Fervent Desire for the Saviour's Return

Introduction

The 25th hymn of the Christian Harp, "I Want to See Jesus," encapsulates the longing of believers throughout history for the return of our Saviour. This hymn has resonated with Christians for more than a century, inspiring countless hearts to yearn for His presence.

The Author's Yearning

The hymn was penned by Fanny Crosby, a blind hymn writer who lived from 1820 to 1915. Despite her physical limitations, Crosby possessed an unwavering faith and a profound desire to see Jesus. This longing is evident in her other hymns, such as "Blessed Assurance" and "Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour."

The Hymn's Structure

The hymn consists of four stanzas, each expressing a different facet of the believer's desire for Jesus' return. The first stanza focuses on the anticipation of His presence, while the second highlights the helplessness of the believer apart from Christ. The third stanza emphasizes the need for His guidance and the fourth proclaims the joy that will come with His return.

The Hymn's Message

The message of the hymn is clear: believers long for the return of Jesus Christ. This longing is not merely a sentimental desire but a profound spiritual need. We yearn for His presence, guidance, and redemption. When He returns, we will be transformed and glorified (1 Corinthians 15:51-53).

The Importance of Hope

The hymn reminds us of the importance of hope in the Christian life. In a world often filled with darkness and despair, hope sustains us and points us toward the future glory that awaits us in Christ. When we fix our eyes on Jesus and His return, we find strength and encouragement to persevere through life's challenges.

The Power of Prayer

The hymn also encourages us to pray for Jesus' return. In the third stanza, the believer cries out, "O Lord, hear my pleading." Our prayers for His return may not always be answered immediately, but they express our desire and prepare our hearts for His coming.

The Comfort of God's Presence

While we wait for Jesus' return, we are not left alone. God's presence comforts and sustains us. In the second stanza, the believer declares, "Though dark be the way, my star shines on me bright." Even in the midst of adversity, God's presence illumines our path and guides us toward His desired destination.

The Joy of His Return

The final stanza of the hymn erupts in a chorus of joy and anticipation. The believer proclaims, "I'll see Him with rapture and dwell in His sight." The return of Jesus will bring an eternal end to our sorrows and a joy that surpasses all understanding.

Lessons from the Hymn

The hymn "I Want to See Jesus" teaches us several important lessons:

• The importance of longing for Jesus' return
• The power of hope in the Christian life
• The efficacy of prayer
• The comfort of God's presence
• The future joy of being with Christ

Humorous Stories

Story 1:

A young boy asked his grandmother if she would live long enough to see Jesus return. She replied, "Well, I hope not. I'm not dressed for the occasion!"

Lesson: We should always be prepared for the return of Jesus, regardless of our age or circumstances.

Story 2:

A friend asked a Christian man, "What would you do if you knew Jesus was coming back tomorrow?" He replied, "I'd get my shoes shined."

Lesson: It's important to be practical in our preparation for Jesus' return.

Story 3:

A preacher was giving a sermon about the return of Jesus. He said, "When Jesus comes back, the righteous will go up to heaven, and the wicked will go down to hell." A little girl in the congregation looked confused. She asked, "What about the rest of us?"

Lesson: We need to be sure that we are prepared for Jesus' return, both spiritually and practically.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When will Jesus return?
There is no specific date given in the Bible for Jesus' return. However, we know that it will occur during the end times.

2. What will happen when Jesus returns?
Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead. The righteous will be rewarded with eternal life, while the wicked will be condemned to eternal punishment.

3. How can I prepare for Jesus' return?
We can prepare for Jesus' return by:
* Repenting of our sins and accepting Jesus as our Saviour
* Living a holy life
* Sharing the gospel with others
* Praying for His return

Conclusion

The hymn "I Want to See Jesus" is a powerful reminder of the hope that sustains believers throughout history. As we anticipate the return of our Saviour, we find comfort in His presence, pray for His coming, and long for the day when we will see Him face to face. May this hymn inspire us to live each day in readiness for that glorious event.

Additional Resources

• The Story Behind "I Want to See Jesus"
• Fanny Crosby Biography
• The Importance of Hope in the Christian Life

Tables

Table 1: The Four Stanzas of "I Want to See Jesus"

Table 2: The Effects of Jesus' Return

Table 3: Preparing for Jesus' Return