Come Ye Sinners Poor and Needy

The writers of this hymn must have had Matthew 11.28 in mind.

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me

For I am meek and lowly in heart

And ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Although Jesus said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God,.” that’s not because the rich are wicked. Indeed, a free market rewards the virtues of hard work, service, and provision. And the Bible promises prosperity to the wise.

But affection adheres to our possessions. That is why the rich young ruler was unwilling to leave his wealth and follow Jesus, why the gospel message finds readier ears among the bereft, and why the writer of this hymn aims his message at the sinner, poor and needy.

Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore.
Jesus ready stands to save you,
Full of pity, love, and power.

I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms.
In the arms of my dear Savior.
Oh, there are ten thousand charms.