For years and years, I kept up with the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. One of the highlights that I always looked forward to was when Jerry would sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” He could not do it with a dry eye, and I always got emotional as well. (all emphasis mine)
The song by Rogers and Hammerstein was first performed in the 1945 musical “Carousel.” Over the years, it has been recorded by numerous artists from just about every musical background. The lyrics most used are as follows:
“When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high; and don’t be afraid of the dark. At the end of a storm is a golden sky, and the sweet silver song of a lark. Walk on through the wind; walk on through the rain, though your dreams be tossed and blown.
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart; and you’ll never walk alone. You’ll never walk alone.” (repeat)
For “Jerry’s Kids,” this was his way of telling them that, although they had a “rough row to hoe,” there would be a light at the end of the tunnel someday. He let them know he loved each and every one of them to the fullest. He raised an enormous amount of money over the years that went toward not only trying to find a cure for the devastating disease, but also was put toward the care of those who were affected. It provided equipment that was needed so that his “kids” could have some mobility, and helped parents and loved ones with other medical costs.
Since calling out to Jesus to be my Savior, and asking to have a true relationship with Him, this song has taken on a much deeper meaning for me. It is a reminder that even though we have trials and tribulations on this earth, God is always with us. Jesus said in John 16:33, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have trouble and suffering; but take courage, I have overcome the world.” This is the true Hope that we all have if we are His.
No matter where we may be on this earth, and even if it is in a totally secluded area, our Heavenly Father is there with us. For me, it’s reassuring to know that He hears my every thought and prayer, no matter when, and no matter where. Even though He does not need to prove anything, He has shown me in many different ways just how much He loves me. This is not an exclusive as He loves everyone who has ever been, or ever will be on this earth.
He watched as His own Son Jesus, one third of the Trinity, was tortured and hung on a cruel cross to die at Calvary for all of our sins. There was only a brief moment that the Father had to look away, and that’s when Jesus asked why He had been forsaken. At that very moment, every sin that will ever be committed was laid on our precious Savior. When Jesus said, “It Is Finished” (John 29:30), He had shed His perfect blood that would wash away the sins of those who truly call upon Him to be their Savior. He was fully God all along, but for our sake He became a flesh and blood human that was destined to be our sacrificial Lamb for all who will call on Him to be saved.
We are given assurance of this in several places, but especially in Acts 2:21 and Romans 10:13. Romans 10:9-12 are the steps we follow to show our belief and true desire to receive and accept the gift that Jesus gave for us. Contrary to the teachings of some false prophets and antichrists, Jesus is the only way that leads to our eternal Home in Heaven. John 14:6 and Acts 4:12 are just two of the many verses that express this in very plain and easy to understand language.
God wants us to understand the words He gave to us. There are several different interpretations that are taken from the original scrolls, and formatted so that everyone can find one they can understand. Some refuse to read any version but the King James Bible, and that’s fine for them. My personal preference is the New English Translation. The New American Standard Bible is another good one, and there are several others. Just be aware, there are some “man-edited” versions that have twisted the true words of the Father, and they are blasphemy. The people responsible for these are described in 1 John chapters 2-5.
John 3:18 and 1 John 5:12 both cover who is, and who is not in God’s will. All who have Jesus as their Savior have eternal life with Him in Heaven. Those who do not are covered by Revelation 20:11-15. The ultimate antichrist and his false prophet have Revelation 19:20 as their destiny, and Satan’s final sentence is given in Revelation 20:10, which will finally be the absolute end to his evil reign.
Please remember, as I have said before, all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. This has nothing to do with any organized religious group, but is an individual choice each person must make for themselves. A priest, rabbi, preacher or whatever cannot save anyone. If they are worth their salt, they will lead people to Jesus; however, the decision to accept the Savior still rests on each individual. All the words about doing numerous “works” or that your salvation can be “bought” are totally false.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works so that no one can boast.” To emphasize the importance of getting the true word, Paul tells us in Galatians 1:8-9, “But if even we or an angel from Heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. [And for further emphasis] As we have said before, so now I say again; if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.”
Our Heavenly Father has the right to “demand” our worship and praise; yet out of pure love, He leaves that up to each person. For those who truly accept Jesus as the Savior of their soul, the Father sends the Holy Spirit to dwell in us. He does not let us “walk alone.”
For those who have not accepted Jesus, the Father will let them repent and turn to His Son, if they will do so. He wants no one to be condemned (2 Peter 3:9). However, those who take their last breath on this earth without Jesus will be in the line that is described in Revelation 20:11-15, and there is no exception. God is not fooled, and He knows each and every member of Jesus’ flock (John 10). Sad part will be, more will turn away from Jesus than will accept Him (Matthew 7:13-14).
Be one who has the Son of the Living God in your heart, and you will be able to hear “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in a whole new light. Your final destiny is with the Savior forever.
Come Lord Jesus!