Lead Me To Calvary

Jennie Hussey, began songwriting at the age of eight and wrote over one hundred and fifty hymns. The one for which she is known, Lead Me To Calvary, appeared in print in 1921 and is a beloved hymn to this day. I fondly recall singing it in our Bible school chapel meetings. The chorus is a captivating one for me, a prayer that resets my heart. Lest I forget Gethsemane, Lest I forget thine agony, Lest I forget thy love for me, Lead me to Calvary. A devout Quaker, Jennie spent much of her young life caring for an invalid sister. One of her life verses was Luke 9:23. “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” (NLT)

Lest I Forget

As the Apostle Peter was nearing the end of his life, he exhorted the church to continue in their Christian growth. His fear was of a person becoming nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they had been cleansed from past sins. 2 Pet. 1:9 My resolution is, “Not on my watch”, and yet I have known many whose faith was “shipwrecked.” 1 Tim. 1:19 And so, lest I forget, I choose to remind myself often. When I align my crossbeam, with Christ’s, the playing field of my life gets leveled out.

Ongoing Acquisition

God has equipped us by His divine power, for everything we need for life and godliness. 2 Pet. 1:3 It is our responsibility to continually add to our faith. 2 Pet. 1:5-7 The reward is well worth the effort. Growing in the Christian graces “will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Pet. 1:8 (AMP) Not only that, but if our choices remain consistent, Peter says “we will never fall.” The inference is that we will never fall away, as opposed to never making a mistake or committing a sin. 2 Pet. 1:10 The protection then, against spiritual stagnation, is ongoing acquisition.

Adding, Removing

In the material world, adding items to your life will require that you remove items as well. In with the new (frig, couch, car, etc…) and out with the old. Unless you’re really attached to that appliance, it’s a pain free transaction. In the complexities of the soul, it’s a bit more involved. I see it as a partnership of “guided self-discovery.” It will never simply be formulaic or religious, but we can be sure that our Guide is constant and reliable.

“But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you].” Jn. 16:7 (AMP)

He really is, as close as He can get. Gal. 4:6

Question is, Am I as close as I can get?

“The knowledge of God is the beginning, the continuance, and the goal of the Christian life.” * “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings.” Phil. 3:10

Just a reminder, lest we forget.

Photo by Slawek K on Unsplash

* Edwin A Blum, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary

P.S. If you’ve never heard Lead Me To Calvary, I’ve included it below.