I heard the voice of Jesus say

Jesus is always near us to bring us to His rest

Thank you! That song really blessed me.

What a blessing to sing this hymn this morning as I wake up here in Pennsylvania! I sang this hymn many times as a child of missionaries in India. And it is just as true in my seventies with dementia settling in as it was as a child, if not more so!!!

May God be praised for revealing this wonderful words to us at such a time like this.

The tune is divine, the lyrics are inspired by the Holy Ghost. Look and live. Wow! I'm awed.

Thank you O God. I love you.

Oh, how refreshing this hymn is to my soul. I've found in him a resting place and he has made me glad.

This hymn points to three of the Lord’s personal invitations to mankind, which are followed by human responses and their spiritual results:

Stanza one-Come to Me (Matthew 11:28); I came, I found rest and gladness.

Stanza two-Drink of My Living Water

(John 4:10, 13-14); I came, drank, and life revived.

Stanza three-Look Upon My Light ( John 8:12); I looked and shall henceforth walk in that light.

The music for this text, was written in 1868 by John B. Dykes, noted English musician of the nineteenth century. The hymn tune’s name, “Vox Dilecti, ” is Latin for “Voice of the Beloved. ” As is true of all of Dykes’ tunes, this music is characterized by the expressive quality of the typical Romanticism of that era.

He also wrote the music for hymns such as “Holy, Holy, Holy” (No. 6), “Jesus the Very thought of Thee” (No. 209) and “Father to Thee A Joyful Song We Raise” (No. 52).

Horatius Bonar is by many considered to be one of Scotland’s most gifted evangelical ministers and hymn writers. He was born on December 19, 1908 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

In 1843, He became active in promoting the Free Church Movement because a split had occurred in the established Church of Scotland. Bonar was a man who had great energy and ability. He was a zealous

soul-winner, scholar of the Scriptures, and eloquent Presbyterian preacher.

One of his tracts, “Believe and Live, ” had more than a million copies published. Bonar wrote approximately 600 hymns, 100 of which are still used today.

“I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say” is considered his finest hymn. It first appeared in his collection “Hymns, Original and Selected” in 1846 and later in his “Hymns of the Faith and Hope” in 1862 with the title “The Voice from Galilee. ”

Bonar wrote this hymn while pastoring the Presbyterian Church at Kelso, Scotland. He had a love for children and was burdened that they learn about Christ and His person at an early age. Even though he had a simple writing style, his hymns contain deep spiritual truths.

Horatius Bonar died on July 31, 1889 and is buried beside his wife in Canongate Kirkyard.

Listening to Premier Christian Radio Hearts and Hymns Sunday8. 40 heard the author’s story. He and his wife lost 5 babies but here we have his response what a comfort and encouragement to be a Pilgrim don't give up Christ has you in mind!

I am just meditating on this hymn in the aircraft right about now with tears and passion for my Christ and Saviour. Thank you Jesus.

I wonder what Horatius Bonar would think if he knew that people from all over the world would be appreciating his hymn more than 150 years later. His body is buried in the Canongate in Edinburgh from where he awaits the resurrection.

This hymn is indeed soothing to the soul. It’s also very refreshing to the weary one.