Hymns and Devotions for Daily Worship ‎#214

214. Abraham, When Severely Tried

1. Abraham, when severely tried,
His faith by his obedience showed;
He with the harsh command complied
And gave his Isaac back to God.
His son the father offered up,
Son of his age, his only son,
Object of all his joy and hope,
And less beloved than God alone.

2. The father curbed his swelling grief—
'Twas God required; it must be done—
He staggered not through unbelief;
He bare his arm to slay his son.
He rested in Jehovah's pow'r;
The word must stand which God has said;
He knew th' Almighty could restore,
Could raise his Isaac from the dead.

3. Oh, for a faith like his, that we
The bright example may pursue,
To sacrifice all, gratefully,
To whom our more than all is due!
Is there a thing than life more dear,
A thing from which we cannot part?
We can—we now rejoice to tear
The idols from our bleeding hearts.

4. Jesus, accept this sacrifice,
All things for you I count but loss;
Lo! at your word my Isaac dies,
Dies on the altar of your cross.
For what to you, O Lord, we give,
A hundred fold we here obtain,
And soon with you shall all receive,
And loss shall be eternal gain.

Text Information

• First Line: Abraham, when severely tried
• Title: Abraham, When Severely Tried
• Author: Charles Wesley (1740)
• Meter: 8.8.8.8 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2024
• Scripture:
  Genesis 22
• Topic: Ordinary Time: Week 8
• Notes: Text by Charles Wesley, poet and founder of Methodism, from Hymns & Sacred Poems (1740), alt.

Tune Information

• Name: O GROSSER GOTT
• Composer: Johann Vierling (1789)
• Meter: 8.8.8.8 D
• Incipit: 53455 671
• Key: B♭ Major
• Source: arr. The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941
• Notes: Tune O GROSSER GOTT by Johann Vierling, from his Choralbuch (1789), adapt. and arr. as in The Lutheran Hymnal (1941).