Fanny Crosby’s hymns truly open the eyes of the spiritually blind; with many I’m sure saying, after encountering her hymns, “I once was blind, but now I see.”
There are many historic hymn writers who have shared in their hymns a wealth of insight in regards to Jesus Christ and this Christian life. The hymn writers’ hymns bring people to the foot of God’s throne of grace. They are amazing to sing and fun to study, as the hymns reveal how God moves through His church, throughout generations, in the same way; for He is never changing – Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8.
Fanny Crosby is a woman who became physically blind, when a doctor prescribed a mustard poultice when she was sick as a baby, and yet she lived with such spiritual insight with eyes focused on Jesus Christ. An amazing example in church history.
In studying Fanny Crosby’s hymns, we see her work consistently sharing her heart’s desire and longing to see Jesus Christ, face to face; which leads one to ask, do we, today, have that same desire and longing to see Jesus?
An excerpt from The End: The Book of Revelation
TUESDAY: WORSHIP
“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.” – John 4:23 ESV
Look around you, do you see true worshippers? True worshippers know God and surrender their life to Him – John 4:22. They worship Him by serving Him with gladness; coming before His presence, singing with joy – Psalm 100:2. They have a heart that is right before Him, desiring to honor Him with their life.
God the Father is seeking people who will worship Him in spirit; seeing the Invisible that will become visible upon heaven’s entry – 1 Timothy 1:17. This side of heaven, we walk by faith with a goal to please Him, knowing our faith will be made sight at His perfect time – 2 Corinthians 5:7-10. “For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” – John 4:24 NLT. So you see, when we worship in spirit, we envision God on the throne, as we are at His feet in adoration – Revelation 4:10-11. We believe what God has told us and, thus, worship before Majestic Glory.
God is also seeking people who will worship Him in truth. Truth is reality. It is what is right before our eyes. Truth can never be changed; it stands the test of time – Proverbs 12:19. Truth is absolute. The Word of God is truth. It is a sure foundation. Everlasting. Strong and steadfast. God’s Word will never change – John 1:14; Hebrews 13:8. He has explained how to have right worship. Our worship is to be aligned with His Word of truth.
– Alysa VanderWeerd, The End: The Book of Revelation, 2019
Fanny Crosby’s Hymns
To God Be the Glory, 1875
To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.
Refrain:
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father thro’ Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done.
O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.
Great things he hath taught us, great things He hath done,
And great our rejoicing thro’ Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.
To God be the glory, the victory is won;
Our praise to the Savior has only begun;
In heavens radiant splendor we’ll join with the throng
And praise Him forever with jubilant song.
Study Questions for Fanny Crosby’s Hymn To God Be the Glory
- Write out Galatians 1:4-5.
- Read Revelation 1:5-6. Why do we give God the glory?
- Knowing what God has done for you, how are you going to worship Him and give Him glory today?
- What is this hymn saying? Share its meaning with someone today.
PRAYER:
Father, thank You for sending Jesus Christ to die on the cross for my sins. To God be the glory!