This beloved hymn gave joy to the dying wife of a friend of the composer and gives hope to all in its inspiring message of faith.
Edward Mote was born in London in 1797. His family was very poor and did not allow a bible in their home. Nevertheless he heard the gospel as a teenager and became a follower of Jesus. On his way to Helborn, the chorus “on Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand” came to him as he contemplated the “gracious experience of a Christian.”
Shortly thereafter, he called on a friend whose wife was very ill. They sang the first two verses and the chorus and her spirits were greatly lifted. He went home and wrote the last two verses and then returned to his friend’s home with the completed hymn. He gave it to his friend’s wife and the dying woman was so moved by the entire work that Mote ordered 1000 printed copies for distribution. In 1852, Mote gave up his carpentry business and became the pastor at the Baptist church in Horsham, Sussex, England where he served for more than 20 years. He died in 1873.
In the last decade we have witnessed the coming into popularity of the phrase “fake news.” This term basically means fake facts, untruths, distorted reality, or just plain lies. Two thousand years ago, the apostle John wrote about fake faith and real saving faith. Mote’s hymn speaks of saving faith…the real thing…faith that causes one to act. Consider these phrases from his hymn:
“hope is built on Jesus’ blood”
“wholly lean on Jesus’ name”
“on Christ the solid rock I stand”
“I rest on His unchanging grace”
But there is a fake faith which John describes in his gospel. Another word for faith is “believe” and “believe” or “believed” occur 84 times in the gospel of John (NIV). In fact, the purpose of his gospel is based on belief as we see in chapter 20 verses 30-31 as follows:
Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
So, there are many passages in John’s gospel and the entire Bible (“believe” occurs 289 times) to which we could turn. But, let’s look in the book of John at chapter 12…the section with the subheading “The Unbelief of the People.” Verse 37 describes the belief of the people as follows; “though He had done so many signs (miracles) before them, they still did not believe in Him.” But, some did, as we see in verses 42 and 43 as follows.
Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved human praise more than praise from God.
John describes some of the Jewish leaders as believing but not confessing their belief. That is to say they did not act on what they said they believed. They knew who Jesus was. They knew His message. They believed who He said He was and they believed His message. But, they would not act on that belief. John provides two reasons for their lack of commitment/action as follows.
- Peer pressure (from the Pharisees)
- Love of the world ( glory/praise from men)
These folks held a superficial belief that was guided by the fear of public opinion rather than the fear of God. Many of the Jewish leaders rejected Jesus so these folks were afraid of being rejected by them (Scribes and Pharisees). Besides, He was teaching that to become a true disciple (follower) they must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24 – 27). In other words, Jesus must become more important than worldly pleasures and the honor we receive from others.
This concept is the central theme of the book of James…written by the brother of Jesus. James writes in chapter 2 verse 17; “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” It is not saving faith. It is “fake faith.” Fake faith says “yes, I believe in Jesus”, but fails to really commit by putting its full trust in Him. Mote’s hymn describes a real, saving faith that creates change (repentance) and actions indicative of “wholly leaning on Jesus’ name.”
Unfortunately, there are many “religious” folks today (just like those described by John) who come to church and recite the Apostle’s Creed but don’t live out their faith. I pray that we will examine our own hearts and actions to determine if we “may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light” (Colossians 1:10 – 12).
May our faith and actions demonstrate that, using the words of Edward Mote, “my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness, I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name…on Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”
— H. Carter
Hymns for Him 