Come Worship with Me

“You must like that song,” said my girlfriend this morning, “You keep playing the same one over and over.” I explained to her that technically it was NOT the same song since different people were singing different arrangements accompanied by different instruments … and some were entirely instrumental. I think she was unconvinced as she walked down the hallway to tend to bed making duties. I did notice her peeking around the corner once in a while to see who it was and at one point she walked away shaking her head and tapping her ear. I took that as a signal that volume 10 on surround sound system with a woofer on the floor might be a bit too loud so I notched it down to volume 9.

The song that captured my attention was recorded in England at Westminster Cathedral in 2020 on Commonwealth Day. In fairness to my girlfriend, listening to 20 different renditions was probably extreme but the lyrics captivated and buoyed my heart as I listened to them over and over, each time with a little different nuance.

And then I came across this gem … It threw me back about 20 years and in my mind’s eye I saw Linda Kline on my left and Evie McCready on my right, playing the organ and piano respectively as I often led the dear folk of Dubuque Bible Church in singing this song. Hearing this Organ/Piano rendition stirred precious memories as well as encouragement for the soul.

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood
Died He for me, who caused His pain
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

He left His Father’s throne above
So free, so infinite His grace
Emptied Himself of all but love
And bled for Adam’s helpless race
‘Tis mercy all, immense and free
For O my God, it found out me!
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light
My chains fell off, my heart was free
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God shouldst die for me?

No condemnation now I dread
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine
Alive in Him, my living Head
And clothed in righteousness divine
Bold I approach the eternal throne
And claim the crown, through Christ my own
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou my God, shouldst die for me?

Speaking of memories, I stumbled across this song that not only stirred memories but brought tears. This was our “theme song” for the years I served Dubuque Bible Church. I still remember the runs up the keyboard of the Piano by Evie … and of course three or four choruses at the end. It was good to visit those memories today. That’s not me in the video, however … He’s much more handsome than me …. just so you know!