GOSPEL >> INVITATION
SDAH 285
Jesus calls us o’er the tumult
of our life’s wild, restless sea;
day by day his sweet voice soundeth,
saying, “Christian, follow me!”
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For Worship Leaders
Make each hymn more meaningful with these helpful tools: Short, ready-to-use hymn introductions for church bulletins, multiple ways to introduce a hymn based on your worship theme and in-depth history and insights to enrich your song service.
Hymn Spotlight: Jesus Calls Us
Cecil Frances Alexander (1818–1895) wrote this hymn for St. Andrew’s Day, drawing from Matthew 4:18–19 and the call of Jesus to His disciples. First published in Hymns for Public Worship (1852), it includes an omitted stanza referencing the apostle Andrew. The tune GALILEE, composed by William H. Jude, beautifully supports the hymn’s theme of wholehearted discipleship. May we too leave all and follow Christ’s call.
📖 Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
Our God is full of love, mercy, pardon, and everything we need to be truly happy and blessed. This is why He is calling to come to Him and be blessed. In the midst of toil and ease, in times of cares and pleasures, His call rings clear: “Christian, love me more than these.” (Lesson 1, 3rd Quarter 2021 -Monday, Running On Empty, 6/28/2021)
Cecil Frances Alexander, nee Humpreys (1818-1895; see SDAH 93), wrote this hymn of five stanzas for St. Andrew’s Day; it appeared in Hymns for Public Worship in 1852. It is based on the call of the disciples; “And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother . . . . And he saith unto them, Follow Me” (Matt.4:18, 19). The less prominent apostle, Andrew, is referred to in the omitted stanza:
2. As of old St. Andrew heard it
By the Galilean lake,
Turned from home, and toil, and kindred,
Leaving all for His dear sake.
Alexander also wrote SDAH 93, “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” SDAH 149, “Once in Royal David’s City ,” and SDAH 164, “There Is a Green Hill Far Away,”.
GALILEE was composed by William Herbert Jude especially for these words; it was first published in 1887 in Congregational Church Hymns, Jude was born in Westleton, Suffolk, England, in September 1851, and became organist at the Blue Coat Hospital, Liverpool; in 1889 he became organist at the Stretford Town Hall, Greater Manchester. He traveled extensively in Great Britain and Australia, lecturing and giving recitals. He edited several songs, and anthems. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and died at Willesden, London, on August 8, 1922.
📖 Reference: Companion to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal by Wayne Hooper and Edward E. White. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988.
Stanza:
1 – Matthew 4:19
2 – John 21:15
Text
1
Jesus calls us o’er the tumult
Of our life’s wild, restless sea;
Day by day His sweet voice soundeth,
Saying, “Christian, follow Me!”
2
Jesus calls us from the worship
Of the vain world’s golden store,
From each idol that would keep us,
Saying, “Christian, love Me more!”
3
In our joys and in our sorrows,
Days of toil and hours of ease,
Still He calls, in cares and pleasures,
“Christian, love Me more than these!”
4
Jesus calls us! By Thy mercies,
Savior, may we hear Thy call,
Give our hearts to Thy obedience,
Serve and love Thee best of all.
Hymn Info
Biblical Information
(a) Matt 4:19 (b) John 21:15
Author
Cecil Frances Alexander (1818-1895)
Year Published
1852
Hymn Tune
GALILEE
Metrical Number
8.7.8.7.
Composer
William H. Jude (1851-1922)
Year Composed
1887
