Monday, February 11, 2013

Held Like a Lamb




 Even down to old age all My people shall prove
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.

We were having our devotion time in my Bible study class last week.  The song was How Firm a Foundation...one of my favorite hymns.  As I read through the verses, the one above stopped me.  I had never heard this one before.  I had to stop and think a minute about those hoary hairs...that's quite a line!  But then the last line got me. 

Even when I am old and gray...think hoary (white) hairs on my temples...Jesus will still hold me like a lamb to his loving heart and carry me all the days of my life.  I chose this picture because it is exactly the picture I remember from the wall of the Sunday School room when I was first learning about Jesus.  It is just as valid today as it was then...but vastly more treasured. 

Often the best messages in the hymns we sing are found in the middle verses.  Think about this when your pastor announces "We will sing the first and last verses."  Too often we skip the good stuff in verses two, three and four.  Next time you hear this, make it a point to read those verses.  You might find out...like me...that you're still a lamb being held to Jesus' bosom.

What is your favorite hymn verse that's not the first or last stanza?