Jesus Calls Us; O’er the Tumult (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 696)
1 Jesus calls us; o’er the tumult
of our life’s wild, restless sea,
day by day his clear voice sounding,
saying, “Christian, follow me”:
2 As of old Saint Andrew heard it
by the Galilean lake,
turned from home and toil and kindred,
leaving all for Jesus’ sake.
3 Jesus calls us from the worship
of the vain world’s golden store,
from each idol that would keep us,
saying, “Christian, love me more.”
4 In our joys and in our sorrows,
days of toil and hours of ease,
still he calls, in cares and pleasures,
“Christian, love me more than these.”
5 Jesus calls us! By your mercy,
Savior, may we hear your call,
give our hearts to your obedience,
serve and love you best of all.
Text: Cecil Frances Alexander; Music: William H. Jude; Public Domain
Devotion
This hymn reminds us to cast away our doubts and fears as we answer Jesus’ call to abide in him. Trusting in the Lord, we can grow in faith so that we can love and serve him by confidently sharing the good news with those desperately struggling to find hope. Faith, Hope, and love become manifest in the courage to live into Jesus’ call.
Just as the disciples left everything to follow Jesus, we are encouraged to let go of our insecurities and uncertainties and place our confidence in his unfailing love and power. By surrendering our doubts, we open ourselves to the power of the Holy Spirit within us to become vessels of Jesus’ love and hope for others. Embracing Jesus’ call with boldness and assurance, we are enabled to step out in faith and obedience and share his message of redemption and grace with those in need of hope and encouragement.
Prayer
Gracious and loving God, let us hear your call over the tumult of this busy world in which we live. Cast away our doubts and fears. Fill us with your peace and assurance. Strengthen and guide us as we grow in faith, answering your call to share the good news. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.