By Pastor Mark Woodward
Maple Leaf Parish of the UMC Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston, and Spring Valley: Faith Churches (and Lenora)
I believe many of my readers know that I appreciate the depth, integrity and theology of traditional Christian hymns. I often use my hymnbook as a devotional resource in my life. As we approach Easter and come down the homestretch of the Lenten Season, I often become deeply moved by the inspiring words of Charles Wesley’s great hymn based on Acts 16:26. Written in 1739, “And Can It Be That I Should Gain” fills my heart with emotion. The song talks about how our Savior Jesus gave everything out of love for you and me. His suffering, death and resurrection reveal the depth and power of God’s amazing love for the human family.
Wesley’s inspiring hymn set to the music of Thomas Campbell may be somewhat challenging to sing, yet the message of the hymn speaks to the heart. For me, this song has often brought tears to my eyes as I stop to contemplate the sheer depth of Jesus’ love for me. Take a moment and let these words speak to your heart:
“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 for me? Amazing love! How can it be that thou my God, shouldst die for me?”
Wesley’s hymn is one of victory, salvation, grace, forgiveness, new life and the transforming power of love … The song continues with these emotional words:
“Long my imprisoned spirit 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.”
This powerful hymn from 1739 continues to inspire me during the Lenten and Easter seasons … It genuinely speaks to my heart and it might speak to yours as well. It conveys the liberating message of repentance, grace, forgiveness, new life and the power of redeeming love.
The message of the hymn concludes with this powerful message:
“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 the eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own. Bold I approach the eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own.”
May your Lenten and Easter seasons be truly blessed with the amazing love of God in Jesus Christ! Perhaps Wesley’s great hymn from so long ago will continue to speak to you and me!
God’s blessings always,
Your friend,
Pastor Mark Woodward
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