When we consider the third verse of any hymn, sometimes that verse is at the end and sometimes it is in the middle of the hymn. The placement of the third verse can be important in understanding the verse and the hymn if the hymn builds each verse on another. Often each verse builds on each other. So, by the end, the whole story is told. In this case, it is difficult to pull one verse out as a stand-alone. “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” is one such example. 

If we are reading the verses meditatively, the arrangement can make little difference to us. Let us consider the hymn, “To God Be the Glory.” The hymn contains only three verses. Each verse could stand alone in single meditation. One could take three or four days to reflect on the words of the hymn, including the fourth day for the refrain. The words of each stanza should drive us to scripture for deeper reflection and meditation. The hymn is not scripture, but many hymns are abundant in doctrine and have a strong scriptural foundation.  

To God be the glory, great things He hath done, 
so loved He the world that He gave us His Son, 
who yielded His life an atonement for sin, 
and opened the life-gate that all may go in. 

In verse one, right away the hymn begins with God’s love for us in giving us His Son to be our Savior. To be the way to cleanse our sins and bring us into a right relationship with Him for eternity. This is the joy and satisfaction of the cross. Just when we think that exultation could go no higher, and indeed it is hard to find a greater avenue of praise than the sacrifice of Jesus, we move into verse two. 

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood, 
to ev’ry believer the promise of God; 
the vilest offender who truly believes, 
that moment from Jesus a pardon receives. 

Verse two continues with the salvation theme but opens the door of hope for all people no matter how wicked or how unlovable. Whoever the “chief of sinners” may be, redemption is still possible for those who would receive it. The blood of Jesus is not for only a select few. It is not only for Jews. It is not only for select races. The sacrifice of Jesus is open for all men and all women of every race and nationality. The blood of Jesus covers the sin of every man and woman and child from the humblest sinner to the vilest wretch in prison. It is for the good man and the wicked. It is for everyone. Praise the Lord and To God be the Glory. 

Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done, 
and great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son; 
but purer, and higher, and greater will be 
our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see. 

The final verse reflects on the acts of Jesus. While he was on the earth, He taught and did many things. John wrote that if books were written of all the things He had done the world could not contain them. (see John 21:25) As Christians, we strive to obey and follow His teachings. We understand them to be greater than anyone who has ever lived or ever will live. His words are light and life, and He is the light of the world. And yet, we have never laid eyes on Him. So, as we understand Him now through the Bible’s written testimony of Him, how much greater will our joy be when we see Him face to face?  

This is the capstone of the final verse. Not just that we know Him now, but that we will be transported to be with Him for eternity. As wonderful as knowing Him is now, what splendor and glory and joy and wonder await those who know Him as Savior and Lord when we reach eternity and lay our eyes on Him. Truly, great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son.  

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, 
let the earth hear His voice! 
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, 
let the people rejoice! 
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son, 
and give Him the glory, great things He hath done. 

I don’t know where you are in your walk with Christ. Maybe today you need to make a new commitment to Him. Maybe you need to accept Him as your Savior. Don’t delay making this decision. One day we will be transported and see Him face to face. I hope to see you there.  

13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14 NASB 

All for One  

Angela