Saturday, June 05, 2010

Jesus Calls Us

Lately I've been feeling sad about the state of Christianity today, especially in our country. I've been thinking about the call of the world and how often people who are considered Christians seem to be succumbing to that call.

But
Jesus calls us. He beckons us to follow Him, and if we TRULY are following Him, much of what we see happening today would not be as evident as it is. Let's follow Him, shall we, and take heed to that blessed call. If we really do, maybe a lot of the things we see going wrong will begin to take a turnabout.

This hymn has been ringing in my ears all day. Do you know it? Mrs. Alexander is one of my favorite hymn writers, particularly wanting children to know the great truths of the Bible, but also writing songs which adults love. She once gave profits from a hymnbook to help support handicapped children in northern Ireland. Now that's my kind of hero in a world with so few of them.



Jesus calls us: o'er the tumult
Of our life's wild, restless sea,
Day by day his sweet voice soundeth,
Saying, "Christian, follow me."

As, of old, apostles heard it
By the Galilean lake,
Turned from home and toil and kindred,
Leaving all for his dear sake.

Jesus calls us from the worship
Of the vain world's golden store,
From each idol that would keep us,
Saying, "Christian, love me more."

In our joys and in our sorrows,
Days of toil and hours of ease,
Still he calls, in cares and pleasures,
"Christian, love me more than these."

Jesus calls us: by thy mercies,
Saviour, may we hear thy call,
Give our hearts to thine obedience,
Serve and love thee best of all.
~ Cecil Frances Alexander

10 comments:

Susan said...

Very familiar with this old hymn and how appropriate for today. Yes, Jesus calls us to be all He intends for us to be, both individually and collectively as His Body. Oh, may we hear His voice, but even more important than hearing.....may we respond and obey. ((hugs)) Maxine.

Linda said...

I do know that lovely hymn Maxine. Those old songs just speak to our hearts in a very special way. I love the worship music in our church, but whenever we get to sing a hymn it just blesses everyone.
I feel the same way about our country. I think the change needs to begin with those of us who are believers just as you've said.

Laurie said...

I do not think I know this hymn, Maxine; perhaps if I heard the tune I would, as I did grow up with hymns. Your words also brought to mind the words of the wonderful hymn:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.

I loved learning about Mrs. Alexander, a true, Godly hero. Our world needs more like her..."Saviour, may we hear thy call." I agree with Susan, we who love Him must respond and obey.
Blessings and love,
Laurie

Cathy said...

That is a beautiful hymn, Maxine. God have mercy on our country. Hugs ~

Debra said...

Don't think I know this one, I'll have to look it up and maybe get to listen to the tune. The words are beautiful and so true.

I don't like much what I see on TV about our country...but then if I look around carefully enough,b I notice acts of kindness and goodness each and every day. This is what keeps me encouraged.

Denise said...

I do not think I have every heard this one.. I need to go to You Tube and see if I can find it...

Seems that in the past few weeks I am grieved but not sure over what.. Things in my life that need to be changed perhaps.. I need more discipline.... I have great want to but some days I have no discipline. I have been praying about that.. If ever we need to be praying and seeking HIS face it is now....

Denise said...

I know I commented here last night.. or was I dreaming! This is beautiful and I do not think I have ever heard this song........ I am grieved in my spirit the past few weeks but not sure why......... I feel HE is standing on the edge of eternity and we are running out of time............

Maxine said...

Oops, sorry Denise, you did comment and I never published your first one. Well, it was nice hearing from you twice!

... said...

i grew up knowing and singing hymns. even though i like a lot of the contemporary praise songs, i miss the old hymns. like linda (above) said, they speak to our hearts in a very special way.

the words to the one you've posted here are familiar but i can't put the melody to it. i wish i could. no matter - the words are powerful enough.

btw, thank you for your kind words you commented with to my post the other day. sorry i don't get around blogland as much as i used to or want to.

God bless, maxine.

Maxine said...

And the Lord bless you, Diana. It's understandable that you don't get around as much; you have been added to my prayer list of people with medical issues and I pray for you almost every day.