Devotional Thoughts Based on the Glory to God Hymnal

Matthew 4:18-20

As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

This hymn made its first appearance in The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990. It also is included in Glory to God, 2013. The commentator for Glory to God wrote:” This is one of the most popular songs to emerge from the 1970’s revival of religious song in Spain. It asks singers to become like fishermen who left boats and nets to follow Jesus, first as disciples learning the way of love, then as apostles carrying that love to others.”

It is funny how we remember certain things! I remember who introduced this hymn to our congregation. He had heard the hymn sung in another church setting and he quickly developed a great appreciation for the hymn. The man was Carroll Teeter. He liked the hymn so much that he requested it be sung at his memorial service and it was!

The refrain makes this hymn intensely personal. Listen:

O Lord with your eyes you have searched me, and while smiling have spoken my name, now my boat’s left on the shoreline behind me, by your side I will seek other seas.

Prayer

O God, we thank You for searching for us. We take delight knowing You smile when You call us by name. Give us joy to follow wherever Jesus leads us. In his name, we pray. Amen.