Stand up, stand up

Several Sunday's ago I was privy to something that has stayed with me, something that spoke to my needs and my life. We had a guest speaker preaching that morning in church. As he closed the message, the piano began to play. He then asked if a certain old hymn could be sung. The music director quickly stepped up on stage with hymnal in hand, turning the pages to find the song. Suddenly from my left hand side came the gentle older voice of an elderly man singing solo. People from the congregation joined in behind him, picking up on his lead. With eyes closed, and mouths open the words freely came. I was captured by this small example of what heaven may one day be like, as in unison believers join together to praise and make music unto the Lord. The words of that hymn have stayed with me, I have found myself humming these words as I walk into work, or drive alone around town.
"My Jesus, I love Thee I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign.
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou:
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus tis now.
I love thee because thou has first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree.
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus tis now.
I'll love thee in life, I will love thee in death,
And praise Thee as long as long as Thou lendest me breath;
And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow,
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus tis now.
In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I'll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright;
I'll sing with the glittering crown on my brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus tis now."
William R. Featherston