Fairest Lord Jesus

Sunday Morning Devotion: Week 36

Introduction

Thank you for joining me today as we reflect on this hymn that beautifully and movingly describes our Lord, Jesus Christ: Fairest Lord Jesus. Sometimes called Beautiful Savior, this hymn has been sung by worshiping believers to lift their eyes from the beauty of creation to the surpassing beauty of Christ himself. The hymn moves us from meadows, woodlands, and sunlight to the glory of the One who is above them all, the Son of God, Son of Man, our Savior.

This hymn helps us remember that while God’s creation is filled with wonder, it can’t compare to the splendor of Christ. He’s not only fairer than all created things, but he’s also the source of true joy, the healer of sorrow, and the eternal King who deserves our praise. Let’s reflect today on why Jesus alone is our soul’s glory, joy, and crown.

Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus, beautiful Savior, we lift our hearts to you in worship today. Thank you for the beauty of creation that points us to you, but most of all for the beauty of your holiness, your love, and your redeeming work. Help us to cherish you above all things, to honor you with our lives, and to proclaim you as our soul’s joy and crown. Amen.

Fairest Lord Jesus
By Friedrich von Spee

Fairest Lord Jesus,
ruler of all nature,
O thou of God and man the Son,
Thee will I cherish,
Thee will I honor,
thou, my soul’s glory, joy, and crown.

Fair are the meadows,
fairer still the woodlands,
robed in the blooming garb of spring:
Jesus is fairer,
Jesus is purer
who makes the woeful heart to sing.

Fair is the sunshine,
fairer still the moonlight,
and all the twinkling starry host:
Jesus shines brighter,
Jesus shines purer
than all the angels heaven can boast.

Beautiful Savior!
Lord of all the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor,
praise, adoration,
now and forevermore be thine.

Key Principles from this Hymn

1. Meadows, woodlands, sunshine, and stars are stunning, but Christ’s glory is greater still. Creation reflects his majesty, yet he himself is the source of that beauty.
2. The hymn reminds us that Jesus makes the woeful heart sing. His beauty isn’t only seen but experienced as he heals and renews the soul.
3. The final verse lifts our eyes from nature to eternity: Jesus is Lord of all nations, Son of God and Son of Man, deserving glory, honor, and praise forever.

Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection

1. What created beauty most reminds you of God’s glory?
2. How does this hymn help you see Christ as more beautiful than creation itself?
3. In what ways has Jesus turned your sorrow into joy?
4. What does it mean to you that Jesus is both “Son of God and Son of Man”?
5. How can you cherish and honor Christ more fully in your daily life?
6. Why do you think the hymn concludes with Jesus as Lord of the nations?
7. How might this hymn help you worship with a greater sense of reverence and awe?

Related Bible Verses to Reflect Upon

• Psalm 27:4 – One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.
• Colossians 1:15-16 – He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible…
• Hebrews 1:3 – He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.
• John 1:14 – And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
• Philippians 2:9-11 – Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Action Steps

1. When you enjoy nature’s beauty, let it lead you to worship Christ, who is fairer still.
2. In times of sorrow, turn to him in prayer, remembering he makes the woeful heart sing.
3. Dedicate your words, work, and worship to him daily, proclaiming him as your soul’s crown.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Lord Jesus, fairest of ten thousand, we thank you for being our beautiful Savior. Thank you for the beauty of creation that points us to you, and for the joy you bring to our weary hearts. Thank you for being both Son of God and Son of Man, our Redeemer and King. Receive our praise, adoration, and devotion, now and forevermore. Amen.

Prayer Prompts

Use the following prayer prompts to encourage you to pray beyond your usual prayer requests. These prompts are included here to help get your own creative juices flowing and not to be regarded as strict and legalistic requirements. Use them or do not use them according to your need. May the Lord bless you as you go deeper with him in the holy communion of prayer.

Petitions – prayers for yourself

• Give me greater knowledge, depth of insight, and understanding of God’s Word.
• Remind me daily of who I am in Christ. Let me be defined by who God says I am, not the world around me.
• Guide me into greater understanding and faithfulness of God’s call in my life.
• This week’s events and interactions with others, planned and unplanned.
• Other needs

Intercession – prayers for others

• My family
• My pastor(s), church staff, and missionaries
• Those struggling with anger, anxiety, or the overwhelming desire to please people at all costs.
• Other needs

Quotation from Church History

“Jesus is the fairest among ten thousand; He is altogether lovely. This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend.” (Charles Spurgeon)

Closing Thoughts

Fairest Lord Jesus reminds us that Christ outshines all creation, heals the broken heart, and reigns as the Beautiful Savior of the nations. His beauty is not only seen in the world around us but is experienced in the joy of salvation. He’s our soul’s glory, joy, and crown.

May you walk this week with eyes lifted to Christ, cherishing him above all, and honoring him with your life. May his beauty fill your heart with joy and strengthen your hope in him.

Now, may the grace of the Beautiful Savior fill your heart, may his glory shine through your life, and may his praise be forever on your lips. Amen.

Thank you for joining me today. My hope is that you were encouraged and blessed by reflecting on this hymn with me. Remember, there are other resources that come out weekly that do not go out via email. You can discover more devotionals, Bible studies, and other resources by clicking here: Walking Points. Please consider sharing this post or email with others, subscribing if you haven’t, and encouraging others to subscribe as well.