The hymn “Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross” is a classic Christian song that has been sung by believers for generations. It is a beautiful and powerful song that speaks of the importance of staying close to the cross of Jesus Christ. The lyrics of this hymn are a reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us and the love that he has for us.
The History of “Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross”
The hymn “Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross” was written by Fanny Crosby in 1869. Fanny Crosby was a blind American hymn writer who wrote over 8,000 hymns during her lifetime. She was known for her poetic lyrics and her ability to write hymns that were easy to sing and easy to remember.
It is said that Fanny Crosby was inspired to write this hymn after hearing a sermon on the importance of staying close to the cross of Jesus Christ. This sermon had a profound impact on her and she felt compelled to write a hymn that would share this message with others.
The Lyrics of “Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross”
The lyrics of “Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross” are simple yet powerful. The first verse goes:
“Jesus, keep me near the cross;
There a precious fountain,
Free to all, a healing stream,
Flows from Calvary’s mountain.”
This verse speaks of the importance of staying close to the cross of Jesus Christ. It reminds us that at the foot of the cross, there is a precious fountain that is available to all. This fountain is a healing stream that flows from Calvary’s mountain, where Jesus was crucified for our sins.
The second verse goes:
“Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the bright and morning star
Sheds its beams around me.”
This verse speaks of the power of the cross to bring love and mercy to those who come to it. It reminds us that when we come to the cross, we are embraced by the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. It also speaks of the bright and morning star, which sheds its beams around us when we are near the cross.
The third verse goes:
“Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day,
With its shadow o’er me.”
This verse speaks of the need for us to keep the scenes of the cross before us. It reminds us that we need to remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for us and to keep it in our minds and hearts as we go about our daily lives. It also asks for the help of Jesus to walk from day to day with the shadow of the cross over us.
The Message of “Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross”
The message of “Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross” is a powerful one. It reminds us of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us and the love that he has for us. It also reminds us of the importance of staying close to the cross of Jesus Christ, where we can find healing, love, and mercy.
The message of this hymn is particularly relevant in today’s world, where there is so much suffering and pain. It reminds us that no matter what we are going through, Jesus is always there for us, ready to heal us and comfort us.
Conclusion
“Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross” is a beautiful and powerful hymn that speaks to the hearts of believers everywhere. Its message of staying close to the cross of Jesus Christ is one that is as relevant today as it was when it was first written over a century ago.
