It was Christmas Eve in 1885 when Eugene M. Bartlett was born. During his 56 year life he wrote more than 800 hymns. The last hymn written by Bartlett was penned in 1939. It is our Foundation hymn for March 4, 2012, Victory in Jesus. Bartlett is considered a founding father of Southern Gospel music and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1979.

This morning I’d like you to think about the words Bartlett wrote 73 years ago, “He sought me and bought me”. It is amazing to me that the Creator sought each one of us? Then knowing everything about us he bought us! Romans 5:8 “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”

I read a story one time that went like this. (From Hot Illustrations, Youth Specialties)
A family was involved in a serious traffic accident. Mike, the youngest of two brothers involved, was badly injured and needed a blood transfusion. Mike’s big brother Danny, who was only eight years old, had the same blood type as his younger brother. The dad sat down with Danny and carefully explained to him why this blood transfusion was needed and how wonderful it would be for his little brother. After some silence, Danny responded by saying, “Yes, Daddy, I’ll give my blood to Mike so he can get well.” At the hospital, a pint of blood was drawn from Danny’s veins. Only after the needle was removed did Danny turn to his father with tears rolling down his cheeks and ask, “Daddy, when do I die?” The father suddenly realized with a shock that Danny had misunderstood his explanation of giving blood. Danny thought he was giving all of his blood to save the life of his brother! He thought that he would die after the transfusion was over. Yet he still had agreed to help his little brother.

Romans 5:7-8 “We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.”

This morning think about the fact that Jesus Christ sought you and bought you even though He knew you. Think on this while we sing All Hail the Power of Jesus Name, Everlasting God, How Great is our God, His Name is Wonderful and Come Holy Spirit.

“He died for us so that…we may live together with him” (I Thessalonians 5:10).