MY HOPE IS BUILT ON NOTHING LESS…

Music and songs are very important and integral part of our faith. They are not some songs that we merely parrot. Martin Luther, the great reformer thought thus – “Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise.” Peront, writing about Luther and Christian music, says “He [Martin Luther] emphasized the value of God’s Word and saw music as a means to share truth from the Bible. Luther even compared the importance of music to that of theology.”

Edward Mote, a Baptist pastor, serving at Horsham, Sussex, for 26 years, wrote the beautiful hymn, “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” in 1834. Mote, was inspired to write this hymn on a bright and beautiful day, about the “Gracious experience of a Christian,” on his way to work. He based the refrain on the parable of “the Wise and the Foolish Builders” found in Matthew 7.24-27.

“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.” The refrain goes thus: “On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand: all other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand.” This hymn is one the all-time favourite to many a Christian. 

What a powerful and inspirational hymn is it! What sound biblical teaching it contains!! Oh the refreshing hope it brings to a disheartened and disillusioned soul!!! This hymn is a reflection of Edward Mote, his faith, and his understanding about God, who He is, and what He is to us, on a personal level.

Edward Mote’s faith and life is truly and well reflected in the hymn. He firmly placed his faith in His LORD, and said, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness…” True to it, Mote’s life reflected it. Once, Pastor Edward Mote, who was loved by his congregation, offered him the title deed of the Church he was pastoring. In response Mote said, “I do not want the chapel, I only want the pulpit; and when I cease to preach Christ, then turn me out of that.”

What a man of God; what faith; and what commitment to the LORD His God. He is no blessing and miracle seeker like those of these days. He sought only his LORD, and sought only His Master’s glory. How about us? On what kind of hope is our faith built?