Week 10: A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief

A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief

LDS Hymnal p.29 - James Montgomery--
Hymn sung at the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
See History of the Church, 6:614-15.

A poor wayfaring Man of grief  Hath often crossed me on my way,
Who sued so humbly for relief  That I could never answer nay.
I had not pow'r to ask his name, Whereto he went,  or whence he came
Yet there was something in his eye That won my love; I knew not why.

Once, when my scanty meal was spread, He entered; not a word he spake, Just perishing for want of bread. I gave him all; he blessed it, brake, And ate, but gave me part a-gain. Mine was an angel's portion then, For while I fed with eager haste, The crust was manna to my taste.

I spied him where a fountain burst Clear from the rock; his strength was gone. The heedless water mocked his thirst; He heard it, saw it hurrying on. I ran and raised the suff'rer up; Thrice from the stream he drained my cup, Dipped and returned it running o'er; I drank and never thirsted more.

'Twas night; the floods were out; it blew A winter hurricane aloof. I heard his voice abroad and flew To bid him welcome to my roof. I warmed and clothed and cheered my guest And laid him on my couch to rest; Then made the earth my bed, and seemed In Eden's garden while I dreamed.

Stript, wounded, beaten nigh to death, I found him by the highway side. I roused his pulse, brought back his breath, Revived his spirit, and supplied Wine, oil, refreshment--he was healed. I had myself a wound concealed, But from that hour forgot the smart, And peace bound up my broken heart.

In pris'n I saw him next, condemned To meet a traitor's doom at morn. The tide of lying tongues I stemmed, And honored him 'mid shame and scorn. My friendship's utmost zeal to try, He asked if I for him would die. The flesh was weak; my blood ran chill, But my free spirit cried, "I will!"

Then in a moment to my view The stranger started from disguise.
The tokens in his hands I knew; The Savior stood before mine eyes.
He spake, and my poor name he named, "Of me thou hast not been ashamed.
These deeds shall thy memorial be;  Fear not, thou didst them unto me."

-I don't know if I have ever read the words to this song in its entirety, until today. I was moved so much while reading these words. I know this was song that was sung to Joseph Smith the day he was martyred. Ever wonder, why this song? Well, I don't now that I have read the incredible message. The words teach of living a Christ like life, giving to others, serving others, and Sacrificing all you have in the name of the Savior and his work. Giving everything to him, even your life if necessary. 

-Am I giving all I have to Him, and to His cause? Do I feel compelled to serve when I am called?

Do I represent the love of the Savior? Though I struggle with the trials in my own life, do I feel compassion for others?

I  have pulled some quotes from the following talk:

Robert K. Dellenbach, “Sacrifice Brings Forth the Blessings of Heaven,” Liahona, Nov 2002, 33–35

"There can be no sacrifice greater than the atoning sacrifice of the Savior Jesus Christ. His Atonement, though incomprehensible and without equal, was this world’s crowning event. Gratefully, because of His supreme offer of charity, there is no sting of death, and the grave has no victory.
Our challenge is to unselfishly sacrifice all that we have been given, including our will. Elder Neal A. Maxwell rightly said: “The submission of one’s will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God’s altar. The many other things we ‘give’ … are actually the things He has already given or loaned to us.” 11
Sacrifice is ultimately a matter of the heart—the heart. “Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind.” 12 If we are caring, if we are charitable, if we are obedient to God and follow His prophets, our sacrifices will bring forth the blessings of heaven. “And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit.” 13
In an unusual way, I experienced a glimpse of our Savior’s sacrifice of love for me. While in Jerusalem on Christmas Eve, my wife and I visited several of the sites where the Savior walked and taught. The agony suffered by the Savior brought deep sorrow to us as we stood in the dungeon below the palace of Caiaphas. It was there that our Lord was flogged and scourged. We saw the chain holes in the wall. With tears we sang “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief.” 14 He was so alone amongst vile perpetrators. With heavy hearts we prayed for courage to be His worthy servants.
Shortly thereafter, we visited the empty Garden Tomb. The words from the scriptures “He is not here: for he is risen” 15 resounded through our hearts. Eliza R. Snow penned:

Although in agony he hung,
No murm’ring word escaped his tongue.
His high commission to fulfill, …
He magnified his Father’s will.
He dies a sacrifice for sin, …
That man may live and glory win. 16

The Savior’s Atonement was the greatest act of charity known to mankind.

We sing these words from President Gordon B. Hinckley:

He lives, my one sure rock of faith,
The one bright hope of men on earth,
The beacon to a better way,
The light beyond the veil of death. 17

I sorrow that a single drop of His blood was shed for me. I pray that someday I will meet the Savior. I will kneel and kiss the wounded hands and feet, and He will wipe away my tears. I pray that He will say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” 18 Because of His mercy, we have hope, brothers and sisters. He is the “fount of every blessing.” 19 Of this I testify in the name of the greatest example of sacrifice, even Jesus Christ, amen."

-I know that so many of us are struggling with our daily trials even our daily obligations make it hard to sacrifice the time, or even the money that we need to. Our Savior has laid the foundation and has set into motion the very tools and example that we need to follow.
I pray that I may find the courage to step it up...even if it is just a little.
I need to give more and take less. Serve more and love more. This is what is asked of me.
I need to willingly say, "I WILL!"