My Savior First of All

BIBLE REFERENCE:

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God
and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Titus 2:13

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons
ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto
the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved,
and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 2 Peter 3:11,12

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him:
and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. Revelation 1:7

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:7-8

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Philippians 3:20

I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: 1 Corinthians 1:4-7

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2

Francis Jane Crosby - Lyrics
1820-1915

Born: March 24, 1820, Putnam County, New York.
Died: February 12, 1915, Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Buried: Bridgeport, Connecticut.

John Robson Sweney - Composer
1837-1899

Born: December 31, 1837, West Chester, Pennsylvania.
Died: April 10, 1899, Chester, Pennsylvania.
Buried: Chester Rural Cemetery, Chester, Pennsylvania.

HYMN HISTORY:

The Hymn 'My Savior First of All' is one of the more than 8,000 gospel hymns written by the blind American poetess, Fanny Crosby. Although she wrote on a great variety of subjects, the themes of heaven and the Lord’s return seem to have been her favorites. The anticipation of seeing her Savior undoubtedly had great personal meaning to this blind believer.

Beginning at a very early age Fanny Crosby showed an unusual poetic talent. At the age of eight she wrote these words:

Oh, what a happy soul am I!
Although I cannot see,
I am resolved that in this world
Contented I will be.

How many blessings I enjoy
That other people don’t;
To weep and sigh because I am blind,
I cannot, and I won’t.

This same strong spirit characterized her entire life. Once a well-intentioned Scottish minister remarked to her:

“I think it is a great pity that the master, when He showed so many gifts upon you, did not give you sight.”

Her rebuke came quickly, “Do you know that if at birth I had been able to make one petition to my Creator, it would have been that I should be born blind?”

“Why?” asked the surprised minister.

“Because, when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior.”

"My Savior First of All" first appeared in Songs of Love and Praise, compiled by Sweney, W. J. Kirkpatrick and Henry L. Gilmour, 1894.

John R. Sweney was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, on December 31, 1837. He was a successful music teacher in various schools and colleges around the country. He was considered to be one of the most successful song leaders of his day. For twenty-five years, Sweney served as Professor of Music at the Pennsylvania Military Academy. In 1886 the Doctor of Music Degree was conferred upon him by that institution. John Sweney personally wrote or composed over 1,000 sacred songs as well as editing or being associated with the publication of more than sixty hymnbooks.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8

The “crown of righteousness” is a reward, and not to be confused with the “righteousness of God” which we receive when we becomes a Christian; for at that time, we are “made the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Cor. 5:21).

The " crown of righteousness" is a reward to be earned by the saved. If we look for, and love the doctrine of the Second Coming of Christ, it will affect our whole life. Look at the dynamic impact this truth had in the life of the Apostle Paul. He could say:

“I have fought the good fight” (1 Tim. 4:7). He fought a spiritual battle throughout his Christian life, and won.
He never surrendered to the enemies of righteousness (Ephesians 6:12).
“I have finished my course.” He had a course to travel, and he did not detour the hard places;
neither did he look back (Luke 9:61,62). He finished his course with his eyes fixed on Christ (Philippians 1:6).
“I have kept the faith.” He preached all the “counsel of God” —never betraying any of the great doctrines (Acts 20:24-31).
The apostle looked ahead to the “Judgement seat of Christ” where the “Crown of righteousness”
will be given to those who “love his appearing.”

How important it is for us to look with a heart of love and great anticipation for the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, that we may receive the “crown of righteousness.”

A Hymn and its History is a ministry that depends solely upon the Lord for his guidance. Please help us to continue to
touch lives and bring blessings to many others 24 hours a day all over the world.
If you have been blessed by this Ministry please give a donation as the Lord
lays it upon your heart, and share in the Blessings. By investing in the
lives of others you will reap benefits that will last for all eternity.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________