Yes, Jesus Loves Me

Yesterday was Margaret’s funeral. Many came to remember her, and celebrate her life. We heard her life-story; family members brought their memories and paid tribute to the person she was and the positive influence she’d had on her life. I shall remember her nickname ‘Naughty Nanny’.

There were readings, hymns and prayers as reference was made to Margaret’s faith. The service finished with the old hymn, ‘Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so…’ I’ve never sung that at a funeral before, but somehow it seemed right. In the sadness and upset of a loved-one’s death it’s a simple but profound truth.

It was the early/mid 1970s; we’d not been married long. We were living in Derby. We went to Sheffield to see an American Christian rock musical. I can’t remember what it was called, or what it was about…

I do remember… Written and performed by young people, long hair, loud music, and Christian faith expressed in a different but authentic way. The show built to a climax, the music got louder… and then it stopped. A girl stood centre-stage and sung unaccompanied, ‘Yes, Jesus loves me, yes, Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so.’ Resolution for these young Americans was not in noise and conflict, but in this simple truth.

Tonight is the final of ‘Traitors’. Lying and cheating is built into a game that brings a huge financial reward… We accept that politicians, celebrities and neighbours lie… Truth is sometimes difficult to find; lies and deception are part of our daily life.

This morning, I read about Moses and Israel. Freed from slavery in Egypt… protected by their God as they cross the Red Sea… instead of appreciating the good they grumble and complain – repeatedly! …In society today it’s normal – expected – that we should be dissatisfied.

Life today is complicated… Sometimes I need Margaret’s reminder that, ‘Yes, Jesus loves me’ to cut through the lying, cheating, grumbling and dissatisfaction, to bring simple truth and contented security.