Preparing for Sunday

Song Highlight: "Man of Sorrows," What A Name

This week’s hymn is “Man of Sorrows,” What A Name by Philip P. Bliss. Bliss was a 19th century musician and hymnist who worked alongside D.L. Moody in his evangelistic campaigns. He is considered to be one of the greatest hymn writers of his generation writing
hymns such as I Will Sing of My Redeemer and the beautiful melody for It Is Well. The following hymn, “Man of Sorrows,” What a Name (Hallelujah, What A Savior!) was one of the last hymns he wrote before he and his wife tragically died in a train accident at age 37 on their way to sing alongside Moody’s preaching. The hymn, taking the words from Isaiah 53:3, focuses on the great sacrifice Christ made in order to redeem ruined sinners like us. The King
of Glory humbled himself to scoffing, condemnation, and death in order to stand in our place and receive the wrath that we deserved. This glorious Savior, after bearing our sin, rose victoriously to the right hand of the Father where He waits to come again to restore all things and welcome us in the glorious Kingdom which shall have no end. In light of such a glorious God and Gospel of redemption, how could we not sing “Hallelujah, what a Savior!”

One month before he died, Philip Bliss conducted a service for the inmates at Michigan State Prison. As he sang this beloved hymn, it is said that many of the inmates openly wept and confessed Christ as their Savior. This hymn is still blessing many in the church to this day as Bliss realizes now more than ever how great the Savior truly is. 

Source of hymn background: “Then Sings My Soul: Book 2” by Robert J. Morgan, pg. 153.