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
Recently, I was faced with the question:, "Why do you believe that the Bible is true?" Being a recent seminary graduate, one might expect that I would pull a seasoned theological argument out of my back pocket, citing the works of many great biblical scholars. While I know that there are many scholars who have written on this subject, my answer is a lot simpler. I know the Bible is true because it transforms lives. In particular, it has transformed my life.
The words of the hymn, "I Love to Tell the Story" resonate with me. Verse 1: "I love to tell the story, because I know it's true; it satisfies my longings as nothing else would do." The power of this old, old story never fades but rather grows with each encounter. I love to tell the story that has transformed lives throughout history and continues to transform lives today.
Prayer
Holy God, thank you for the gift of your word. Teach us how to share your story so that the whole world might be transformed by your saving grace. Amen.