J. Wilbur Chapman knew something about what he wrote, when he composed the words for “Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners” in 1910. He must have despaired at many points along the way -- ‘What is this tragedy supposed to accomplish, God?’ Yet, looking back, and looking ahead, and involving himself in the lives of so much of humanity must have worked its therapy on him too. Maybe that’s what his words really say, a contemplative refrain about his life up until that point. Consider his other hymns, and think about this fellow. Step into his shoes, and see what you think you might have said if you were him.
By the time the 51-year old Chapman was writing his hymn in 1910, he had experienced his share of heartache, but had also felt happiness and satisfaction many times over. His first two wives and an infant son died in the space of 21 years, leaving this widower with four children in 1907. Yet, Chapman’s evangelism focus and partnership with others in the early 20th Century throughout North America and Asia converted thousands to Christianity. Chapman’s collaboration and leadership of scores of evangelism teams in Philadelphia reportedly brought some 8,000 people to God. What a contrast in experience for Chapman – deaths so close to his heart, but also the exhilaration of seeing thousands reborn! It was in this period following the death of his second wife in 1907, that Chapman wrote two hymns in 1908 and 1909. (He apparently wrote several others, and also published a hymnal in 1899.) Then, perhaps as Chapman prepared to marry for a third time in 1910, he composed this hymn about his friend Jesus. What must it have been like, to look back over 51 years, and see valleys and mountaintops, to reflect upon travels from one end of the globe to the other? If ever anyone needed a friend, J. Wilbur Chapman, must have seen and felt for himself the hurts of life upon many he came to know. Many of these same people probably had come through difficult episodes to meet and trust Christ.
Is it autobiographic what Chapman writes in his five verses? The first four verses are allusions to trials and disappointments, perhaps ones that its author had concluded only the Omnipotent One could resolve. Is that what it means to become 51 years old? Wounded, but wiser. And, leaning…no, in fact clinging to your ally. Seeing the end coming, you grip Him tighter, and appreciate Him more and more. It’s said that Chapman once related that his life-theme was to turn away from anything that drew him away from God. So, evidently if you’re Wilbur Chapman, you tell people you meet who really matters to you, and you gather people about you who want to stare at Him too. Don’t let my gaze drift elsewhere, despite troubles. He’s not left me alone, I think, if I’m J. Wilbur Chapman. Hey, maybe that’s not just Wilbur’s story, huh?
Biographic information on the composer found in the following:
“The Complete Book of Hymns – Inspiring Stories About 600 Hymns and Praise Songs”, by William J. and Ardythe Petersen, 2006, Tyndale House Publishers.
“Turning Points – Moments of Decision in the Presence of God” (see 2 March entry), by David Jeremiah, 2005 Integrity Publishers.
(This site also indicates Chapman wrote at least 17 hymns) http://www.hymnary.org/person/Chapman_JW
2 comments:
I'm so thankful for your blog! :) I'm a homeschool mom of 4 and belong to a Charlotte Mason homeschool group. My "subjects" are hymns and folksongs and I've used your information several times for our group and I thank you! (I've given you the credit, of course. :) )
Good for you Catie! Trust you are still teaching your kiddos. I have always enjoyed digging to understand the story behind hymns. Not only is it interesting to uncover the power of story, but also to mine the riches of theology found in these hymns. So missing in our current culture!
Post a Comment