We all love music, even if we
can not all sing very well; for we as Christian’s singing hymn is an integral
part of our Christian service’ it
encourages, motivate, rebuke or teaches one divine truth or another. Little do
many of us know about the story behind such wonderful hymns?
There is a popular hymn sang by
Christian all over the world; Abide with me fast falls the eventide. This Hymn was written by Pastor Henry Francis
Lyte, who had pastored a little congregation for over 24yrs in the south coast
of England-Devonshire. The weather of this place was not that favourable to the
dwellers; they were used to sudden death either at sea or from health
complications. So they were used to the strain of the hymn. He became sickly,
then his doctor recommended a change of environment ‘to soak up the sun’;
that‘s his only hope of recovery said the doctor. With heavy heart he prepared
for the journey and the Sunday before his departure in September 1847, he
ascended the pulpit for the last time to address is congregation thus:
‘I stand among
you today as alive from the death, that I may hope to impress upon you to
prepare for that solemn hour which must come to us all, by a time acquaintance
with death of Christ’.
With such strong words he
begged them to put their trust in Christ the saviour. He commended them to the
Lord in prayer and that same night at home in anguish he penned the words of
the hymn abide with me. Next day he set sail to Nice in Francis in hope of a
better health. Sadly it was not to be,
for just two months later on 20th day of
November he passed on into the Lords presence with the words ‘Joy and Peace’ upon
his lips.
Friends Rev Henry’s ministry
has ended, he has gone into everlasting rest, to his eternal reward. Death is
inevitable, when he comes would you have served faithfully. Don’t leave your
life as if someone has promised you tomorrow. Be transformed and continue to
bear fruits according to your repentance.
Lesson
Learnt
It
is a spiritual waste of time, resources and energy to work only for clothes and
foods
Prayer
Blessed
Lord Jesus, help me today to live a life of purpose before the eventide comes
on me and in my death let me rest in you (Amen)

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