Amidst Us Our Beloved Stands

Many people are familiar with the 19th Century preacher Charles Spurgeon, who lived from 1834 - 1892. Spurgeon was the world famous pastor of Metropolitan Tabernacle in London for 38 years. His weekly sermons were transcribed, published, and distributed all over the English-speaking world. 

But, fewer people are familiar with him as a hymn-writer, editor and curator of the songs sung by his congregation. His aim in writing and editing hymns for use in his church had two primary purposes: 1. to aid in worship, and 2. to aid in the exposition of Scripture. He believed that singing should not only lift the heart, but instruct the mind.  

As we prepare for the Lord's Supper this coming Sunday, I wanted to present one of his more critically acclaimed works as an aid to meditation and preparation. The stated title is "Jesu's Presence Delightful," but many know it by its first line: Amidst us our Beloved stands. (See text to the left).

Spurgeon had a different attitude toward's the Lord's Supper than many of his Baptist comtemporaries in that he insisted on the "spiritual presence of Christ" we experience at the Table.

I appreciate Spurgeon's emphasis in this hymn of the real communion we have with Christ, and one another, when we partake of the Lord's Supper. There is a true fellowship to be had with our Lord and Savior who is truly spiritually standing "amidst us."  

This hymn is part declaration of truth, and part petition that God would enable us to see and experience these glorious truths personally in our lives. 

I have included the link to a video where the hymn is sung to the tune of "When I Survey." 

I hope you will take time to meditate this week in preparation for our communion with Christ, and one another, this coming Lord's Day.

His...yours,