The Solid Rock

I John 1:6-9
If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.       

 My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less LBW 294

 1    My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
     no merit of my own I claim, but wholly lean on Jesus' name.

Refrain
      On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.

2    When darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace;
      in ev'ry high and stormy gale my anchor holds within the veil.  Refrain

3    His oath, his covenant, his blood sustain me in the raging flood;
      when all supports are washed away, he then is all my hope and stay.  Refrain

4    When he shall come with trumpet sound, oh, may I then in him be found,
      clothed in his righteousness alone, redeemed to stand before the throne!  Refrain

Text: Edward Mote, 1797-1874, alt.

            A lot of hymn writers were clergy or their immediate family.  Edward Mote was the son of a small businessman. He spent most of his Sundays when he was young getting into trouble on the streets of London. Eventually he went into the furniture business, owned a local shop, raised a family, joined a church and became a pillar of his local community.

            Oh, he also wrote hymns in his spare time.

            He wrote this particular one as he was making a chest of drawers for a customer.  He remembered that the chorus came to him we has walking to work, and as he assembled the chest, each verse fell into place.  He included it in a collection of hymns he gifted to his congregation. It combined deep theological insight with everyday practical experience.

            Who would ever think that the son of a small businessman, a furniture guy, could ever write hymns or proclaim the Gospel?  It’s almost too silly to contemplate!

Prayer:  God of hope and healing, we know that your plans for us are too wonderful to behold.  Continue to bless our churches with those common saints who eventually hear and respond to your gracious call.  Amen.