Hymn : thou art the way

We sang this hymn in church this morning. Lyrics come courtesy of the Trinity Hymnal.

Thou art the Way: to thee alone
From sin and death we flee;
And he who would the Father seek
Must seek him, Lord, by thee.

Thou art the Truth: thy Word alone
True wisdom can impart;
Thou only canst inform the mind,
And purify the heart.

Thou art the Life: the rending tomb
Proclaims thy conquering arm,
And those who put their trust in thee
Nor death nor hell shall harm.

Thou art the Way, the Truth, the Life:
Grant us that Way to know,
That Truth to keep, that Life to win,
Whose joys eternal flow.

This song was written by George Washington Doane. Factmaster tells us that he was an

Episcopal bishop of New Jersey (1832–59), b. Trenton, N.J. He acted as rector of St. Mary's Church, Burlington, N.J., and there he established a school for girls, St. Mary's Hall, and Burlington College for boys. A leading high churchman, Bishop Doane was also the author of a number of hymns, including “Softly Now the Light of Day” and “Fling Out the Banner, Let It Float.”

For more information on this man, check out the Online Encyclopedia and other sources.

This hymn tied in really well with Pastor Jim's sermon. Based on John 13:31-14:11, the sermon was entitled "I AM the way, the truth and the life".

One of the things that struck me most in this sermon as the response that Jesus gives to his people. When we come to him saying how we messed up again with this or that sin, Jesus' basic response to us is, Come to me, You are not the way, I AM.

That just sums it up doesn't it?

We have to come through Jesus to reach God the Father. His words, not mine. No other way will suffice.