Daily Devo - Wednesday, August 5, 2007

"The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish".
Proverbs 10:28 (ESV)

As a young boy, Edward Mote's parents hated Christianity. They managed a pub in London, and the boy was often neglected. Despite these surroundings, eventually Edward became a Christian through the influence of a cabinetmaker to whom he was apprenticed. (As a man, he became a skilled cabinetmaker with a successful business of his own).

Mote always found time to worship God. He was especially interested in Christian music, and one day felt inspired on the way to work to write down a verse that came to his mind. His new hymn began with the words, "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness."

Not long thereafter, Mote visited a friend whose wife was terminally ill. Though she desired to sing, her husband couldn't find their hymnal. Mote mentioned the hymn in his pocket, so they sang it. The friend's wife was so taken with the hymn that she requested a copy for herself. Lying helpless in bed, the woman understood that earthly expectations are fleeting, and ultimately unfulfilling. Only hope placed in the Lord would endure.

Partially inspired by her response, Mote had the sermon published, and it quickly became a favorite among congregations. His song touched something within the average Christian---a recognition of the lasting value of a personal relationship with the sovereign creator of the universe.

The joys of the world can indeed be wonderful, but they are of no eternal value to a dying woman--let alone a vibrant and healthy one. God offers a much firmer foundation.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

* Scripture taken from the English Standard Version