Posted this first in 2014 but I see no reason to change my hope for 2017.
It’s over a 100 years old, probably over 150 years old. Its known as an old “negro-spiritual.” Its resonance is certainly rooted in pain.
Physical pain? Maybe.
Longing for rescue from the oppression of slavery? Probably.
A grieving heart after the loss of a loved one? Apparently.
But there is more than any of those in these words. These are the words of heart in love. These are the words of someone who has found the value of the Kingdom. He or she found the Pearl. They found the Treasure in the field. And everything else has grown strangely dim.
Below you will find the original lyrics and don’t miss the link at the bottom to Fernando Ortega’s popular version as well. My hope in the New Year is that for myself and all those who profess Christ, Jesus would be enough.
Oh when I come to die
Oh when I come to die
Oh when I come to die
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You may have the world
Give me Jesus
I heard my mother say
I heard my mother say
I heard my mother say
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You may have the world
Give me Jesus
Dark midnight was my cry
Dark midnight was my cry
Dark midnight was my cry
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You may have the world
Give me Jesus
In the morning when I rise
In the morning when I rise
In the morning when I rise
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You may have the world
Give me Jesus
I heard the mourner say
I heard the mourner say
I heard the mourner say
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You may have the world
Give me Jesus
After reading this, I dragged out my Fernando Ortega CDs to specifically play, “Give Me Jesus”….had forgotten how much I loved this song. Thanx for bringing this back into my mind. Blessings in 2013.
LikeLike
You have great taste in music and a great God to sing about. Happy New Year.
LikeLike