I Love to Tell the Story (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 661)
1 I love to tell the story
of unseen things above,
of Jesus and his glory,
of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story,
because I know it’s true;
it satisfies my longings
as nothing else would do.
Refrain:
I love to tell the story;
’twill be my theme in glory
to tell the old, old story
of Jesus and his love.
2 I love to tell the story:
how pleasant to repeat
what seems, each time I tell it,
more wonderfully sweet!
I love to tell the story,
for some have never heard
the message of salvation
from God’s own holy word. [Refrain]
3 I love to tell the story,
for those who know it best
seem hungering and thirsting
to hear it like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory,
I sing the new, new song,
I’ll sing the old, old story
that I have loved so long. [Refrain]
Text: Katherine Hankey; Music: William E. Fischer; Public Domain
Devotion
The story told by Cleopas on the road to Emmaus and the story told by Peter to the people in Jerusalem are woven into the fabric of my life. I trust that all of you reading these words today have the story written on your hearts, as well. Why do we keep telling this story over and over? Because Jesus invites us to tell and retell the story, for as this hymn reminds us, “for some have never heard the message of salvation.” Our faith in Jesus Christ compels us to share the hope found in salvation. To share the gift of grace. To bask in the love of God. God’s love is infinite, and God’s gift of grace is for everyone. Share the love of God by sharing the story you know so well. When you tell the story, you are sharing the message of salvation.
Prayer
Loving God, we give thanks for the abundant love you show us and the gift of grace you continually give to us. Let us go forth and live out our Lord’s story as we endeavor to be Christ in the world for those who need to know and experience your loving mercy and grace. Amen.