Tell Me The Old, Old Story, #279

Background Written by Catherine Hankey, 1866. During a serious illness, she wrote a 100 verse poem entitled, “The Old, Old Story” in 2 parts – “The Story Wanted” and “The Story Told” The next year, portions of it was read at a convention. William Doane was in the audience. He put a portion of it to music. A portion of the second section was also put to music by William Fischer in a song entitled, “I Love to Tell the Story”

Background Our interest is in the message of the song! We ought to think about the life of Jesus – simply, slowly, often, softly and always. It can be a song reminding ME that I need to think of this AND/OR it can be a song as if spoken of another needing to hear the gospel that I have been entrusted to share with them.

Background Story – sometimes, thought of as a fictitious telling. However, the word can mean a narrative that is either true or fictitious, which is designed to inform or interest the hearer (or reader). Often, there is a lesson or application attached to the account. Clearly, the intent of this song (and many others) is to declare the TRUE account of Jesus (cf. 1 John 2:22, 4:3)

Vs. 1 – The Old, Old Story The old, old story - A well established account – 2000+ years ago, our Lord came to this earth. While not a new account, it is certainly relevant and needed today. Of unseen things above – God and the heavenly realm. Romans 1:20, Colossians 1:15-16

Vs. 1 – The Old, Old Story Of Jesus and His glory – 2 Thessalonians 2:14, James 2:1, cf. Philippians 2:8-10 Of Jesus and His love – John 15:13 Romans 5:6-8

Vs. 1 – The Old, Old Story Tell me the story simply – make it understandable, not confusing. Ephesians 3:3-4, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 As to a little child – cf. 2 Timothy 3:15 For I am weak and weary, helpless and defiled – we need it when we are hurting and struggling – cf. Matthew 11:28-30

Vs. 2 – Tell it slowly Tell it slowly, that I may take it in – make it clear and unmistakable. Ensure it is understood. That wonderful redemption, God’s remedy of sin – the foundation of the gospel Romans 3:24 Ephesians 1:7, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Vs. 2 – Tell it slowly Tell it often, for I forget so soon… – we need reminders Philippians 3:1 2 Peter 1:12-15 Hebrews 3:13 – exhort one another daily

Vs. 3 – Tell it softly Tell it softly, with earnest tones and grave – seriously and with effect. Our salvation is no laughing matter – 2 Corinthians 5:11, Jude 22-23, Matthew 10:16 Remember I’m the sinner, who Jesus came to save – how do we view our friends? John 3:16, Romans 6:23, 1 Timothy 1:15

Vs. 3 – Tell it softly Tell it always, if you would really be, in any time of trouble, a comforter to me – continually on our minds, especially in troubling times – 2 Timothy 4:2, Matthew 11:28-30, cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:14

Vs. 4 – Tell the same, old story Tell me the same old story – don’t’ change it! Respect it as it is 1 Corinthians 4:6, Galatians 1:6-9, 2 Peter 3:16 Jude 3, 1 Peter 1:24-25 When you have cause to fear that this world’s empty glory is costing me too dear – remind us about the decaying nature of this world – Matthew 9:36-38, 16:26; 1 John 2:15-17

Vs. 4 – Tell the same, old story Yes, and when that world’s glory, is dawning on my soul – our life is a vapor James 4:13-14, Hebrews 9:27 Tell me the old, old story, Christ Jesus makes thee whole – He is the source of our salvation Acts 4:12, John 14:6 How? Romans 6:3-4

The chorus A continual emphasis - to hear this story over and over – of Jesus and His love!

May we desire to hear the message of our Lord and Savior often!