Come, Ye Sinners

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is
easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NASB

Born in London in 1712, Joseph Hart resisted Christianity while young. To him, the faith made no sense. He even wrote a pamphlet called “The Unreasonableness of Religion.” He criticized the messages of Gospel ministers, including evangelist John Wesley. However, his life changed in 1757 after feeling conviction during a service in the Moravian Chapel, in London.

Driven by his new faith, he began writing hymns. One of the first was “Come Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy.” From his own experience, he understood how many people resist salvation. But he knew that “Jesus ready stands to save” the weak, wounded, sick, and sore. All they had to do was respond.

He called, “Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome, God’s free bounty glorify; true belief and true repentance, every grace that brings you nigh.” Paraphrasing Matthew 11, Hart wrote, “Come, ye weary, heavy laden, lost and ruined by the fall; if you tarry till you’re better, you will never come at all.”

Hart knew that many people resisted this invitation. But he wrote, “All the fitness He requireth is to feel your need of Him.” He knew that Jesus would welcome their presence, and embrace them in His arms.

This hymn was popular in camp meetings on the American frontier in the nineteenth century. It was sung as people came forward who had been convicted of sin.

Today, Jesus calls you to come to Him just as you are. No matter what you have done, or what problems you face, He will welcome you, take away your burdens, forgive your sins, and save your soul.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I come to You right now. I need Your forgiveness. I need wisdom. I need Your power. Fill me with Your Spirit. Use me to bring others to salvation. In Your name. Amen.