You know it’s possible to attend a service where the person and work of Jesus are scantly referred to and demonstrated to be the ground for the new life which Christians have.
Various truths about God doing wonderful things and redemption are spoken of, and Jesus is referred to as being someone worth knowing and following.
As one of my friends termed it the worship is more ‘Godian’ than ‘Christian’.
That’s why I like songs like Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross. It’s hard to be in a service where this is sung and assert you’ve never encountered the Gospel. Of course each service should have so much more. But this song says a lot.
I like to think this is less sentimental than some of Frances Van Alstyne’s other compositions, but the significance of the subject matter makes it affecting none the less. The tune NEAR THE CROSS by W.H. Doane is universally linked to this song.
The lyrics:
1
Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain;
Free to all, a healing stream,
Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain.
Refrain:
In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever,
Till my ransomed soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.
2
Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star
Shed His beams around me.
[Refrain]
3
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.
[Refrain]
4
Near the cross! I’ll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever;
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river.
[Refrain]
Here’s the sublime Alison Krauss, along with Ron Block on an amateur recording of the song.
The recorder even joins in with some harmonies toward the end.
I’d buy a hymns album from Krauss in a heartbeat.
The song starts about the 45 second mark.
mgpcpastor's blog 