Just As I Am

John 6:35-38
Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me.

 Just As I Am, without One Plea LBW 296

 1    Just as I am, without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me,
     and that thou bidd’st me come to thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

2    Just as I am, though tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt,
      fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

3    Just as I am, thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
      because thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come,

4    Just as I am; thy love unknown has broken ev’ry barrier down;
      now to be thine, yea, thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Text: Charlotte Elliott, 1789-1871

      Charlotte Elliot was a woman who had everything going for her, a gifted artist and writer, born into a well to do family, every advantage a 19th century woman could hope to have, until in her early 30’s she developed a chronic illness that left her bed ridden and depressed.  The pastor of her congregation, a Dr. Caesar Milan, visited and asked if she had made peace with God.  Though unbaptized at the time, she resented the question and asked him to leave.  Later, she realized she had been overwrought and decided to apologize to him.  She contacted him and asked if she could come to him for a visit because as there were some things she felt she needed to set aside before her baptism.  His answer: “Come just as you are.”  She did, and was baptized.

      Fifteen years later she was happily married and living in London.  Recounting the day she met Pastor Milan and remembering his words, she sat down and wrote a hymn.  It was popularized by Rev. Billy Graham and used during his famous crusades in the 1950’s as a hymn to play as people came to the altar to present themselves for baptism, and it continues to touch the hearts of millions who hear Jesus’ invitation to “come” just as they are. 

Prayer:  Dearest Jesus, open our ears that we might hear you, open our hearts that we might know you and empower our feet that we might come to you, just as we are. Amen.