Sunday, May 25, 2014

Hymn-ful Sundays! "And Can it Be"


On May 24 1738, at a rally at Aldersgate, London John Wesley had an experience with the Holy Spirit. At the same time, so did his brother Charles. They went on to be the founders of a Christian denomination called Methodism, which celebrates Aldersgate Sunday every year. This week's hymn is one of the signature hymns of the Methodist tradition.




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 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.

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.
Charles Wesley


There's so much of the Christian walk in this hymn, as there has been in many of the hymns featured here. And what amazing love this is! That God would send His Son to die for us, that God's love has found us, that God's love has freed us. 

Be blessed and shine in His love!

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A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—
and how good is a timely word! -Prov 15:23