Hymn Notes: HERE I AM TO WORSHIP

An ad hoc group of our own singers calls us to worship today, singing HERE I AM TO WORSHIP. The praise song was written in 1999 by British composer and worship leader Tim Hughes and has been well received by evangelical churches worldwide; it is published in the Baptist Hymnal (2008) and other major hymnals. It is reported that the song came from Hughes’ personal reflection on Phil 2 which details Jesus’ willingness to become a man and to die a humiliating death, and his subsequent exaltation whereby all creation will one day bow and confess that Jesus is Lord.

The song has a contemplative or meditative feel to it, one that is not to be rushed or sung mechanically or lightheartedly. The chorus emphasizes simply that, in light of Jesus’s deep love and sacrifice, the singer has now come to worship Christ in humble adoration. The song has a short bridge section in which the phrase “I will never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross” is thrice repeated, to emphasize how our worship and thankfulness should be complete and genuine.

Pastor's Page: I Want That Mountain (Josh 14)

Caleb had done his part. He had marched out of Egypt with Moses and he gave the minority report when the 12 spies returned from their reconnaissance of Canaan. Although the Bible is silent otherwise, he very likely had fought alongside of Joshua in the battle with the Amelekites, and he may well have been a key figure in the 40 years of wilderness wandering. He may have served in the army that swept through Jericho and into the farthest reaches of the conquest of Canaan. The land still had areas still unconquered, but the conquest armies were dismissed and the soldiers were told to go to their new homes and enjoy God’s bounty in peace and rest.

But no, not Caleb. He would have none of this retirement business. He had explored the Hebron country and seen its bounty. He took seriously the divine mandate that the Canaanites must be driven from the land, and he reckoned he had enough strength to do the job.

Not that conquering Hebron would be easy. Caleb knew the challenges. No doubt his own folks pointed out his old age: “Caleb, you’re 85 years old. You’ve got no business driving Canaanites out and resettling all that hill country!” Worse than that, the region was under the control of the Anak family, including its three sons whose giant stature made them formidable warlords.

Caleb would not be dissuaded. When his tribe presented itself to Joshua to receive its allotment of land, he boldly presented himself and with much bluster he told Joshua that he wanted that mountain: “Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said” (Josh 14:12).

Since he believed God’s promises and saw his mighty deeds, Caleb scorned the threat of Anak and his three giant sons, and he went out to do the work God called him to do.

In Caleb’s prime years, the Lord protected him against all the wilderness dangers and helped him through many battles. The Lord also granted him many more years of health and vigor. Caleb perceived that God grants life and health for one reason alone, and that is to serve him and to advance the kingdom, and not to serve his own interest. Even in our twilight years, let us remain true and faithful, trusting, serving every day. Soon we will see Jesus our Lord face to face and it will be worth it all.

*This weekly blog article is designed for the Sunday Bulletin. If you need filler for your newsletter or bulletin, feel free to use it, with due attribution.

Hymn Notes: I'll Be a Sunbeam

We know very little about 19^th century lyricist Nellie Talbot or her intention in writing this hymn. It has, however, become a favorite children’s song, perhaps because of its simple text, references to home, school, and play, and the sunbeam imagery that easily captures children’s imaginations. In 1900, the song was put to music by prestigious composer Edwin O. Excell who compiled and edited over 90 hymnals and songbooks, and produced the most common arrangement of AMAZING GRACE. The tune Excell composed for the song is melodic and easily singable.

Although the text is amenable to children, the message preaches well to adults. The sunbeam recalls light of the world imagery used by Jesus, and likewise fits Paul’s call to be stars shining in a dark and crooked generation. The text defines what it means to be a sunbeam: be loving and kind, pleasant and happy. The song dovetails nicely with our recent sermons on the call to holiness:

I will ask Jesus to help me

To keep my heart from sin,

Ever reflecting his goodness,

And always shine for him.

We sing this song today knowing that sunbeams bring a lot of joy and happiness.