Jesus Calls Us; O'er the Tumult

This is the title to one of my favorite hymns. I like the tune, I like the words, I like the general message. It speaks of how Jesus calls out to us over the world's loud clanging noise. To me, this hymn says that Jesus knows that we're busy, that we have all sorts of things that go wrong in our lives, and that we are apt to wander and worry. Yet, Jesus claims us in this hymn. In several of the verses, we are called as Christians to love and follow Jesus. "Christian, follow me." or "Christian, love me more." The hymn demonstrates the Biblical principal that Jesus calls and claims us as His own. He doesn't just say, "Hey you, get over here and do the Truffle Shuffle for me." Jesus says, "Come here, sisters and brothers. Let me walk with you in your joys and sorrows. You don't need to go it alone because I want to be your companion." This is especially poignant right now, because my mother has just been diagnosed with bladder cancer. Much is still up in the air because some characteristics of the tumors the doctor removed are puzzling to them, and so they were sent to the Mayo Clinic to see what they think about it. Once that report is received, we will know how to proceed. Hopefully, this bladder cancer is the "regular garden type variety" the doctor treats all the time. That wouldn't be so bad. But, I'm just unsure what to think right now because the dr. didn't say, "Hey, you're gonna die," or "You're gonna be fine." He just said, "This is what is wrong, and hopefully this is what we'll be able to do to fix it." I don't know if her prognosis is good or bad. I don't even think the doctor knows at this point. We have to wait for the results from Mayos. We will find out on Monday. As I venture down this new path with Ma, I just find it reassuring to know that Jesus is calling her, and me, and all of us in his mercy.

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."

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."

Jesus calls us! In your mercy,
Savior make us hear your call,
Give our hearts to your obedience,
Serve and love you best of all.

Text by Cecil F. Alexander
Tune by William H. Jude