Why Keep Jesus Waiting 624 Sacred Selections Written

Why Keep Jesus Waiting? #624, Sacred Selections

• Written and composed by Christopher Columbus Cline (1848 -1920), in 1882 • Cline was a member of the Lord’s church. Educated at UK and College of the Bible (Kentucky) • A preacher, educator and music composer

• Why Keep Jesus Waiting? Cline’s best known song • An encouragement to someone on the verge of obeying the gospel, or returning to the flock • An invitation song – Acts 2: 40, 22: 16, etc.

Vs. 1 – Waiting in the cold Why keep Jesus waiting? He has extended His invitation – Matthew 11: 28 -30, John 7: 37, Revelation 22: 17 Yet, how many keep Him waiting: Not ready yet, things to do first, not properly taught, doubts, etc.

Vs. 1 – Waiting in the cold Associated with rejection, especially the light of Jesus John 9: 5, 8: 12, 1: 4 -5, 3: 19 -21, etc. This is the hardened heart – Matthew 13: 19

Vs. 1 – Waiting in the cold He will bear you gently to His fold Jesus is the good and gentle Shepherd John 10: 11 (cf. Luke 15: 17) Jesus is also the door to the sheepfold – John 10: 9, 1 -5

Vs. 1 – Waiting in the cold See Him soul and open We need to look for Him and see Do not be like the blind who refuse to see Him – Matthew 13: 13 -15

Vs. 2 – He is softly knocking Why keep Jesus waiting? The repetitive theme to remind us He is waiting. How long does He have to keep waiting?

Vs. 2 – He is softly knocking Waiting at the door He is right there, just outside! Acts 17: 26 -27 We are just ONE STEP away. He is ready for YOU to open the door for Him

Vs. 2 – He is softly knocking Oft He knocketh softly A knock is heard. Matthew 28: 19, Mark 16: 16 He is gently pleading with us cf. 1 Kings 19: 11 -12 Matthew 11: 29

Vs. 2 – He is softly knocking Hear Him soul, and open Like seeing, we need to hear Him. He speaks, cries out How many put Him off? cf. Acts 24: 25, 26: 28, etc.

Vs. 3 – He is pleading Why keep Jesus pleading at the door? Seriousness There is danger and only He can protect you – 2 Corinthians 5: 20 6: 1 Jesus pleading – John 7: 37, 12: 44

Vs. 3 – He is pleading He would be your Savior Only He can save – Acts 4: 12, John 6: 35 Ever, ever more No more Saviors John 14: 6, 1 John 5: 11 -12 Eternal life – 1 Thessalonians 4: 17 Matthew 25: 46

Vs. 3 – He is pleading Love Him, soul and open Our surrender is a matter of the heart John 3: 16, 1 John 4: 19 Until we appreciate that sacrifice, we are not ready

Vs. 4 – Why delay His knocking? Why keep Jesus – knocking? He is knocking – Revelation 3: 20 Gently knocking on the door of our hearts, waiting to come in

Vs. 4 – Why delay His knocking? Soon He’ll cease His pleading Time is limited. As long as there is life, we can change BUT, it will not last forever! Yes, forever more - WHEN He stops, we face eternity! Hebrews 9: 27, 2 Thessalonians 1: 6 -10

Vs. 4 – Why delay His knocking? Come poor soul, obey Him All that remains is the realization we need Him – Matthew 5: 3, Hebrews 5: 9

Open, I implore Is Jesus pleading? Revelation 3: 20 Are we pleading? Ephesians 5: 19

Have you opened the door to Him?