"I Love To Tell The Story"

Is this hymn familiar to you? It should be since it has been sung in churches since the late 1800's when in 1869 William G. Fischer put music to Arabella Katherine Hankey's poem "The Old, Old Story." It was always one of my favorites on Sunday mornings as a young lad. The message it gives resonates very powerfully to those today who claim the name of Christ.

I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story, because I know 'tis true;
It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.

Today there are millions of Christians around the world but two thousand years ago there were only twelve. This is the same story they told that began touching hearts. It is the story of a King and Saviour who gave up His throne in heaven to take on human flesh and save His creation from its sinfulness which kept it separated from Him. Just like the first twelve who knew the true story, we today know the truth. But, unfortunately many of us fail to share the truth even though we know it can satisfy the human longing when nothing else can or will do.

I love to tell the story; more wonderful it seems
Than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams.
I love to tell the story; it did so much for me;
And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.

Yes this wonderful story goes untold to millions of lost souls who become even more lost in dreams that can never be fulfilled. Dreams of earthly things that will soon pass away as if they never were. The story has brought Salvation and a peace which goes beyond our understanding to so many, did it not for you? Should we not all want that for those God places in our path?

I love to tell the story; 'tis pleasant to repeat what seems,
Each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet.
I love to tell the story, for some have never heard
The message of Salvation from God's own Holy Word.

In today's society, with every mention of God being removed from public view and his word being suppressed or corrupted, there are many who have never heard this marvelous story. There are many who will not find and know how God loved them so much He was willing to die for them, unless those who claim His name take a stand and tell them. The Apostles took a stand and died horrible deaths. Christians in many countries like Asia, Africa and India are taking a stand and telling the story and paying for it with their lives but Christians here in the States face at the worst laughter or ridicule, certainly not death, at least not yet.

I love to tell the story, for those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song,
'Twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.

Yes, contrary to popular belief there are still millions who are hungering and thirsting for truth and waiting to hear it from someone. Who knows, maybe that someone is you!

Luke 12:8 KJV Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

I truly believe that it will not be long now before I hear the words of Jesus --- "Well done my good and faithful servant" as I stand before Him and the angels of heaven.

Luke 12:9 KJV But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

Don't worry if you fit into this category, you won't hear His words denying you, before the angels, for at least another thousand years at the great white throne judgment. I guess you can see how strongly God feels about His children following His commands!

Matthew 28:18-20 ¹⁸And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. ¹⁹Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: ²⁰Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Jesus chastised the Pharisees for not being able to discern the times and of His coming even though there are over 300 prophecies in the Old Testament that tell of Him. If you live with the gift of the Holy Spirit then you know all the prophecies of the end before He comes back for His bride have been fulfilled and His return is imminent.

Matthew 24:44 KJV Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

Is this not the "think not generation?" We go about our business, eating, drinking, planning for the future and never giving a thought to how close the time is until His return. All Christians should be in constant prayer for the souls of the lost and taking every opportunity to tell those we love, our friends and neighbors and even our enemies the Old, Old Story of Jesus and His Love, unless of course you don't want to share eternity with them and obey the words of your creator. God Does!

1 Timothy 2:1-6 KJV I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth?
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

I exhort you today to not let any opportunity pass you by to tell the Old, Old Story of Jesus and His Love, you may never get another chance! Can you think of a better way to honor the one who gave His life for you?

Bob Goulding ©