March 30, 2010

Jesus Never Fails

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." Matthew 24:35


The passage from Matthew brings back childhood memories of my parents and conversations they shared about Rev. Arthur Luther, a beloved pastor who performed their wedding ceremony in 1953. Rev. Luther was an inspiration, and in fact, he is the one who encouraged my Dad to enter into the ministry (and he did.) While I was growing up, I remember sitting in church and frequently singing a hymn called, "Jesus Never Fails." It was composed by Rev. Luther and definitely one of my parents' favorites.


I recall my Dad sharing the story behind this hymn with his own congregation. As a child, Rev. Luther wanted to be a missionary in a foreign land, but that never materialized. He had a genuine love of music, and he dreamed about composing a popular song for everyone to sing, and he tried, but that was a dismal failure. In 1927, he became involved with an evangelistic team, often traveling to very remote places in the United States. It was in one of those places, that the hymn was born. Late one night, Rev. Luther received a telegram from home, with news that his nine year old son was rushed to the hospital suffering from a life threatening illness. He had no way to get to his child who was 600 miles away, and there was nothing he could do, other than pray. After praying, he sat down at the piano and this thought came to him, "Jesus never fails." Then and there, the words and the music of the chorus were born. Rev. Luther went on to explain that after writing the song, he felt a sense of peace in his heart, believing that God, who never fails, would provide an answer, and he did. His son survived the medical crisis.

Jesus Never Fails

Earthly friends may prove untrue,
Doubts and fears assail;
One still loves and cares for you,
One who will not fail.

Though the sky be dark and drear,
Fierce and strong the gale,
Just remember, He is near
And he will not fail.

In life's dark and bitter hour
Love will still prevail;
Trust his everlasting pow'r
Jesus will not fail.

Chorus
Jesus never fails,
Jesus never fails,
Heav'n and earth may pass away,
But Jesus never fails.

c. 1927 Rev. Arthur Luther (1891-1960)

Over the course of time, the Lord has used this song in concentration camps in Germany and by missionaries all over the world. Soldiers continue to use it on the battlefield. The song has been translated into ten different European languages and Chinese. During World War II, a church in England had the slogan printed on top of a wall. It escaped destruction from bombs until the end, and even then, the wall still remained standing.

In his hour of need, God put a song in the heart of Rev. Luther which has gone on to bless the entire world with its message of divine triumph.

Dear God, help us all to remember that difficult times should be the stepping stones to our spiritual growth and usefulness. Amen

Cindy Rolka