Greatly Beloved – Hymn Lyric
“Greatly Beloved” is a hymn that reminds us of God’s unconditional love for us, even before time began. Through vivid language and powerful imagery, the hymn speaks of Jesus Christ’s sacrificial love and the immense sufferings he endured for our redemption. It invites us to embrace this love, recognize our worth, and share it with others, becoming instruments of peace and hope in a world that needs it. This hymn serves as a beautiful reminder that we are greatly beloved by God, regardless of our shortcomings.
Table of Contents
Greatly Beloved – Hymn Lyric
Greatly belov’d, of God approv’d;
Ere Time began, Jehovah‘s darling Man
Possess’d his Nature, Love, above;
There Man is known, whilst Angels own,
Above them far, this bright and Morning-Star.
When all beheld, with Wonder fill’d,
The glorious Grace sparkle in Jesu’s Face;
We, Worms, as wholly blind in Mind,
Could not discern what did concern
Our Hearts alone, that Orb in which we shone.
But God would show, to us below,
His Grace and choice, whilst we in Heart rejoice;
And this reveal’d by Blood, when God
Became a Man; and then began
In Love to cure our Nature, blind, impure.
The work was great, in made him sweat,
Blood-Rivers flow’d, He groan’d and cry’d aloud;
Whilst Sorrows rent his Heart with Smart unspeakable:
The Pains of Hell, infernal Wrath,
Incompaas’d him in Death.
With many Tears, and unknown Fears,
Heart-breaking Sighs, infininte Agonies,
Wounds, Blood, and Bruises fresh,
His Flesh all over fill;
In Anguish, still, He yields his Breath
To the accursed Death.
Fail Nature’s Laws; the Sun withdraws;
With dreadful Crack, the Rocks asunder break;
Confuls’d Creation shakes, Earth quakes;
All old Things die, non-entity,
Pass’d over all that liv’d by Adam’s Fall.
Hence came the Hour when God, with Pow’r,
Rais’d from the Dead the Members, and the Head:
In that one perfect Man, the Plan
Of Grace we see, where Christ and we
Were nam’d in one, the Father’s only Son.
His JOy fulfill’d in ev’ry Child:
We, in that Grace, behold the Father’s Face:
In that exalted Man, we can
For-ever view, that love, so true,
Which did us raise to never-ceasing Praise.
Meaning of Greatly Beloved
Greatly Beloved: A Hymn of God’s Unconditional Love
In this beautiful hymn titled “Greatly Beloved,” we find words that touch the depths of our hearts and souls. It speaks of a love that surpasses all understanding, a love that existed even before time began. As we delve into the verses of this hymn, let us explore the message it conveys and the significance it holds for our lives.
The hymn starts by describing the persona of Jesus Christ, referred to as Jehovah’s darling Man. It paints a picture of him as the embodiment of divine love, possessing a nature elevated above anything else. While the angels themselves are in awe of him, it is in Man that he chooses to reveal himself. We, as humans, are depicted as worms, initially blinded by our own limited understanding, unable to discern the great significance of Jesus in our lives.
However, the hymn goes on to celebrate God’s grace and his decision to reveal himself to us through the shedding of his blood. This act of divine love, the hymn suggests, was necessary to heal our blind and impure nature. In this revelation of love, Jesus took on the form of a man and faced unimaginable sufferings. The hymn describes his agony and torment through vivid language, speaking of blood rivers, groans, and heart-rending sorrows.
It is through these experiences that Jesus bore the weight of our sins and the pains of hell. In his immense love for humanity, he willingly sacrificed himself, enduring unimaginable anguish so that we could be redeemed. The hymn emphasizes the enormity of these sufferings, stating that even the laws of nature were disrupted, the sun withdrew, and the earth trembled. This portrayal seeks to convey the magnitude of Jesus’ sacrifice and its impact on all creation.
Yet, amidst these horrors, there is a glimmer of hope. The hymn highlights the moment when God, with His power, raised Jesus from the dead. In this resurrection, we find the fulfillment of God’s plan of grace. Jesus, referred to as the perfect Man, becomes the embodiment of this grace, the bridge between us and the Father. It is in Him that we see the face of the Father and experience His boundless love.
This hymn reminds us that we are not mere recipients of God’s love; rather, we are invited to participate in it fully. Through our connection with Christ, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that come from being children of God. As we embrace His grace and become united with Him, we can behold the Father’s face and live a life of never-ceasing praise.
The title of this hymn, “Greatly Beloved,” encapsulates the essence of God’s love for us. It serves as a reminder that we are cherished and treasured by our Creator. No matter our shortcomings or imperfections, we are greatly loved. This love extends beyond what we can fathom, offering us hope, redemption, and a purpose.
In a world that often seems harsh and unforgiving, this hymn invites us to bask in the unconditional love of God. It encourages us to embrace the grace that has been freely given to us, to recognize our worth and value as beloved children of God. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, we find forgiveness, healing, and an eternal bond with the divine.
Let us hold on to the message of this hymn and allow it to shape our lives. May we always remember that we are greatly loved by God, and may this knowledge inspire us to share His love with others. In embracing His love and extending it to those around us, we can become instruments of peace, grace, and hope in a world that so desperately needs it.
As we close, let us reflect on the profound words of this hymn and let them sink deep into our hearts:
“In that exalted Man, we can
Forever view, that love, so true,
Which did us raise, to never-ceasing Praise.”
Indeed, in the exalted Man, Jesus Christ, we find the ultimate expression of God’s love, a love that calls us to a life of eternal praise and gratitude. Let us embrace this love, cherish it, and let it guide our every step. For we are greatly beloved, and in knowing this, we find true joy and purpose.
I hope this hymn inspired image brings you hope and peace. Share it with someone who needs it today!
