SERMONS IN OUR SONGS (Lesson 5)

SERMONS FROM OUR SONGS (Lesson 5)

“IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL” (By H.G. Spafford)

Psalm 57: 1-3

 

Intro:

                In the early 1860s, there was a man by the name of Horatio G. Spafford, who lived in Chicago along with his wife and five children.  Mr. Spafford worked as a practicing lawyer, but more importantly he served his community as a faithful child of God.  The generosity, kindness, and compassion of the Spafford family were well-known in the Chicago area.  The truth of the matter is that for the most part, the Spafford’s lived what might be called a charmed life, until 1870 when Scarlet Fever claimed the life of four-year-old Horatio Jr.

                In 1871, financial tragedy struck as the Great Chicago fire destroyed many of the Spafford’s rental properties.  Despite the hard-times upon which the family had fallen, Horatio continued to display his faith for all to see.  The Spafford’s reached out to those in need, and provided physical, emotional, and financial support to those in need.  Again, they allowed those around them to see the faith which they had in God.

                Horatio had served as an elder in the Presbyterian Church, and counted DL Moody and Ira Sankey as close personal friends.  In 1873 the whole family decided to join Moody and Sankey on their European mission work.  The plan was for Haratio, Anna, Annie, Maggie, Tanetta, and Bessie to travel on the French steamer Ville Du Havre.  As the family was preparing to leave, a business related issue came up which prevented Horatio from departing at the scheduled date.  In an attempt to please his family, Spafford told his wife to take the girls, and make the trip as planned, and he would follow as soon as possible on another ship.

                ON November 22, 1873, the Ville Du Havre was struck by a British ship called the Lockhearn.  The steamer sunk in 12 minutes, and took with it 226 of the 307 people aboard.  The spot where the ship went down is estimated to be at least three miles deep.

                Mrs. Spafford was one of the 81 who were rescued from the waters that night.  Unfortunately all four of the daughters lost their lives that night.  In point of fact, Tanetta, the youngest of the girls was actually snatched from her mother’s arms as the ship went down.

                Mrs. Spafford was taken to Wales, where she drafted a telegraph to her husband which simply read: “Saved alone. What shall I do?”  In those few words you can feel the pain and anguish of a mother who is directionless. 

                Upon receiving the telegraph, Mr. Spafford boarded ship, and made his way to his wife.  One night as they traversed the ocean, the captain of the ship called him to the deck, and reported that they were at the spot where the Lockhearn crashed into the Ville Du Havre.  Upon hearing this news and surveying the Atlantic, H.G. Spafford returned to his cabin, sat down, and wrote:

“When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.”

                Today we want to continue with our series in which we are taking a closer look at the sermons in the songs we sing.  This morning we come to one of the most beautiful hymns ever written.  It is beautiful because of the words, but it is also captivating because of the story behind the song.  The idea that a man can come through the horrific events which Mr. Spafford and his wife endured, and not only maintain, but grow in their faith is awe inspiring.  The notion that a father can suffer the loss of his children, and one week later write to his wife’s half-sister: “On Thursday last we passed over the spot where she went down, in mid-ocean, the waters three miles deep. But I do not think of our dear ones there. They are safe, folded, the dear lambs.”

                The question which the Spafford’s were asked over and over again I’m confident was the same thing we ask each other today when hard times occur.  “Are you ok?”  Judging by the amazing verses of this great song, the Spafford family’s answer was a resounding “YES!”  

                What about you?  Are you ok?  This morning I want us to take apart the verses of this amazing song, and help you to decide whether or not you are ok in your relationship with God.

 

I.                   WHEN LIFE HAPPENS, ARE YOU OK?

 

Have you ever noticed that in the first verse, Mr. Spafford establishes the two great contrasts in human existence?  He reminds us that there are those times in life when peace travels with us like a gently flowing river, and other moments when sorrow like great gusts of wind blow us about on the seas of life.  Let me ask you, are you ok despite the different extremes of life? 

