July 24, 2005

Have faith in God –
Seeking to do Christ’s holy will;
Have faith in God –
Each trembling heart with love to fill;
Have faith in God –
We see that cross upon the hill.
Have faith, dear friend, in God.

My Savior First of All

Frances (Fanny) Jane Crosby, 1820-1915

    You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11.

    The strong, triumphant spirit of American hymn writer Fanny Crosby was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Even though she was blind from six weeks of age because of improper medical treatment, she never revealed bitterness or depression. At one time a well-intentioned minister remarked to her:
    "I think it is a great pity that the Maker, when He showered so many gifts upon you, did not give you sight."
    "Do you know," replied Fanny, "if at birth I had been able to make one petition to my Creator, it would have been that I should be born blind."
    "Why?" asked the surprised clergyman.
    "Because when I get to Heaven, the first sight that shall ever gladden my eyes will be that of my Savior!"
    A story about this hymn is told as follows:

    There appeared in London a man who styled himself the messiah, and for many weeks a large crowd was attracted to him. One night, however, as he was talking in one of the open squares in the city, a small band of the Salvation Army passed along, singing,

“I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
By the print of the nails in His hand.”

    The great throng joined in the chorus. Finally, someone pointed at the self-styled Christ and said, “Look at his hands and see if the print of the nails is there.” They did as directed, but no print appeared, and they at once left off following him.

    For Fanny, the anticipation of Heaven was the joy of seeing her Lord "face to face". Although she wrote 8,000 or more gospel song texts on many different subjects, the themes of Heaven and the Lord's return seem to have been her favorites. In no other hymn does she picture more vividly her hope of seeing the beauty of Christ's welcome, standing by His side, and witnessing firsthand His scars of our redemption. What moving scenes Fanny Crosby has created for us to ponder in these vividly worded lines!

When my life work is ended, and I cross the swelling tide,
When the bright and glorious morning I shall see;
I shall know my Redeemer when I reach the other side,
And His smile will be the first to welcome me.

Oh, the soul thrilling rapture when I view His blessèd face,
And the luster of His kindly beaming eye;
How my full heart will praise Him for the mercy, love and grace,
That prepare for me a mansion in the sky.

Oh, the dear ones in glory, how they beckon me to come,
And our parting at the river I recall;
To the sweet vales of Eden they will sing my welcome home;
But I long to meet my Savior first of all.

Through the gates to the city in a robe of spotless white,
He will lead me where no tears will ever fall;
In the glad song of ages I shall mingle with delight;
But I long to meet my Savior first of all.

Chorus:
I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
And redeemed by His side I shall stand,
I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
By the print of the nails in His hand.

Have Faith in God by H.M.S. Richards, Used by Permission