April 17, 2005

Burdens are Lifted at Calvary

Words and Music by John M. Moore, 1925

    Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30.

 
    Today's featured hymn was written in 1952 by one of our contemporary song writers, John M. Moore, currently a Baptist pastor and evangelist in Toronto, Canada. The hymn was prompted by an experience that Dr. Moore had while serving as the assistant superintendent of the Seaman's chapel in Glasgow, Scotland, one of that area's outstanding evangelistic centers. He recalls:
 

    I wrote Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary after a most interesting experience. The company secretary of a large shipping firm telephoned the Seaman's Chapel and requested that I visit a young merchant seaman who was lying critically ill in a Glasgow hospital. After getting permission from the nursing sister, I went in to visit the young sailor. I talked for a few moments and then put my hand in my case for a tract, not knowing which one I would pull out. It happened to be a tract based on 'Pilgrim's Progress', with a color reproduction of Pilgrim coming to the cross with a great burden on his back. I showed the young seaman this picture and told him the story in brief, adding that Pilgrim's experience had been my experience too. I explained that when I came to the cross of Christ, my burden rolled away and my sense of sin and guilt before God was removed. He nodded his head when I asked him, 'Do you feel this burden on your back today?' We prayed together and never shall I forget the smile of peace and assurance that lit up his face when he said that his burden was lifted!

    Later that night, sitting by the fireside with paper and pen, I could not get the thought out of my mind--his burden is lifted! I started writing, but never for a moment did I imagine that this little hymn would become a favorite throughout the world. Since that time, I hear of people all over the world who are being blessed and saved through the singing of this hymn.

Days are filled with sorrow and care
Hearts are lonely and drear;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary - Jesus is very near.

Cast your care on Jesus today,
Leave your worry and fear;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary - Jesus is very near.

Troubled soul, the Saviour can see
Every heartache and tear;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary - Jesus is very near.

Chorus:
Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Calvary, Calvary;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary - Jesus is very near.