“Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross” is a hymn that has been sung in churches around the world for over a century. Its author, Fanny Crosby, was a prolific hymn writer who wrote over 8,000 hymns in her lifetime. This particular hymn has become one of her most famous and is beloved by Christians everywhere.
The Meaning Behind The Lyrics
The lyrics to “Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross” are simple yet powerful. The song is a plea for Jesus to keep the singer close to the cross where he died. The cross is a symbol of the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity, and the singer wants to stay near it as a reminder of that sacrifice.
The first verse of the hymn reads:
Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain—
Free to all, a healing stream—
Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain.
This verse speaks of the healing power of the cross. The fountain of healing that flows from the cross is available to all who come to it. This is a powerful reminder that no matter how broken we are, we can find healing and restoration at the foot of the cross.
The History Of The Hymn
“Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross” was first published in 1869. Fanny Crosby wrote the lyrics and William Doane composed the music. The hymn quickly became popular and has been sung in churches around the world ever since.
Fanny Crosby was a prolific hymn writer who wrote many other famous hymns such as “Blessed Assurance” and “To God Be The Glory”. She was blind from infancy but this did not stop her from writing beautiful hymns that continue to inspire and encourage Christians today.
The Importance Of The Cross
The cross is one of the most important symbols in Christianity. It represents the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity when he died on the cross. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for us to have eternal life.
The cross is a reminder of the love that Jesus has for us. It is a symbol of hope and salvation. When we come to the cross, we are reminded of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us and of the hope that we have in him.
Conclusion
“Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross” is a hymn that has stood the test of time. Its simple yet powerful lyrics continue to inspire and encourage Christians today. The cross is a symbol of hope and salvation, and this hymn reminds us of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross.
