[Biblemat] hymn study, "I Choose Jesus"

[Wayne S Walker]

Wayne Walker here with another weekly hymn study.

"I CHOOSE JESUS"
"We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of
our infirmities" (Heb. 4.15)

     INTRO.:  A song which identifies our High Priest who can be touched
with the feelings of our infirmities is "I Choose Jesus" (#584 in Hymns
for Worship Revised, and #244 in Sacred Selections for the Church).  The
text was written by James Rowe (1865-1933).  Other hymns by Rowe in our
books include "God Holds the Future in His Hands," "He's My King," "I
Walk With the King," "Looking to Thee," "Love Lifted Me" (perhaps his
best known), "I'm Redeemed," "What Is He Worth to Your Soul?", "Won't It
Be Wonderful There?", "Wonderful Jesus," and "You Never Mentioned Him to
Me."  The tune for "I Choose Jesus" was composed by Samuel William
Beazley (1873-1944).  The song was published in 1913, probably by
Beazley.  The copyright was renewed in 1941 by the Stamps-Baxter Music
and Printing Co.  Another well known melody by Beazley in our books is
"The Love of God."  Rowe and Beazley also collaborated on "After the
Shadows," "Home of the Soul," and "Ring Out the Message."  

    Among hymnbooks published by members of the Lord's church during the
twentieth century for use in churches of Christ, "I Choose Jesus"
appeared in the 1943 Standard Gospel Hymns edited by Tillit S. Teddlie;
the 1944 Gospel Songs and Hymns edited by Will W. Slater; and the 1978
Hymns of Praise edited by Reuel Lemmons.  Today it may be found in the
1971 Songs of the Church and the 1990 Songs of the Church 21st C. Ed.
both edited by Alton H. Howard; the 1978/1983 Church Gospel Songs and
Hymns edited by V. E. Howard; and the 1992 Praise for the Lord edited by
John P. Wiegand; in addition to Hymns for Worship and Sacred Selections.

     The song is a joyful affirmation of reasons to choose Jesus as our
High Priest.

I. Stanza 1 indicates that we should choose Jesus for relief
"When I need someone in time of grief, Someone my cheer to be,
Jesus I choose, for He gives relief: He is the best for me."
 A. There are times in our lives when we all experience grief: 1 Pet.
2.19
 B. At such times, we need someone to say, "Be of good cheer": Matt.
14.17
 C. Jesus can give relief because He is uniquely qualified aid those who
are tempted: Heb. 2.18-21

II. Stanza 2 indicates that we should choose Jesus for guidance
"When I need someone to guide my soul Over the stormy sea,
Always to Jesus I give control: He is the best for me."
 A. The soul, of course, is that part of our being which cannot be killed
by man but can be destroyed by God in hell: Matt. 10.28
 B. Sometimes the trials and tribulations of our souls are pictured as
being out on the stormy sea: Ps. 107.23-30
 C. We should give control to Jesus so that He will guide our souls as
the Captain of our salvation: Heb. 2.10

III. Stanza 3 indicates that we should choose Jesus for help in battle
"When I need help to defeat the foe, Someone my shield to be,
Always to Jesus in faith I go: He is the best for me."
 A. We have a foe, an adversary who goes about as a roaring lion seeking
to devour us: 1 Pet. 5.8
 B. Therefore, we need someone to be a shield to protect us: Ps. 33.20
 C. We can go to Jesus in faith and he will strengthen us to put on His
armor and stand against the devil: Eph. 6.10-13

IV. Stanza 4 indicates that we should choose Jesus for hope
"When all my trials on earth are o'er, And the dark stream I see,
Jesus shall bear me to yonder shore: He is the best for me."
 A. Someday all our trials on earth will be over because it is appointed
for us to die: Heb. 9.27
 B. At that time, we shall see the dark stream just as the Israelites had
to cross over Jordan: Josh. 3.14-17
 C. However, we can trust in Jesus to bear us to yonder shore by the
river of life: Rev. 22.1-5

     CONCL.:  The chorus expresses the desire to choose Jesus to meet all
of our spiritual needs.
"I choose Jesus When I need a friend; What I need I know that He will
send.
I have proved Him; Good and true is He.  I choose Jesus: He is the best
for me."
Throughout my life, I have already made many choices and will have to
make many more.  However, there is one decision that is paramount above
all others because it affects not only my life here on earth but also my
station in eternity.  Because only the divine Son of God can help me make
it through my journey on earth and take me to heaven, therefore "I Choose
Jesus."

      Brotherly,
Wayne S. Walker
9024 Amona Dr.
Affton, MO  63123
home phone: (314) 638-4710
office phone: (314) 544-1612
e-mail: wswalker310 at juno.com
website: www.defenderoftruth.com

     Notes: Other hymn studies are available at the Defender of Truth
website.  Also, some of my previous hymn studies are now included in book
that I have written entitled Songs of Zion.  It can be ordered from the
publisher by calling 1-800-423-2484 or going to www.faith-facts.com.  And
if you would like to receive a similar daily hymn study by e-mail, you
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http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hymnoftheday/ .

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