IT’S FRIDAY. BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! The Incomparable Christ

Billy Sunday, who was a popular National League baseball player in the 1880’s became a celebrated and influential evangelist in the first two decades of the 20^th century.

Sunday’s preaching style was often described as colloquial and homespun. His frenetic delivery attracted large crowds to his campaigns in some of America’s largest cities. He was a conservative who espoused fundamental beliefs about the inerrancy of Scripture, the virgin birth of Jesus and the bodily resurrection.

In one of his famous sermons exalting the all sufficiency of Jesus Christ, Billy Sunday paid tribute to the Savior with these words.

Christ for sickness, Christ for health,

Christ for poverty, Christ for wealth,

Christ for joy, Christ for sorrow,

Christ today and Christ tomorrow;

Christ my Life, and Christ my Light,

Christ for morning, noon and night,

Christ when all around gives way

Christ my everlasting Stay;

Christ my Rest, and Christ my Food

Christ above my highest good,

Christ my Well-beloved Friend

Christ my Pleasure without end;

Christ my Savior, Christ my Lord

Christ my Portion, Christ my God

, Christ my Shepherd, I His sheep

Christ Himself my soul to keep;

Christ my Leader, Christ my Peace

Christ has bought my soul’s release

Christ my Righteousness divine

Christ for me, for He is mine;

Christ my Wisdom, Christ my Meat,

Christ restores my wandering feet,

Christ my Advocate and Priest

Christ who ne’er forgets the least;

Christ my Teacher, Christ my Guide,

Christ my Rock, in Christ I hide,

Christ the Ever-living Bread,

Christ His precious Blood has shed;

Christ has brought me nigh to God,

Christ the everlasting Word

Christ my Master, Christ my Head,

Christ who for my sins has bled;

Christ my Glory, Christ my Crown,

Christ the Plant of great renown,

Christ my Comforter on high,

Christ my Hope, draws ever nigh.

I don’t know if these words were original with Billy Sunday. But this great tribute reminds me of why I attend worship on Sunday, the first day of the week. It’s about all Jesus Christ.   He’s the one of whom the prophet Isaiah penned his own tribute when he wrote:

For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  (Isa 9:6)

Whatever problems, challenges or issues you face on Friday, hold on. Hang in there. Don’t quit.   Sunday’s coming!

 –Ken Weliever, The Preacherman