Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling. Calling for you and for me.
This hymn, written by Will L. Thompson back in 1880, is one I can easily recall singing in church during the invitation time of the worship service. (Lyrics below.) I can even hear country singer, Alan Jackson, singing it over the radio too.
Fast forward one hundred thirty-six years to the song, O Come to the Altar by Elevation Worship, and you hear those familiar words “Jesus is calling”. (Click here for the video.)
Both songs are powerful and an invitation for all to come running (reluctantly or willing) to Christ.
As I’m reading the bible during my homework time (I’m doing Priscilla Shirer’s study, Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted), I was led to read Luke 15 about The Lost Sheep, Coin, and Son. Each parable ended with much rejoicing as the lost sheep and coin were found, and the lost son came returning home.
All these thoughts (the songs and the parables) made me relate to when I call my cows over to give them some food.
I’ve shared stories about our cows before (Click here for those journal entries.). Today I decided to share a video of how they react when I simply say, “Here cows!” And, yes…that’s spaghetti and apples they’re eating.
Imagine Jesus is calling you, “Here fill in your name.” and you come running.
Do you come reluctantly or willingly?
In John 4:27-31, Jesus’ disciples return and find Him talking to the woman at the well. When she left and encouraged others to come see Christ, the disciples were urging Him to eat. In verse 32 Jesus replied, “I have a kind of food you know nothing about.” That peeked their curiosity, then in verse 34 He said,
Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.
Much like those cows, are you hungry? Do you hunger for the word of God?
Ohhhhh, He has much nourishment for you and for me. Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Jesus is calling. Come. There will be much rejoicing on your end and His.
I pray you put a smile on God’s face today and sit a spell with Him and allow Him to feed you His Word.
Also…I really like the daily devotional book, Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. Here’s today’s devotional:
Will you trust God and see what He can do?
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling Lyrics
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling for you and for me;
See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching,
Watching for you and for me.
Come home, come home,
Ye who are weary, come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!
Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,
Pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not His mercies,
Mercies for you and for me?
Come home, come home,
Ye who are weary, come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!
Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
Passing from you and from me;
Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
Coming for you and for me.
Come home, come home,
Ye who are weary, come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!
O for the wonderful love He has promised,
Promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon,
Pardon for you and for me.
Come home, come home,
Ye who are weary, come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!
http://www.namethathymn.com/christian-hymns/softly-and-tenderly-jesus-is-calling-lyrics.html
