“Blessed is he who will feast in God’s Kingdom!”
Luke 14:15 (WEB)
Timeless.
From the stalwart, apostle Paul to the thousands of nameless missionaries across the world even today. Preachers, teachers, doctors and simple laborers. Each with a common love.
Jesus.
Their hearts bursting to tell His Gospel story. These believers share a deep sorrow that transcends fear and personal gain. It drives away selfish ambition and narcissism.
Their grief for people who are still on the outside – the lost, keeps them focused.
I recently stumbled upon what surely must have been one of these dear souls from long ago: a hymn writer—Isaac Watts.
We rarely sing his hymns in church anymore. I wonder why? He gave us “Joy to the World!” and “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.”
I’m a pianist. I love playing old classical hymns. That’s how I discovered Isaac’s tender heart on this particular day.
As I read the lyrics to the hymn I was overcome with grief for people still on the outside. The Spirit was still working through this servant’s gift, centuries later.
Isaac must have been spirit-led as he labored over the hymn. He had to fully understand the Gospel. He had to know God’s Word and His heart for the lost.
Though the lyrics are dated, they are timeless indeed. The theme is clear.
If you are a believer and are not stirred by the message the song conveys, then it may be a sign that you have wandered.
Though the lyrics of the ancient hymn were penned in 1697, they are so fitting for our time.
Do believers have the same sense of urgency and grief that Mr. Watts did, as he crafted this moving lyric?
How sweet and aweful (awesome) is the place1
with Christ within the doors,
while everlasting love displays
the choicest of her stores.
While all our hearts and all our songs
join to admire the feast,
each of us cries, with thankful tongue,
“Lord, why was I a guest?
“Why was I made to hear Thy voice,
and enter while there’s room,
when thousands make a wretched choice
and rather starve than come?”
‘Twas the same love that spread the feast
that sweetly drew us in;
else we had still refused to taste,
and perished in our sin.
Pity the nations, O our God,
constrain the earth to come;
send Thy victorious Word abroad,
and bring the strangers home.
We long to see Thy churches full,
that all the chosen race
may, with one voice and heart and soul,
sing Thy redeeming grace.
Are you stirred?
Scripture tells us we should be.
Share the Gospel in your world.
Isaiah 52:7
Use by permission only
Below find scripture references that Isaac may have drawn upon from God’s Word to write this masterpiece.
- Luke 14:16
- Matthew 22:2
- Luke 14:15
- Romans 1:28-32
- John 10:14-16
- Isaiah 65:1
- Jeremiah 31:3
- How Sweet and Aweful is the Place
Isaac Watts
c. 1697
Public Domain ↩︎
World English Bible (WEB)
by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 