1 JESUS, the word bestow,
The true immortal seed;
Thy gospel then shall greatly grow,
And all our land o'erspread;
Through earth extended wide
Shall mightily prevail,
Destroy the works of self and pride,
And shake the gates of hell.
2 Its energy exert
In the believing soul;
Diffuse thy grace through every part,
And sanctify the whole;
Its utmost virtue show
In pure consummate love,
And fill with all thy life below,
And give us thrones above.
Charles Wesley Music Worship
Jesus, The Word Bestow Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Jesus, The Word Bestow: A Deep Dive into Charles Wesley's Hymn
Introduction:
In this in-depth analysis, we will explore the hymn titled "Jesus, The Word Bestow" by Charles Wesley. This hymn, like many others written by Wesley, is rich in theological significance and spiritual depth. We will examine the main key messages of the song, its meaning, and any available inspiration or song story. Furthermore, we will critically analyze the song's biblical foundation, supported by relevant biblical references.
1. Exploring the Main Key Messages:
The hymn "Jesus, The Word Bestow" begins with the lines: "Jesus, the Word bestow, the true immortal seed; Thy gospel then shall greatly grow, and all our land o'erspread." Here, Wesley highlights the power of Jesus as the Word of God, the divine seed that, when planted, grows and spreads the gospel throughout the land. The emphasis is on the transformative impact of the gospel message when it is received and shared with others.
Moving forward, the hymn continues: "Through earth extended wide shall mightily prevail, destroy the works of self and pride, and shake the gates of hell." Wesley proclaims the triumph of the gospel as it reaches every corner of the earth, challenging and defeating the works of self-centeredness and pride. The imagery of shaking the gates of hell emphasizes the power of Christ to overcome the forces of darkness and bring about redemption and salvation.
2. Unraveling the Meaning:
The meaning of "Jesus, The Word Bestow" lies in its recognition of Jesus as the divine Word and the transformative power of the gospel. Wesley acknowledges that when Jesus is received and His message spreads, it has the potential to greatly impact individuals and societies. Through the gospel, the stronghold of sin and pride can be broken, paving the way for salvation and a renewed life in Christ.
This hymn serves as a call to action, reminding believers of their role in sharing the gospel and participating in its expansion throughout the world. It recognizes the authority and potency of Jesus' teachings and encourages believers to actively engage in the destruction of self-centeredness and the works of darkness.
3. Inspiration and Song Story:
Wesley, along with his brother John Wesley, played a significant role in the 18th-century Methodist movement, preaching and spreading the gospel throughout England and beyond.
It is evident that Wesley's hymns were heavily influenced by his deep faith and his desire to communicate the transformative power of the gospel. As a prolific writer, he composed thousands of hymns, many of which were sung during Methodist gatherings and contributed to the spiritual revival of the time.
4. Critical Analysis of Biblical Foundation:
To critically analyze the biblical foundation of "Jesus, The Word Bestow," we need to examine the alignment of its key messages with biblical teachings. Let us explore the biblical references that support the hymn's main ideas:
a. Jesus as the Word: The concept of Jesus as the Word is rooted in John 1:1, which states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This verse affirms Jesus' divine nature and His role in creation. Therefore, Wesley's reference to Jesus as the Word aligns with biblical truth.
b. Spreading the Gospel: The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:19-20, instructs believers to "go and make disciples of all nations." This command emphasizes the importance of spreading the gospel and making disciples. Wesley's hymn echoes this biblical mandate, emphasizing the growth and spread of the gospel throughout the land.
c. Overcoming Sin and Pride: The Bible consistently teaches about the destructive nature of sin and the need for humility. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Additionally, 1 John 3:8 states, "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work." Wesley's hymn aligns with these biblical teachings by highlighting the gospel's power to destroy the works of self and pride.
d. Triumph Over Evil: The imagery of shaking the gates of hell in Wesley's hymn reflects Jesus' victory over death and the forces of darkness. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declares, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." This verse affirms the authority and power of Christ to conquer evil. Therefore, Wesley's imagery finds biblical support.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, "Jesus, The Word Bestow" by Charles Wesley is a hymn that emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus as the Word of God and the spreading of the gospel message. Its main key messages highlight the potential for the gospel to impact individuals and societies, destroy sin and pride, and triumph over evil. Furthermore, a critical analysis of its biblical foundation reveals strong support for its theological claims. Overall, "Jesus, The Word Bestow" stands as a testament to the enduring power and relevance of the gospel message.
