Thursday Hymn Reflection: “You Never Mentioned Him to Me”
[Each Thursday, we “reflect” on a hymn. If you would like to add your favorites to our list for future posts, leave a note in the comments with no more than 3 songs.]
One of the most haunting songs ever written, this simple song is one of the most motivating hymns we regularly sing. Or, maybe we don’t! It may just be me, but it seems to me that we don’t sing this song as much as we used to. Could it be out of guilt?
The lyrics to “You Never Mentioned Him to Me” were written by poet James Rowe, who is probably more well-known for his hymn “Love Lifted Me.” However, this song gets to the heart of evangelism: sharing Christ.
The song pictures Judgment Day, but one where we are waiting for our sentencing. Then, one who has learned his fate is to an eternal hell, cries out, “You met me day by day and knew I was astray, yet never mentioned Him to me.” Those words are chilling, and the thought is horrible, but the song is more than that.
Once we sing the first verse and that chilling chorus, the other two verses contain great encouragement to work. My favorite line in the song is, “So work as days go by, that yonder none may cry, ‘You never mentioned Him to me’.” In reality, that’s the emphasis of the song. It may be a hard song to take, but the emphasis is on doing our work as much as we possibly can.
When we study the Scriptures, we learn that such is our work. Paul stated that he had planted, Apollos had watered, but God gave the increase. Our work is to sow the seed; it is up to the lost to decide to come to Christ. If we can honestly say we are truly sharing Christ with others, songs like this will be great motivation.
If not, though, these songs are chilling and haunting. We can feel guilty after singing them, knowing that we aren’t telling others about Christ.
Which is the song for you?
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Enjoy this version of the hymn, and share your thoughts on this song in the comments.
7 Comments
Todd C
Adam,
I love that song, every word of every verse.
Concerning this song, I only have one complaint, and it doesn’t have to do with the song particularly… I think the last time I was present where the song was sung, I thought Judgment would surely arrive before we finished. Kinda like growing old while trying to get through even two verses of “Never Grow Old.”
Good post.
Brent
This is one of the song’s I grew up to which truly speaks. It is one of my Dad’s favorite songs and I can still hear that sermon he preaches based on this song. What I like about the song is that it is soooo visual. These words bring about images and therefore strike 2 chords on working on ones spirit/heart/mind. You find yourself reflecting on your past and who you have failed to mention God/Christ to and who you were not a good Christian example around. The awesome thing about being Christians is that with forgiveness God does not want us to focus on the those wrongs (learn from them, but not linger on them) he wants us to move forward. And that’s what the song says…if you missed opportunity in the past, don’t let it happen again….look ahead!!!! Who says the old songs are out of date?
Wayne Gordon
This comment is one in general, but brought about after reading the previous comment. We have a wide array of songs that we can sing; some are fast and upbeat while others may be slow and somewhat solemn. We have songs well suited for the march into battle and others which cause us to reflect upon God’s love at Calvary. Open any hymnal and you will see a wide variety. I agree with the writer above when a song is deliberately sung so slow you feel like it will never end. Some hymns can be sung slower or faster, depending on the moment, thrust of the sermon, Lord’s supper, etc. Some just need to be sung without altering. And I wonder if some songs met a need of the time and don’t necessarily fit today? Just wondering, not suggesting. In all circumstances, I am worshipping God which includes singing. If I am encouraged and lifted up by a song, that is great but I am not the center of worship and I don’t have to like or approve of the song! Worshipping and praising God should invoke me to put my all into the moment. Perhaps when I quit worrying about Brother Harmony being off-key and Sister Better Than You singing too loudly, then my worship will be what God wants… from the heart.
Heather Fortenberry
Becca and I just talked about this very song two nights ago in our dorm room. We were talking about missed opportunities, times that we look back on and think, “Wow. I failed.” I was tell Becca about times in high school, which was only 3 years ago, where God presented an opportunity for me to talk about Him, times when it was right there in my face. Instead of taking the opportunity I just sat there. I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately and wondering how I can fix it. I’m sure I could talk to some of them, but it will never be the same as it was in that moment.
While I was telling her this, she mentioned this song. My immediate response to this was, “I don’t want to think about it.” My next thought was one of disappointment. This song is definitely one that makes me feel guilty. Not only does it make me feel guilty that I didn’t talk to people in high school who were willing to listen, but it makes me realize that I’m not doing enough right now. The example I gave to Becca may be a little extreme, but I think it fits perfectly. If we see someone standing on the edge of a cliff, and they are about to fall to there death do we just stand there and not say anything? Of course not! Even if we don’t know them we would tell them to step away from the edge. Then why do we not tell people they are headed for an eternal death?
Why don’t we tell people their souls are in danger? Why are we not sharing Christ’s message of hope with everyone we meet?
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Tammy Hart Lewis
We’re all guilty of this. May God have mercy on our souls.
Mike M
Great post. I referenced it in my post about this same hymn.
http://hymnsinmyheart.wordpress.com/2013/07/24/you-never-mentioned-him-to-me/
Thank you!