“So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” John 16:22
Last Sunday morning, I was thinking about Memorial Day and all of the sorrow wrapped up in the countless lives that have been lost in wars fought for our freedom. In my mind I kept hearing a classic Spiritual, “Give me Jesus.”
In the morning when I rise,
In the morning when I rise,
In the morning when I rise,
Give me Jesus.
The words poured over my mind, and the music filled me so that I realized that I was at prayer for those who have lost loved ones during war times, those whose names I know and those unknown to me, but known to God. The song continued in my mind:
When I am afraid,
Oh, when I am afraid,
Oh, when I am afraid,
Give me Jesus.
So often we are afraid: Afraid of what was, afraid of what is, afraid of what is to come. As I heard in my mind and heart the tune to this old, old song, I once again realized that not even death could separate us from the love that Jesus had and has for us, a love so great that He would spend his last words preaching to and praying for all of us who would be His disciples. In its conclusion, the song says:
When I come to die,
Oh, when I come to die,
Oh, when I come to die,
Give me Jesus.
Facing his own death, Jesus reminded his disciples that while they would have sorrow, he would see them again, and their hearts would rejoice in such a way so that no one could take their joy from them. Last Sunday, as I thought about that old Spiritual, a certain peace filled my soul, a sure knowledge about the faithful love of Jesus. As I drove to church I heard that song over and over in my head. I think it is perhaps one of the most powerful benedictions to any day or any life, words sung or spoken, thought or whispered: Give me Jesus.
Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, grant me your peace. Amen.
Joyfully serving along-side you,
Your friend,
Mark David Jackson
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