536. Lord Jesus Is Calling to All Who Will Hear

Text Information
First Line: Lord Jesus is calling to all who will hear
Title: Lord Jesus Is Calling to All Who Will Hear
Author: Vernon Luchies (1974)
Meter: 11 11 11 11
Language: English
Publication Date: 1987
Scripture: ; ; ; ;
Topic: Cross of Christ; Invitation; Church and Mission (3 more...)
Copyright: Text © 1974, CRC Publications
Tune Information
Name: RADWELL
Composer: Hilary P. Chadwyck-Healey (1971)
Meter: 11 11 11 11
Key: B♭ Major
Copyright: Tune © 1971 Royal School of Church Music


Text Information:

Scripture References:
st. 1 = Rev. 22:17
st. 2 = John 4: 14; 7:37
st. 3 = John 16:33

Vernon Luchies (b. Fremont, MI, 1927) wrote this text during his years as an inner-city pastor in Kalamazoo, Michigan (1969 - 1978). Written to complement a sermon on the Holy Spirit, the hymn was intended to be sung at the conclusion of worship. "Lord Jesus Is Calling" was first published in the Psalter Hymnal Supplement of 1974.

This invitation hymn (see also 534 and 535) uses the "living water" image from Christ's words in John 4:10-13 and 7:37-39. The text makes clear that this "water" is a metaphor for the Holy Spirit, who instills joy in the hearts of believers and enables them to witness to others about salvation in Christ.

Educated at Calvin College and Calvin Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Luchies also served other congregations in Iowa, South Dakota, British Columbia, New York, and Kentucky before retiring in 1989. Luchies has had several hymns published and has written many articles for periodicals and newspapers.

Liturgical Use:
As an invitation hymn during evangelistic services or for regular Sunday worship; Pentecost season.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Tune Information:

After serving in the armed forces during World War I, Hilary P. Chadwyck-Healey (b. London, England, 1888; d. Harrow, London, 1976) entered the electrical business, a position he retained until his retirement in 1956. He also retained his strong interest in composition and published choral, piano, and organ works. He served as a director of the Royal Academy of Music and as a vice-president of the Royal School of Church Music.

Chadwyck-Healey composed RADWELL around 1940 in London as a setting for Reginald Heber's (PHH 249) "Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning." RADWELL was set to a variety of texts in Hymns Ancient and Modern Revised (1950) and in several later hymnals, including the Canadian Anglican and United Hymn Book (1971).

RADWELL is distinguished by an effective climax at the end of its third line. Sing in unison.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook


Media
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