, but we perhaps know Charles better because of his music. (Which may say something about music and preaching, but I don't want to go there!)
Charles wrote many well-known hymns such as, "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing," "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling," "Jesus, Lover of My Soul," (one of my favorites), "Oh For a Thousand Tongues," (that's the theme song for Ben and Jerry's...j/k), and "And Can It Be That I Should Gain?," which is rich in sound theology and beautiful in harmony.
As we approach resurrection weekend, let me encourage us to pause right now, meditatively read these profound lyrics, and breath a prayer of thanksgiving to Jesus for His redeeming work and power over death for you and me.
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior's blood!
Died he for me, who caused his pain!
For me? who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
That thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
That thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
'Tis mystery all: th' Immortal dies!
Who can explore his strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
Let angel minds inquire no more.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
Let angel minds inquire no more.
He left his Father's throne above
So free, so infinite his grace!
Emptied himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam's helpless race.
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
Long my imprisoned sprit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature's night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray;
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
Still the small inward voice I hear,
That whispers all my sins forgiven;
Still the atoning blood is near,
That quenched the wrath of hostile Heaven.
I feel the life His wounds impart;
I feel the Savior in my heart.
I feel the life His wounds impart;
I feel the Savior in my heart.
No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in him, is mine;
Alive in him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th' eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th' eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
