Have you ever thought of the hymns you sing every day? I mean the actual words and the story behind them?
Recently, I’ve been a little curious as to where and how these great hymns and songs came to fruition. When you start to read about the story that’s behind every song, I can guarantee you a better and deeper understanding of what you are singing. So let’s take a little dive into this great hymn Victory in Jesus… Shall we!?!
Eugene M. Barlett, Jr., born on Christmas Eve in 1885 near Waynesville, Missouri, was a singer, composer, and quite a successful businessman. He was a very skilled musician and for that reason, he founded the Harford Music Company. Filled with enthusiasm and a love for God, he taught many people how to write music, sing, and harmonize. As you can see, Mr. Barlett was living a peaceful and joy-filled life, when suddenly tragedy struck. In 1939, a stroke put Mr. Barlett in a paralytic state and confined him to his bed for two years until his death.
It was at this dark moment in his life that Eugene M. Barlett wrote “Victory in Jesus” a hymn that has touched the hearts of so many people throughout the centuries.
I heard an old, old story, how a Savior came from glory, How He gave His life on Calvary, to save a wretch like me;
Although the circumstances were very grim, God inspired Mr. Barlett to write this hymn. He wanted him to remember that no matter how harsh the moments he was going through were, God paid the ultimate price for him.
Christ redeemed us!!!!! He redeemed you and me through His blood on the cross!!
That’s what you should remember when you sing this beautiful hymn.
He saved a wretch like me!
Full Lyrics:
I heard an old, old story,
how a Savior came from glory,
How He gave His life on Calvary,
to save a wretch like me;
I heard about His groaning,
of His precious blood's atoning,
Then I repented of my sins
and won the victory.
Oh victory in Jesus, my Savior, forever!
He sought me and bought me
with His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him,
and all my love is due Him-
He plunged me to victory
beneath the cleansing flood.
I heard about His healing,
of His cleansing pow'r revealing,
How He made the lame
to walk again and caused the blind to see;
And then I cried, "Dear Jesus,
come and heal my broken spirit,"
And somehow Jesus came
and brought to me the victory.
Oh victory in Jesus, my Savior, forever!
He sought me and bought me
with His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him,
and all my love is due Him-
He plunged me to victory
beneath the cleansing flood.
I heard about a mansion
He has built for me in glory,
And I heard about the streets of gold
beyond the crystal sea;
About the angels singing
and the old redemption story-
And some sweet day I'll sing up there
the song of victory.
Oh victory in Jesus, my Savior, forever!
He sought me and bought me
with His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him,
and all my love is due Him-
He plunged me to victory
beneath the cleansing flood.
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