"Medley: Old Time Religion / Pass Me Not / Sweet By And By" by Merle Haggard is a powerful and soul-stirring song that combines three classic hymns into one beautiful medley. The song takes us back to the old-time religion and reminds us of the timeless truths found in these hymns.
The medley begins with the familiar tune of "Old Time Religion." This hymn speaks of the simplicity and power of the faith that has been passed down through the generations. It reminds us that the old-time religion is still relevant and meaningful today. The lyrics express a desire for that old-time religion, a faith that makes us love everybody. It's a call to return to the core principles of Christianity and live out our faith in a way that reflects the love and grace of God.
As the medley progresses, we are then led into the heartfelt plea of "Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior." This hymn beautifully captures the cry of a soul in need of God's mercy and grace. It acknowledges our dependence on Christ and our need for His intervention in our lives. The lyrics echo the words of the Psalmist who cried out, "Do not pass me by." It is a reminder that no matter how broken or unworthy we may feel, Jesus is always near, ready to extend His love and forgiveness to us.
The final hymn in the medley is "Sweet By and By." This hymn points us to the hope and promise of eternity. It reminds us that this world is not our final destination and that there is a beautiful shore awaiting us in heaven. The lyrics encourage us to keep our eyes fixed on the future, knowing that one day we will be reunited with our loved ones and dwell in the presence of God for eternity.
In these three hymns, we find a common theme of faith, mercy, and the hope of eternal life. They remind us of the foundational truths of Christianity and the importance of living out our faith in a way that reflects these truths. The medley takes us on a journey, starting with a longing for the old-time religion, then pleading for God's mercy, and finally pointing us to the hope of heaven.
As we reflect on the scripture verses that relate to the theme of this song, we can turn to passages such as Hebrews 13:8, which reminds us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This verse echoes the sentiment of the "Old Time Religion" hymn, emphasizing the timeless nature of our faith. In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus encourages us to ask, seek, and knock, assuring us that God will hear our prayers and answer them. This aligns with the plea of "Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior," reminding us that God is always ready to extend His mercy and grace to us. Finally, in Revelation 21:4, we are given a glimpse of the future hope described in "Sweet By and By," where it says, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
"Medley: Old Time Religion / Pass Me Not / Sweet By And By" is a song that brings together the timeless truths of the old-time religion, the cry for God's mercy, and the hope of eternal life. It reminds us of the foundational principles of our faith and encourages us to live in a way that reflects these truths. It is a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of our faith and the hope we have in Christ.
