The Pender UMC Traditional Service Final Hymn “Since Jesus Came into My Heart”, Sunday March 17, 2024 was played by Hetty Jacobs on piano and sung by the Sanctuary Choir and congregation. This was the fifth Sunday in Lent.
Rufus Henry McDaniel, ordained in 1873, turned his profound grief into a timeless hymn after losing his son Herschel in 1913. In 1914, he crafted "Since Jesus Came into My Heart," a gospel hymn that beautifully encapsulates the transformative journey of faith, resonating with personal salvation experiences. McDaniel's choice of repeating the impactful phrase "since Jesus came into my heart" throughout the hymn emphasizes the deep-seated change brought by faith.
Scriptural Foundation:
The hymn's message is deeply rooted in scripture, particularly in 2 Corinthians 5:17, which declares, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" This verse perfectly encapsulates the transformative journey that McDaniel illustrates through his hymn.
Experiencing Transformation:
Each verse of the hymn narrates the significant shift from a life of wandering to one of purpose and direction, akin to the lost son's return in Luke 15:24. This parable and the hymn alike celebrate the restoration and new life found in coming home to the Father through Jesus Christ.
Joy in Salvation:
The hymn exudes a joy that resonates with 1 Peter 1:8-9, which speaks of "an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." McDaniel's lyrics mirror this joy, reflecting the profound inner peace and satisfaction that accompany salvation.
Navigating Life's Journey:
In "Since Jesus Came into My Heart," there's a clear narrative of moving from life's aimless wandering to walking a path illuminated by Christ's love, reminiscent of Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." The hymn emphasizes the guidance and clarity Jesus brings to our lives.
Eternal Perspective:
The hymn concludes with a forward-looking view, expressing hope and assurance in the eternal life promised in John 14:2-3, where Jesus assures, "In my Father’s house are many rooms... I am going there to prepare a place for you." McDaniel’s lyrics affirm the believer's hope of dwelling with Christ forever.
"Since Jesus Came into My Heart" is not just a hymn but a profound testament to the enduring power of faith and the unifying journey of believers. It continues to inspire and resonate within the global Christian community, proving the timeless nature of McDaniel's heartfelt composition.
In sum, "Since Jesus Came into My Heart" is a vibrant declaration of the radical change and boundless joy that come with a life surrendered to Christ, offering a blueprint for the Christian walk that is guided by faith, illuminated by divine love, and anchored in eternal hope.
Closing Prayer:
Dear Lord, we thank You for the profound changes You instigate in our lives. Like the joyful declarations in "Since Jesus Came into My Heart," we too celebrate the new life, direction, and hope You have gifted us. May our lives continue to reflect the transformative power of Your love and grace. Amen.
