Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Today’s Hymn            
Jesus loves me! This I know,
for the Bible tells me so
Little ones to him belong.
They are weak, but he is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! This I know,
as he loved so long ago,
taking children on his knee,
saying, “Let them come to me.”
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

Anna Barlett Warner and David Rutherford McGuire’s “Jesus Loves Me!” (tune: Jesus Loves Me)
from Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal

Reflection
“Jesus Loves Me” is one of those hymns that has embedded itself into our consciousness. It’s nearly impossible to read the hymn lyrics without singing along! Many of us associate this song with our childhood, and indeed this hymn from the 1860s is still an important part of the repertoire of any children’s ministry program. The simple tune and lyrics translate beautifully to singing with children, and it allows them to walk out of our doors with an understanding that they are each known and loved by God—a goal that we as a church set before any biblical instruction or mission work.

However, we don’t do this hymn justice if we merely view it is a relic of our childhood. Its simple lyrics nonetheless contain a deep theological truth: Jesus loves each one of us no matter whether we are weak or strong, young or old. That may not sound deep at all, but it is Christ’s love for us that is the basis for our entire faith, from Jesus’ teaching to his ministry to the cross. It is from that base of love that our work and ministry and hope are founded.

If we do not have that love at the center of our shared life together, then who are we?

Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for showing your love in the gift of your Son. Grant me an increased sense of the unfathomable depth of your love for me, and allow that love to guide all that I do this day. Amen.

Written by Matt Helms, Associate Pastor for Children and Family Ministry

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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