And can it be that I should gain

8.    GOSPEL READING : LUKE 13 : 1-9

9.    PRAYER FOR THE CELEBRANTS AND THEIR FAMILIES

10.  AND CAN IT BE THAT I SHOULD GAIN – EMHB 371; YMHB 277

Tune: Sagina

Author: Charles Wesley

Presenter: Sis. V. O. Odunayo

Not many Hymns begin with a question as does this one. However, it is not an expression of doubt but of wonder and awe. How can it be that the shedding of Jesus’ blood 1900 years ago is relevant to us today? How was it possible for the Son of God to have died for us? Why should our Lord empty Himself of all His divine glory and become a man, in order to save Adam’s helpless race.

There is considerable evidence that this Hymn was written by Charles Wesley soon after his own conversion. Charles Wesley’s crisis experience occurred on May 20, 1738. He had been sick in body as well as in spirit. It seemed that God spoke to him through a vision. According to his journal, this confrontation took place after reading the Bible for some time.

Following is his account: “At midnight I gave myself up to Christ: assured I was safe, sleeping or walking I had continued experience of his power to overcome all temptation; and confessed, with joy and surprise, that he was able to do exceedingly abundantly for me, above what I can ask or think”.

The words of this Hymn give expression to the heartfelt yearning of Charles whose sole thought was to gain interest in the Saviour’s blood Jesus Christ who left His father’s throne above and bled for our helpless race. Uncontaminated union of heart and mind is the one goal of the Author of this Hymn to appreciate Christ Amazing love and infinite grace.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, please enjoy this splendid Hymn with me. Singing to the Tune “Sagina by T. Campbell (c. 1800)”.

EMHB 371

1.    And can it be that I should gain

An interest in the Saviour’s blood?

Died He for me, who caused His pain?

For me, who Him to death pursued?

Amazing love! How can it be

That Thou, my God, shouldest die for me.

2.    ‘Tis mystery all! The immortal dies,

Who can explore His strange design?

In vain the first-born seraph tries

To sound the depths of love divine

‘Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,

Let angel minds inquire no more.

3.    He left His Father’s throne above

So free, so infinite His grace

Emptied Himself of all but love,

And bled for Adam’s helpless race,

‘Tis mercy all, immense and free,

For, O my God, it found out me!

4.    Long my imprisoned spirit lay

Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;

Thine eye diffused a quickening ray

I woke, the dungeon flamed with light

My chains fell off, my heart was free,

I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

5.    No condemnation now I dread,

Jesus, and all in Him, is mine!

Alive in Him, my living Head,

And clothed in righteousness divine,

Bold I approach the eternal throne,

And claim the crown through Christ, my own.

YMHB 277

1.    O ha le je pe mo n’ ipin

Ninu eje Olugbala?

P’O ku f’emi t’o da loro

T’o lepa Re doju iku?

Ife yanu! E ha ti se

Ti ‘Wo Olorun ku fun mi?

2.    Ohun ‘jinle! Olorun ku!

Tani mo idi ete Re?

Lasan l’ angeli t’a ko da

Nle mo jinle ife mimo!

Anu sa ni! K’aiye juba,

Ki angeli ma wadi mo.

3.    O f’ ite Baba Re sile,

Ore-ofe Re ko lopin!

O bo gbogb’ ogo Re sile,

O ku fun ‘ran omo Adam’;

Anu sa ni, laini iwon;

L’o wa mi ri Olorun mi!

4.    O pe t’a ti de emi mi

Sinsin l’okun ewon ese;

Oju Re tan mole iye,

Mo taji, tubu si mole

Ewon mi bo, mo d’ omnira,

Mo dide, mo nto O lehin.

5.    Emi ko jaiya ebi mo;

Temi ni Kristi, patapata!

Mo ye ninu Olori mi,

A f’ ododo orun wo mi,

N’igboiya, mo sunmo ite,

Mo gba ade, lagbara Krist’.

Adesegun Akitoye

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