America is facing some of the most difficult times in her history, but certainly not the first or only time. Americans also found themselves in great turmoil in the early months of 1860. Several Southern States were threatening to secede as a result of the Federal government imposing its will over the states. People were choosing sides, families quarreled over the issue, and a coming war seemed inevitable. Thousands of mothers throughout America were distraught with the thought of their sons going off to war. Anna Bartlett Warner, a young lady still living at home on Constitution Island, located close to West Point, heard the rumblings of war on a daily basis. Not deterred by the strife, anxiety, or threat of a war, she continued to teach Cadets in Sunday School at her local church. Anna knew that her time with these young men could be short, and that many of them might be killed in battle. With a sense of urgency, she was more determined than ever to share the love of Jesus with these men. Her passion to see young men embracing Jesus as Savior, became her life’s mission. In addition to her concern for the Cadets, she heard the cries and concerns of children over the possibility of losing their father. With that thought in mind, Anna sat down and wrote a poem titled, “Jesus Loves Me This I Know.” She shared her poem every Sunday at the Bible Study she led. The poem first appeared in a novel written by her sister Susan, who wrote under the pen name of Elizabeth Wetherell. A few years later, Dr. William Bradbury put music to those words. The song, “Jesus Loves Me,” is now one of the most recognized and enduring hymns of the Christian faith. Eternity alone will reveal the countless times that the poem was read, and later sung, by both Union and Confederate soldiers on the battlefield. Anna continued to teach a Bible Study class for the next 50 plus years. One of the cadets who sat under her teaching graduated from West Point in 1915, the same year in which Anna passed away. That young man, Dwight D. Eisenhower, became the 34th President of our country. He often spoke boldly about his faith, no doubt influenced by Anna’s teaching. Due to Anna’s love and concern for Cadets, she along with her sister, are the only civilians buried at West Point Cemetery. Anna loved people and was concerned for their souls. That concern led her to do something about it.
The coronavirus and political storm has caused turmoil and fear throughout our country. It’s time for Christians to rise to the occasion, to pray for God to intervene, and to put legs to those prayers by sharing the love of Jesus with others. We have the hope of the future, a home in Heaven, and the peace of God through our lifetime! There are unsaved people that we come in contact with at the store, at the workplace, at the gas pump, and numerous other places. They are fearful of the future and unsure of where to turn. The love of God in us as Christians compels to tell others about Him! The motto, the theme IN GOD WE TRUST is more than a motto, more than a theme; it is a way of life that needs to be shared!
“And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon His name, declare His doings among the people, make mention that His name is exalted” (Isaiah 12:4).
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
“Jesus loves me! This I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong;
They are weak, but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.
Jesus loves me! He will stay
Close beside me all the way;
Thou hast bled and died for me,
I will henceforth live for Thee
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!”
Who can you share the love of Jesus with today?