Day 22: Before the Throne of God Above -Shane & Shane Version

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Some worship music needs to be sung to be appreciated.  The emotion of the music informs the words and the spirit within.  However, there are gems in the hymnal that can stir your soul without a single note being played.  These songs were usually written as poetry first then adapted and set to music later.  Today's song is a beautiful example of Christian poetry coming out of Ireland in the mid-1800s.  See the original poem below:

Background

Originally written as poetry by Charitie Lees Smith, this song had no accompanying music and has been set to many different tunes over the years.  The current rendition seen in the videos below has stood as the most recent and most popular version of the melody.

When Ms. Smith published her own set of hymns she included this one with the note:

"May these verses find an echo in other hearts, and be of help, especially in hours of trial, by reminding of a Saviour’s sympathy and a Father’s love. May they help some to take humbly and patiently the chastisement which is sent, not less in tenderness than in wisdom. We are ‘not as yet come to the rest, and the inheritance.’ Thank God, we shall soon enjoy both!"

As for myself, when I think of the throne of God I picture kneeling before the throne like a knight that is being knighted.  There is that moment when the knight pledges absolute fealty to the King and the King takes a large broadsword and stretches the blade out to place it gently on each shoulder.  In that moment, all power and honor and strength belong to the King but He is bestowing honor and strength on the knight saying "Rise, Sir Insert-Your-Name-Here." For me, this song is a reminder of that vision of relationship with God.  We are His and as the song says, "When Satan tempts me to despair and tells me of the guilt within, upward I look and see him there who made an end of all my sin."

Lyrics

Verse 1:
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea;
a great High Priest whose name is Love,
who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on his hands,
my name is written on his heart.
I know that while in heav'n he stands
no tongue can bid me thence depart,
no tongue can bid me thence depart.

Verse 2:
When Satan tempts me to despair
and tells me of the guilt within,
upward I look and see him there
who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died,
my sinful soul is counted free;
for God the just is satisfied
to look on him and pardon me,
to look on him and pardon me.

Verse 3:
Behold him there, the risen Lamb,
my perfect, spotless righteousness,
the great unchangeable I AM,
the King of glory and of grace.
At one with him, I cannot die;
my soul is purchased by his blood.
My life is hid with Christ on high,
with Christ my Savior and my God,
with Christ my Savior and my God.

Abundant Life Fellowship Version

Shane & Shane Version

Final Thoughts

I am really enjoying writing about a hymn or worship song every day for 30 days.  I may continue beyond 30 days, or I may spread them out a bit more.  If these are helping you in any way please comment below to encourage me.  If you want to join me in reading one of these each day, check out my 30 Day Worship Challenge Page.

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