Look and Live

“To look at Christ is to live.” – C.H. Spurgeon

William Augustine Ogden was born in Franklin County, Ohio in 1841. When he was six, his family moved to Indiana, where he soon began studying music, even writing a few simple songs.

During the Civil War, Ogden served with the 30th Indiana Volunteer Infantry and started a male chorus that became relatively well known throughout the Army of the Cumberland. After the war, Ogden returned home, resumed his musical studies, married, and taught school.

In 1887, Ogden wrote a hymn titled, “I’ve a Message from the Lord, Hallelujah!” Today, it is better known by its chorus, which goes like this…

“Look and live,” my brother, live
Look to Jesus now and live.
‘Tis recorded in His Word, Hallelujah!
It is only that you “look and live.”

I suppose Ogden got the inspiration for his song from Numbers 21, which tells the story of the Israelites being bitten by snakes because of their constant complaining. After quite a few people died, God instructed Moses to “make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole.”

“Everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live,” God said.

In one of His earliest prophecies about His imminent crucifixion, Jesus told His disciples in John 3:14-15 that, “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whosever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Yes, my friend, look and live indeed!

“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President