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Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Church Music: My Jesus Fair

Also on my list of favorite doctrinal church music is the hymn "My Jesus Fair."  I haven't found any information on the story behind its writing, but it's message is great.  Some friends introduced it to me at CYIA several years ago, and it has become a avorite.  Since it might be unfamiliar, I've included a recording at the bottom of the page.  It's a bit "choral," but will an idea of the melody.

 My Jesus, fair, was pierced by thorns,
By thorns grown from the fall.
Thus He who gave the curse was torn
To end that curse for all.


My Jesus, meek, was scorned by men,
By men in blasphemy.
“Father, forgive their senseless sin!”
He prayed, for them, for me.


Chorus:
O love divine, O matchless grace-
That God should die for men!
With joyful grief I lift my praise,
Abhorring all my sin,
Adoring only Him.


My Jesus, kind, was torn by nails,
By nails of cruel men.
And to His cross, as grace prevailed,
God pinned my wretched sin.


My Jesus, pure, was crushed by God,
By God, in judgment just.
The Father grieved, yet turned His rod
On Christ, made sin for us.


My Jesus, strong, shall come to reign,
To reign in majesty.
The Lamb arose, and death is slain.
Lord, come in victory!


Chorus:
O love divine, O matchless grace-
That God should die for men!
With joyful grief I lift my praise,
Abhorring all my sin,
Adoring only Him.



2 comments:

  1. Hi Celeste, The author of My Jesus Fair has the following bio located on http://www.churchworksmedia.com/home/chris-anderson/

    There was no particular history but he did write out his doctrinal notes behind the song - quoted below.

    DOCTRINAL NOTES

    Because God delights in worship that is biblical, thoughtful and passionate—what we often call intentional—please consider the following overview of the biblical texts and theological themes behind the hymn My Jesus, Fair:

    Verse 1 focuses on the irony that the curse which was given by God (pictured by the thorns of Genesis 3:18) was actually borne by God at Calvary (pictured by the crown of thorns).

    The chorus expresses wonder at the sacrifice of the Son of God on our behalf, to which we respond with both joy and grief—abhorring our sin and adoring our Savior.

    Verse 2 focuses on the scorn heaped upon our Lord at His trial and death, contrasting it with His silence and prayer for their (and our) forgiveness in Luke 23:34.

    Verse 3 alludes to Colossians 2:14, where Scripture uses the powerful picture of God nailing our sins to the cross even as sinners nailed His Son to the cross.

    Verse 4 is really the pinnacle of the hymn, expressing wonder at the doctrine of propitiation—that God was pleased to crush His Son and satisfied by His atoning death (Isaiah 53:10-11). It is worth considering that while we generally think in terms of the suffering of Christ, the wrath poured upon Him and the breaking of fellowship must have been infinitely grievous to the Father and Spirit, as well. The verse concludes with an allusion to Christ’s being made sin for us from 2 Corinthians 5:21. The more we meditate on the doctrine of propitiation, the more amazed we will be. It is glorious.

    Verse 5 rejoices in Christ’s slaying death by His resurrection and anticipates His glorious return. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20)

    (The notes for My Jesus, Fair were written by Chris Anderson.)
    He also wrote a really neat article on the philosophy of worship music which was short but refreshing. Here is the link in case you want to read... http://www.churchworksmedia.com/about/

    The best part is that he had quite a few songs on the same website that I can't wait to check out. They looked really good. Love ya, Psalm

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for posting, Psalm! Appreciate you looking that information up.

    ReplyDelete