I Love To Tell The Story, ELW 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;
I’ll sing this theme in glory
and 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
Devotion
I vividly remember sitting in my study, reviewing what I would say at the funeral service for my friend, Carolita Senu. She had come from West Africa and worked as a social worker among other first generation immigrants from Africa.
An hour before the service, there was singing like I had never heard before. The organist had not arrived, but sounds of a choir penetrated the brick walls. I peeked into the sanctuary and it was packed.
I don't remember anything that I said that day, or what scripture lessons were read. But I will never forget the singing. I could feel the mourning of their hearts, but I could also feel the celebration of victory for their dearly loved sister. It was like I had been given a glimpse of the heavenly hosts that John had envisioned.
I am not a singer, but I joined in with this African congregation. We sang, "I Love to Tell the Story," at least three times. That hymn seemed to be the theme song for Carolita's service. As we filed out on our way to the cemetery, we wanted to say once again, that as much as we loved to share the story of our sister, we loved above all other stories to tell the story of Jesus and his love.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, we have been reminded this past week that our greatest mission in life is to tell your story. We love to tell the story because we know it is true. Amen.