15 Years of Jesus Loves Me

I just finished putting two littles down with Amy. We’ve been in this routine for a long time. There has been a fifteen year unbroken chain of nights putting kids down for bed. The routine involves all the normal activities: bathroom, teeth brushing, drink, story, a dozen questions, prayer, and finally, singing “Jesus Loves Me.” Over 5,000 times at bedtime, we have sung “Jesus Loves Me” with our children. When our older set was 7, 9, and 10, I began to wonder when someone might tell them that it is not normal to still have your parents sing and pray with you before bed. Then along came Asa, and we bridged our older ones into his bedtime routine for another couple of years before we allowed that routine to change with them.

Why do we sing this song every night? Do I think that simply by singing this song my children will embrace the gospel? No. But I can say that this simple song is a good reminder of the most amazing truth of God’s Word – that Jesus loves sinners. I know that Jesus is a lover of sinners because the Bible describes that love. Jesus lowered Himself to be born as a human. He suffered the indignity of having his diaper changed. He submitted to his parents – a couple of finite beings that He had created. He surrendered Himself to the laws of a crooked government by paying taxes. He dealt with the scornful religious crowd. He was viewed as a friend of sinners – not a compliment in that day. His own family called Him crazy. He was put on trial, beaten, and crucified. He became sin for us, and was consequently forsaken by His Father. Why? To fulfill the Father’s plan, to please His Father, to bring honor and glory to His glorious grace … all true and wonderful statements. But Jesus also did all of this because He loves sinners.

When we or our loved ones go through times of sorrow, callousness, or rebellion, we have to remember that Jesus loves sinners. Consider the Apostle Paul, who referred to himself as the foremost of sinners. Was he speaking hyperbolically? Vehemently opposed those who followed Christ, blasphemous in his heart, and insolent in his speech, Paul was indeed an enemy of the cross of Christ. Yet, God, in His gracious, sovereign love, called out Paul for more than he was becoming. God miraculously intervened in Paul’s life. Is Paul an isolated case? Could one of my children be averse to my Savior at some point? If so, I am hopeful that in God’s sovereign plan, He intends a miraculous intervention for them, just as He did for Paul.

In the meantime, it is good to know that Jesus loves sinners. No one earns the right to be loved by a holy and righteous God. He just loves of His own self-will. In our undeserving state, God lovingly calls to us, and redeems us unto Himself, and calls us children.

It is quiet in our house right now.  As I sit in the stillness and reflect on this day, my mind turns to the little ones in various bedrooms around the our home, and I am filled with praise and thanksgiving to the One who desperately loves.