                There are many who would say that in times of great peace it is easy to say they are “ok” in their walk with the Lord.  Consider Joseph in Genesis 39.  There we find that the favorite son of Israel has been thrown into bondage, yet finds that he has landed in a place of honor in the house of Potiphar.  What is interesting is that we see from the text of Genesis 39: 2, that not only was he “OK”, but he was “prosperous.”  Verse 3 offers great insight as to why Joseph was “OK.”   “And his master saw that the Lord was with Joseph.”   It was obvious from both the results of Joseph’s work, and the evidence of his actions that the Lord was with Joseph, but also that Joseph was with the Lord.  He wasn’t arrogant, haughty, full of himself, and boasting in his own abilities.  When this time of peace flowed through Joseph’s life, Joseph was ok.

                On the other end of the spectrum however, Joseph also seems to have been ok during time when “sorrow like sea billows roll.”  Notice in Genesis 39, how quickly things changed during the course of Genesis 39.  Joseph is down because he was sold into slavery, but then he’s up because God is with him and he prospers, but then he’s down because by the end of the chapter he fined himself in prison.  Despite all these emotional ups and downs, Joseph was “OK”, because he remained with the Lord.  When he was cast into jail, we are told in Genesis 39: 21: “But the Lord was with Joseph.”   Here’s the thing, we also know that Joseph was with the Lord.  If you examine the exchange between Pharaoh and Joseph when the latter is called to interpret a dream, you cannot help but conclude that in spite of all that was going on, Joseph was “OK.”   Notice Genesis41: 16, when Pharaoh asks Joseph to provide an interpretation of the dream which he had, Joseph states: “It is not in me; God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”  

                Think about it, Joseph has spent time in jail, and could have easily grown disillusioned with God.  Yet, here we see him saying that it isn’t any skill found within him that will offer interpretation, rather it is God above.  When the sorrows blew, Joseph was ok.

                What about you?  Have you reached the stage that the Apostle Paul obtained?  It seems to have been the same level which Horatio Spafford reached.  It is the idea expressed in Philippians 4: 12.  There Paul says that he has learned to be content in whatever state in which he may find himself.  In fact he mentions that he is “OK” learned both “to abound and to suffer need.”   He goes on in verse 13 to tell us how this is possible.  We can be OK when life happens because “I can do all things through Christ which gives me strength.”   I can maintain humility in the highs, and find comfort in the lows because at both times my God is with me!

 

II.                WHEN SATAN PURSUES, ARE YOU OK?

 

 “Though Satan SHALL buffet, though trials should come, let this blessed assurance control; that Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, and hath shed his own blood for my soul.”   Those first words of verse 2 catch me every time.  When you know the history of this song as you now do, you can’t help but agree that H.G. Spafford knew of the buffeting blows of Satan.  I actually took time to look up the definition of the word “BUFFET.”   I found the following information.

BUFFET: “A meal consisting of several dishes from which guest serve themselves.

A blow, typically of the hand or fist.

Of wind or waves, strike repeatedly and violently.”  (American Online Dictionary.) 

                Consider the description which Mr. Spafford is giving us here.  He is letting us know that Satan will deliver a blow to our lives, and that blow will strike repeatedly and violently.  Certainly this was true in the life of the Spafford family. 

                However, this lesson can also be seen in the life of a man by the name of Job.  We first meet this awesome example of patience under fire in Job 1: 1.  There we are told: “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.”  This was a God-fearing man who made the Lord a priority in all he did.  Unfortunately for Job, (fortunately for us), God pointed Job out to Satan, and the devil then took an interest in the life of this “perfect and upright” man of God. 

