Jesus Love Me, ELW 595
Devotion
Jesus loves me! this I know,
for the Bible tells me so;
little ones to him belong,
they are weak, but he is strong.
Refrain
Yes, Jesus loves me,
yes, Jesus loves me,
yes, Jesus loves me,
the Bible tells me so.
Jesus loves me! he who died
heaven's gates to open wide;
he will wash away my sin,
let his little child come in. Refrain
Jesus loves me! he will stay
close beside me all the way;
when at last I come to die,
he will take me home on high. Refrain
Such a simple song. Written by Anna Warner in 1860 and set to music by William Bradbury, who added the chorus, in 1862, it encapsulates the "good news" in words even a child can grasp. Yet, even though it's considered a children's song, adults will joyfully sing along given the chance. As often as we sing or say that Jesus loves us, though, do we really know it? I believe the words, but the knowing—really? Too often I feel like I should deserve it first by my good works, even though I know better. Maybe that's why this song is such a hit. The words bring assurance through repetition and reference to biblical authority. The rhyme and tune drive it into our subconscious. We need all the help we can get!
Prayer
Yes, you really do love me, Jesus. Help me to know your love and show your love to others. Amen.