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Is
It For Me?
Hymn by Eliza R. Snow
Introduction (250 Words):
The
hymn "Is It For Me?" captures the humility and awe of a believer
standing before the grace of Christ. It asks a question that every
honest soul has pondered: Could all of heaven’s love, the sacrifice
of Jesus, the promise of eternal fellowship—really be offered to someone
like me? This song explores the paradox of divine mercy and human
unworthiness. Through the refrain and every verse, the song is soaked in
personal wonder and reverent gratitude. It does not boast, it does not
presume—it simply marvels: Is it for me, dear
Savior, Thy glory and Thy rest?
This hymn has
long held a place in churches of Christ because it reflects biblical
sentiments found in passages like Psalm 8:4 ("What is man that You
are mindful of him?") and Ephesians 2:8 ("For by grace you have
been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of
God.") It invites worshipers to approach God not in arrogance, but
in trembling joy—recognizing the depth of His love and the cost of His
redemption.
"Is It For
Me?" is not just a song—it is a question that drives us to deeper
reflection, greater faith, and heartfelt worship. When we understand
that the answer is a resounding yes—that Christ did suffer, die, and
rise for us—we respond not with pride but with surrender. It is for me.
And because it is, I will praise Him forever.
Stanza 1 –
A Question of Grace and Glory
"Is it for
me, dear Savior, Thy glory and Thy rest, For me so meek and sinful? Oh,
shall I be so blest?"
This first
stanza expresses the central question of the hymn. The singer marvels
that the blessings of heaven—glory, rest, and eternal fellowship—might
be offered to someone so unworthy. It evokes the humility found in
Isaiah 6:5, where the prophet says, “Woe is me! For I am undone.”
The grace of Christ is not deserved, yet it is freely given. This lyric
captures the awe of that gift.
Chorus –
Overflowing Praise in Response to Christ’s Love
"O Savior,
my Redeemer, What can I but adore, And magnify and praise Thee, And love
Thee evermore?"
The chorus is
a heartfelt response to the realization of Christ’s gift. When faced
with the undeserved nature of salvation, the only fitting reply is
worship. Psalm 103:1 says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that
is within me, bless His holy name!” This chorus mirrors that spirit.
We adore because He is worthy. We magnify Him because His grace has
changed us.
Stanza 2 –
The Nearness of Christ and the Sinner’s Joy
"Is it for
me, Thy welcome, Thy gracious enter in, For me Thy ‘Come, ye blessed,’
For me so full of sin?"
The second
stanza deepens the reflection on unworthiness. It asks whether Christ’s
words of invitation, “Come, ye blessed,” truly apply to one so
sinful. Matthew 11:28 calls the weary and burdened to Christ. This verse
highlights that invitation is not limited to the perfect—but extended to
all who come in faith.
Stanza 3 –
The Unbelievable Kindness of the Savior
"O Savior,
precious Savior, My heart is at Thy feet; I bless Thee, and I love Thee,
And Thee I long to meet."
This stanza
transitions from wondering to worship. It is no longer a question—it is
a declaration. The sinner now bows in reverence and gratitude. Luke 7:38
portrays a woman at Jesus’ feet, overwhelmed with love. In the same way,
this lyric shows the proper posture of the redeemed heart.
Stanza 4 –
The Desire for Eternal Communion with Christ
"I’ll be
with Thee forever, And never grieve Thee more; Dear Savior, I must
praise Thee, And love Thee evermore."
This final
stanza anticipates eternal fellowship and the transformation that comes
with it. Revelation 21:3–4 describes a future where God dwells with His
people and wipes away every tear. The redeemed soul looks forward not
just to heaven’s rest, but to a life that no longer grieves the Savior.
Exhaustive
Sermon Outline:
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Introduction: The Question of Worthiness and Grace
- The
hymn begins with a question rooted in wonder.
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Scriptural humility (Psalm 8:4; Ephesians 2:8)
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Stanza 1: Grace for the Unworthy
- The
sinner sees glory and rest as almost unbelievable gifts.
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Isaiah 6:5 – Recognizing unworthiness in the presence of God
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Chorus: The Response of Worship
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Praise is the only fitting answer to grace.
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Psalm 103:1 – Worship in response to divine mercy
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Stanza 2: Christ’s Welcome Extended to the Sinful
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Matthew 11:28 – Jesus calls the burdened
- The
gift is not for the worthy, but for the faithful
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Stanza 3: Bowing in Love and Gratitude
- Luke
7:38 – Worshiping at the feet of Jesus
- Love
is the natural outflow of grace received
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Stanza 4: Eternal Fellowship and Sanctified Praise
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Revelation 21:3–4 – Future without sorrow
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Desire to never grieve the Savior again
Call to
Action:
This hymn is
a question—but the Bible gives us the answer. Yes, it is for you. Christ
died for sinners. But you must respond in faith, repentance, and
obedience. Don’t let the question go unanswered in your life. Respond
today with belief, baptism, and a life of worship and service.
Scripture
Reference List:
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Psalm 8:4 – Man’s
insignificance compared to God’s care
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Ephesians 2:8 – Salvation
by grace through faith
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Isaiah 6:5 – Feeling
unworthy in God’s presence
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Psalm 103:1 – Praise as a
response to mercy
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Matthew 11:28 – Christ
calls the weary to rest
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Luke 7:38 – Love expressed
at Jesus’ feet
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Revelation 21:3–4 – Promise
of eternal fellowship and joy
Song
History:
"Is It For
Me?" was written by Eliza R. Snow in the 19th century and has been
adapted and preserved within churches of Christ for its heartfelt
reflection on divine mercy. It continues to be sung as a humble
expression of awe and thanksgiving for Christ’s redemptive work.
Prepared
by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO
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The
church of Christ
