Peter Ernest, Cardiff

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 1 Timothy 1:15

Were I washed up on a desert island, I would have to bring this verse with me. I trust it would be, by the Grace of God, my continuing comfort and sure hope. No matter how far I find myself from civilization, I can never get away from myself, my sin being ever before me. So what comfort there is in the knowledge that the blessed Saviour came not for the righteous, but for sinners, such as me.

My experience has been like the apostle’s, ‘the things I would, I do not, and the things I would not, those things I do, O wretched man that I am’. But Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners! Comfort and sure hope, since I have gone to Him for refuge and a hiding place from sin and from wrath to come; trusting in His own faithful promise, "Whoever comes to Me, I will in no wise cast out."

Even on a desert island, one would always know the heart, there would be no getting away from the sinful heart. But there is neither getting away from Him, who has loved us and given Himself for us, blessed be His Name.

Who would you like to find on the island for company?

If I could have company with someone, it would be with Robert Murray McCheyne. He was a man used greatly by the Lord in the mid-1800s and one of the Lord's instruments in the great revival in Scotland through those years. His sermons were, indeed, messages sent down from Heaven. It was said of him that, wherever he went, he brought Heaven with Him, such was his way. Gentle and godly, Christ having been formed in him greatly.

I would desire such a person as a companion, on a desert island. Not only because of these reasons but also because we would have another common interest. Robert was a man who greatly desired the Salvation of the Jews. And could say with Paul, "My heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved." (Romans 10:1) He could see many reasons in the Scripture which gave him reason to love them, and evangelise amongst them, seeking to bring them to their Messiah.

Which song would you take to the island?

It would have to be Arabella Katherine Hankey’s 1866 hymn, ‘Tell me the old, old story’.

I never tire of this hymn because it speaks of unseen things above; it speaks of Jesus, Whom, having not seen, we love. It speaks of Jesus and His glory, that humanity and deity, so necessary for the salvation of sinners. And it speaks of Jesus’ love for us and how He gave Himself for us. It speaks of the glorious gospel, “remember I'm the sinner Christ Jesus came to save”, says the hymn writer. “Amen!” Is my heart and soul’s reply.

Tell me the old, old story

Of unseen things above,

Of Jesus and His glory,

Of Jesus and His love;

Tell me the story simply,

As to a little child,

For I am weak and weary,

And helpless and defiled.

Tell me the old, old story

Tell me the old, old story

Tell me the old, old story

Of Jesus and His love.

Tell me the story slowly,

That I may take it in—

That wonderful redemption,

God’s remedy for sin.

Tell me the story often,

For I forget so soon;

The early dew of morning

Has passed away at noon.

Tell me the story softly,

With earnest tones and grave:

Remember, I’m the sinner

Whom Jesus came to save.

Tell me that story always,

If you would really be,

In any time of trouble,

A comforter to me.

Tell me the same old story

When you have cause to fear

That this world’s empty glory

Is costing me too dear.

Yes, and when that world’s glory

Is dawning on my soul,

Tell me the old, old story—

Christ Jesus makes thee whole.