Lent: Day 13

"I Lay My Sins on Jesus"

Text: Horatius Bonar, 1843
Music: Sung to a variety of tunes including MISSIONARY SONG (MASON) and AURELIA

I lay my sins on Jesus,
the spotless Lamb of God;
he bears them all, and frees us
from the accursed load;
I bring my guilt to Jesus,
to wash my crimson stains
white in his blood most precious,
till not a stain remains.

I lay my wants on Jesus;
all fullness dwells in him;
he heals all my diseases,
he doth my soul redeem:
I lay my griefs on Jesus,
my burdens and my cares;
he from them all releases,
he all my sorrows shares.

I rest my soul on Jesus,
this weary soul of mine;
his right hand me embraces,
I on his breast recline.
I love the name of Jesus--
Immanuel, Christ, the Lord;
like fragrance on the breezes
his name abroad is poured.

I long to be like Jesus,
meek, loving, lowly, mild;
I long to be like Jesus,
the Father's holy Child:
I long to be with Jesus,
amid the heavenly throng,
to sing with saints his praises,
to learn the angels' song.

This hymn is sometimes on the "hit list" of those who accuse women of "feminizing" the church. They seem to think that a "manly man" wouldn't be caught dead resting in Jesus and seeking to emulate his meekness, lowliness, mildness, and love (see final verse). As I read it, we strong, self-sufficient humans must become like little children, climbing into Jesus' lap at his invitation; what little child is reluctant to snuggle trustingly into the embrace of a beloved adult? I'm sorry for the people who have such a worldly view of masculinity, that this hymn says nothing to them. It is speaking to them, of course; it's only that their ears are closed to its message. To the rest of my readers, I commend it to you. It's not a perfect hymn, no. I don't know if I've ever read or sung a perfect hymn. I'm content to let heaven hold that unique joy. Meanwhile, there's much to commend "I Lay My Sins on Jesus."