"Once a man named Steven, preached about the Lord,
Folks were saved and folks were healed as they heard His Word.
Satan did not like it, soon he had his crowd
And as he was tried they heard Steven cry aloud.
I see Jesus standing at the Father's right hand.
I see Jesus yonder in the Promised Land.
Work is over now, I'm coming to thee.
I see Jesus standing waiting for me.
As the stones fell on him, beating out his life.
Steven knew he'd soon be through with all toil and strife.
So much like a Master with a heart so true
He prayed, Lord forgive them for they know not what they do.
Through the gates of glory down the streets of gold,
Marched the hero of the Lord into Heaven's fold.
When he met the Master at the great white throne,
I believed He smiled and said "Steven, welcome home".
I see Jesus standing at the Father's right hand.
I see Jesus yonder in the Promised Land.
Work is over, now I'm coming to Thee.
I see Jesus standing waiting for me."
I can not remember the last time I heard "I See Jesus". It's a song I remember from the church I grew up in but even though I don't recall hearing it too much since, I can still sing almost every word. I just love the way God works!
This song was written by Charles B. Wycuff. Rev. Wycuff was another one of those prolific songwriters with over 300 songs to his credit. It would be easier to name the groups who did not record his songs than the ones who did. I believe I have only woke to one of his songs since I have been writing this blog, and it was "The Wonder Of Wonders" which has always been one of my favorites. But when I wrote about the song, I wrote more about our Christmas services at Church and nothing about Rev. Wycuff. Another one of Rev. Wycuff's songs is "What A Lovely Name". I believe I will always remember when Connie and Roger sang this at Church, standing arm in arm, and lifting their voices in praise. I think Rev. Wycuff would have been proud. Another one of my favorites written by Rev. Wycuff is "I'm Too Near Home".
Rev. Wycuff was born in Gadsden, AL up on Lookout Mountain. His Dad loved gospel music and often sang with a local quartet. As a toddler, Rev. Wycuff would attend the old time singing schools and conventions held in the area. So he grew up loving gospel music. It is said, that often as a small child he would pray for God to give him songs that would reach out to the world that needed to love Jesus. Rev. Wycuff, was basically self taught, but was heavily influenced by his first cousin Vep Ellis (I wrote about Mr. Ellis in the last couple of days). Rev. Wycuff was called into the ministry and he pastored Churches in Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, Illinois, and South Carolina. He has received many honors and recognition including being inducted in the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
I hope you enjoyed reading a little of the history and I hope you will enjoy hearing, "I See Jesus" this morning.
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