                God speaks of how good Job is, and the devil says: “Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side?”  (Job 1: 10)  In other words, Satan asserts that Job is good because God doesn’t allow bad things to happen to this good man.  So, the Lord, displaying great confidence in Job replies: “Behold, all that he has is in your power.”  (Job 1: 12)  In other words, God is saying, hit him with your best shot, just don’t lay your hand upon his person.  You know the account; the devil took all that this good man had.  He took possessions, homes, fields, and family.  When that didn’t work, Satan asked permission to touch his person, and the Lord responded: “Behold, he is in your hand.” (Job 2: 6) 

            There you go; Satan shall now buffet the life of Job.  What amazes me is what we read in Job 2: 10.  There we are told: “In all this, Job DID NOT SIN WITH HIS LIPS.”   Job didn’t stray.  When Satan pursued, Job was “OK.”   When the devil struck, Job was able to say, “It is well, it is well, with my soul!”

            Brethren, make no mistake about it, there will come a time in your life when Satan should buffet, and trials will come.  Revelation 2: 10 remind us that we need not fear, though we will suffer tribulation at the hands of the Devil himself.  “Don’t Fear?”   Yes, that is what the text says, but how can we do it?  Allow me to offer you a combination of answers.  Mr. Spafford writes: “let this blessed assurance control; that Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, and hath shed his own blood for my soul.”   Also, over in 1John 2: 2 we are told: “And he himself is the propitiation for our sins.”  The simple answer is that we can withstand the blows of the devil because King Jesus fights our battles.  He died that you might live!  His blood provides all the victory you will ever need! 

 

III.             WHEN REALIZATION SETS IN, ARE YOU OK?

 

There are two words that I want you to notice and attempt to wrap your mind around in verse 3.  “MY SIN, O, the bliss of this glorious thought; MY SIN, not in part, but the whole, is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more: praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, O my soul!”  The key words which I want to bring to your attention are the words: “MY SIN.”  These words are difficult to say, and even more difficult to mean.  These words bring with them the idea of decision, responsibility, and repentance.  These words bring to mind the idea of realization coming to one’s mind.  Once realization occurs, then a person is tasked with deciding what they will do, and whether or not they are “OK.”

            In Luke 5, we find Christ calling his disciples to come after him.  He came upon a family fishing business, and offered 4 young men the chance to give up casting for fish, and start casting for souls.  Here in this passage we see Peter, Andrew, James and John presented with a choice.  Realization stands at their door, knocks, comes in and has a seat at their table.  They must now decide what they will do about their guest.  Luke 5: 11 records: “they forsook all and followed him.”   The realization of a life lived with the savior came, and these men chose to follow.

            On the other end of this discussion we find Agrippa.  Paul, who had been a prisoner of the Roman government for quite some time appears before this leader.  In presenting himself before Agrippa, Paul is given the opportunity to preached Christ and him crucified to this lost soul.  When Paul had finished speaking, he wants to know where Agrippa stands.  Acts 26: 28 reports a sad bit of news: “Agrippa said unto Paul, almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”   Folks, realization was delivered from the mouth of the Apostle Paul, and Agrippa refused it.  O it was a close thing, and it ALMOST worked, but close only counts in horseshoes, not salvation.

What about you?  You are after all a sinner in need of a savior.  Church that is reality.  Realization has just taken a place at your table.  Jesus makes it clear that for the one who will heed realization, and declare himself to be a disciple of Christ, then he or she must: “deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9: 23)  The question that I have for you is: “Now that realization has set in, are you ok?”

 

CONCLUSION:

            Some of you might be wondering about the last verse of the song.  It doesn’t appear on the outline, and there is a reason for that.  The final verse is your invitation.  The question that I want to leave you with this morning is: “When the Lord comes, will you be OK?”   For some of us, that last verse is pure delight.  “And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll; the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, EVEN SO, it is well with my soul!”  Notice that final part.  The Lord has come, and I shall now stand before his judgment seat, and yet it is well with my soul.  In other words, “I am OK.”   Can you say that today?  If not, what will you do to make a change in your life?

            For those reading this online, if you need assistance, or would like to speak about some of the things you’ve read, please contact us through the comment section on this page, or through Facebook, or even call our offices at: (863) 422-5614.  If you are not OK, MAKE A CHANGE!

 

                                    Rusty Hilliard Minister