Come Thou long expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free,
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find, our rest in Thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art.
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.
Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child, and yet a King.
Born to reign in us forever,
Now, Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal Spirit,
Rule in all our hearts alone,
By thine own sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
By thine own eternal Spirit,
Rule in all our hearts alone.
By thine own sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
Come Lord Jesus,
Come quickly Lord,
Come Thou home!
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus Video
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus by Steve Green: A Message of Hope and Redemption
Introduction:
"Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus" is a beloved hymn that has been sung by Christians for centuries. It was written by Charles Wesley, an influential English hymn writer, and was first published in 1744. The song has since become a staple in many Christian worship services and has been recorded by numerous artists, including Steve Green.
The Song's Key Messages:
The lyrics of "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus" beautifully express several key messages that resonate with believers around the world. Let's unpack these messages chronologically from the lines.
1. "Come, Thou long-expected Jesus":
The song begins with a plea for Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah, to come. This line acknowledges the anticipation and longing of God's people throughout history for the arrival of their Savior. It reflects the hope that Jesus brings, fulfilling the prophecies and promises of God.
2. "Born to set Thy people free":
This line highlights the purpose of Jesus' birth – to liberate humanity from sin and bondage. It echoes the words of Isaiah 61:1, which Jesus himself quoted in Luke 4:18: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed."
3. "From our fears and sins release us":
Here, the song acknowledges the universal human experience of fear and sin. It recognizes that apart from Jesus, we are bound by our shortcomings and the consequences of our actions. The plea for release reflects the deep desire for forgiveness and redemption.
4. "Let us find our rest in Thee":
This line speaks to the longing of the human soul for true rest and peace. It acknowledges that true rest can only be found in Jesus, who offers rest for the weary and burdened (Matthew 11:28-30). It is an invitation to find solace and comfort in the arms of the Savior.
5. "Israel's strength and consolation":
This phrase refers to Jesus as the strength and comfort of God's chosen people, Israel. It alludes to the prophecies in the Old Testament that foretold the coming of a Savior who would bring hope and consolation to the nation.
6. "Hope of all the earth Thou art":
This line expands the scope of Jesus' impact beyond Israel. It emphasizes that Jesus is not only the hope of Israel but also the hope of the entire world. He is the source of hope for all humanity, regardless of nationality or background.
7. "Dear desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart":
These lines beautifully capture the universal longing for Jesus, the desire for a Savior that resides in the hearts of people from every nation. It recognizes that true joy and fulfillment can only be found in Jesus. This echoes the Psalms, which repeatedly speak of finding joy and satisfaction in God alone.
The Meaning of the Song:
"Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus" is a song of hope and longing. It encapsulates the deep yearning for Jesus to come, fulfill His promises, and bring redemption to a broken world. The song invites believers to find rest, freedom, and joy in the person of Jesus Christ. It acknowledges that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's plan for salvation and the source of hope for all humanity.
Song Inspiration and Story:
While there isn't a specific story behind the composition of "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus" by Charles Wesley, it is believed that Wesley drew inspiration from his deep faith and knowledge of Scripture. As a prolific hymn writer, Wesley often wrote songs that expressed his theological beliefs and the longings of his heart. He sought to convey biblical truths and offer a means of worship and prayer for believers.
Is the Song Biblical?
To critically analyze the biblical foundation of "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus," we need to examine the lyrics in light of Scripture. The song draws heavily from biblical themes and passages, reflecting the theological truths taught in the Bible.
The plea for Jesus' arrival aligns with numerous prophecies in the Old Testament that foretold the coming of a Messiah (e.g., Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6). The acknowledgment of Jesus' mission to set people free from sin and fear echoes the teachings of Jesus himself (e.g., John 8:36, 2 Timothy 1:7).
The invitation to find rest in Jesus reflects His own words in Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." The recognition of Jesus as the hope of all the earth and the desire of every nation aligns with the biblical teaching that salvation is available to all who believe (e.g., Acts 4:12, Romans 10:12-13).
In conclusion, "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus" by Steve Green is a powerful hymn that encapsulates the hope and longing for Jesus' coming. Its key messages of freedom, rest, and joy in Christ resonate with believers worldwide. The song draws heavily from biblical themes and teachings, reflecting the foundational truths of the Christian faith. As believers sing this hymn, they are reminded of their need for Jesus, their hope in Him, and the joy found in His redemptive work.
