A Weekly Update from Pastor Rhea

The prolific 19th century hymn writer Fanny Crosby was well known for her ability to paint a picture with her words as vivid and alive as if the hearer were standing in the scene. It's a feat of poetic prowess to be sure, and made even more powerful by the fact that Crosby, who lived to be 95 years old, was blind from the age of six.

One hymn she wrote which many of you will recognize goes like this:

Jesus, keep me near the cross,
there a precious fountain,
free to all – a healing stream
flows from Calvary's mountain.
In the cross, in the cross
be my glory ever,
till my raptured soul shall find
rest beyond the river.

It's a song that shows up in my own thoughts fairly often, not only because I grew up with it and enjoy it, but because it serves to remind me and center me upon Jesus, the one I want to keep at the center of my life and vision.

For we who strive to follow and serve Jesus, even while so many obstacles come our way and voices call for our attention, this is a powerful prayer of longing and hope. “Jesus, keep me near the cross.” Keep me close to you, to what you have done for your people, to your grace, love, and care which gives meaning and purpose to the cross.

Crosby's life was firm with that same longing. “The famous evangelist Dwight L. Moody was said to have asked Crosby the following question toward the end of her life: ‘If you could have just one wish granted, what would it be?’ Moody expected her to ask for sight. Sensing this she is said to have replied, ‘If I could have one wish, I'd wish that I might continue blind the rest of my life.’ Moody was taken aback and asked, ‘How can you say that?’ Crosby was said to have responded, ‘Because, after being blind for all these years, the first face I want to see now is the face of Jesus.’” (quoted from History of Hymns: Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross on umcdiscipleship.org)

May we look for and long for Jesus' presence, connection, and embrace as we live and worship.

See you Sunday!
Rhea