A few days ago I began reading John 1 in my quiet time. I began to ponder the significance of the first chapter in how it describes who Jesus was and is to us. I was amazed at the how John intertwined Jesus’ eternality and supreme authority over creation in such a brief text. As I was somewhat meditating on the text, I happed to be by a piano. So I decided to write a hymn. It took me a few days to work everything out; however, “O Beautiful Savior” was the final product. I hope you enjoy the overflow of a well spring of truth that captured my heart in one of the sweetest times I have had with God.
[I had originally took the words to an older hymn called “O Beautiful Savior” and arranged my own music to it. I was not satisfied with that and felt that God and myself would be better served if I wrote a hymn for my generation. I kept the title because it was the only thing I could think of while I was experiencing God’s truth. I have included John 1:1-18 beneath the song for you to read and consider.]
v.1
Jesus eternal, before the foundations, in the light of the Fathers love.
In the company of angels, and love adoration, left Your throne to bid Your Fathers will.
v.2
King of creation, Lord of the nations, in the darkness brought the light.
Our hearts reviled You, crucified You, yet in Your joy endured our plight.
v.3
In perfect submission, a life of affliction, on the cross was crucified.
Satan’s defeated, my sin is forgiven, and the Father is glorified!
v. 4
Alive and risen, in supreme exaltation, sitting at the Father’s side.
Interceding, always pleading, for His saints whom he reconciled.
6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John bore witness about him, and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.'" 16And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.
[I had originally took the words to an older hymn called “O Beautiful Savior” and arranged my own music to it. I was not satisfied with that and felt that God and myself would be better served if I wrote a hymn for my generation. I kept the title because it was the only thing I could think of while I was experiencing God’s truth. I have included John 1:1-18 beneath the song for you to read and consider.]
O Beautiful Savior
Meditation of John 1:1-18
Meditation of John 1:1-18
v.1
Jesus eternal, before the foundations, in the light of the Fathers love.
In the company of angels, and love adoration, left Your throne to bid Your Fathers will.
v.2
King of creation, Lord of the nations, in the darkness brought the light.
Our hearts reviled You, crucified You, yet in Your joy endured our plight.
v.3
In perfect submission, a life of affliction, on the cross was crucified.
Satan’s defeated, my sin is forgiven, and the Father is glorified!
v. 4
Alive and risen, in supreme exaltation, sitting at the Father’s side.
Interceding, always pleading, for His saints whom he reconciled.
Chorus
O beautiful Savior, King of all glory, Son of God full of grace and truth!
Let glory and honor, praise adulation, ascribe to Your name in all the earth!
O beautiful Savior, King of all glory, Son of God full of grace and truth!
Let glory and honor, praise adulation, ascribe to Your name in all the earth!
John 1:1-18 (ESV)
The Word Became Flesh 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John bore witness about him, and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.'" 16And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.
What a beautiful song you have written. I would love to someday write songs of my Savior and Lord, but alas I don't have that kind of talent. But I can enjoy other people's work and how they enjoy singing to their Savior and God.
ReplyDeleteIt was one of my goals this year to write a song...
Keep singing and writing of your Savior's love!
Living4Jesus