Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling

Today in my Through-the-Bible reading I was in Exodus 17, when Israel defeats the Amalekites.  As long as Moses kept his staff raised, the Israelites prevailed, but when he grew tired and lowered his hands, the Amalekites prevailed.  So Aaron and Hur held up his hands, and Israel won the battle.  I was moved by the humility of Aaron-- all he was doing was holding up the great prophet's hands.  It reminded me of the hymn, "Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling:"

Hark, the voice of Jesus calling,

"Who will go and work today?

Fields are ripe and harvests waiting,

Who will bear the sheaves away?"

Long and loud the Master calls us,

Rich rewards He offers free;

Who will answer, gladly saying,

"Here am I, send me, send me"?

If you cannot cross the ocean

And the distant lands explore,

You can find the lost around you,

You can help them at your door.

If you cannot give your thousands,

You can give the widow's mite;

What you truly give for Jesus

Will be precious in His sight.

If you cannot speak like angels,

If you cannot preach like Paul,

You can tell the love of Jesus,

You can say He died for all.

If you cannot rouse the wicked

With the judgment's dread alarms,

You can lead the little children

To the Savior's waiting arms.

If you cannot be the watchman

Standing high on Zion's wall,

Pointing out the path to heaven,

Offering life and peace to all,

With your prayers and with your bounties

You can do what God demands;

You can be like faithful Aaron,

Holding up the prophet's hands.

Let none hear you idly saying,

"There is nothing I can do."

While the souls of men are dying

And the Master calls for you.

Take the task He gives you gladly;

Let His work your pleasure be;

Answer quickly when He calls you,

"Here am I, send me, send me."