Come Thou Font
Jimmy Clifton
A Heart Tuned to Grace: The Spiritual Journey in 'Come Thou Font'
Jimmy Clifton's rendition of 'Come Thou Font' is a heartfelt hymn that delves into the themes of divine grace, redemption, and the human tendency to stray from spiritual paths. The song opens with a plea to the 'fount of every blessing' to tune the singer's heart to sing of divine grace. This metaphor of tuning a heart like an instrument suggests a need for spiritual alignment and readiness to receive and express divine love. The 'streams of mercy never ceasing' evoke an image of endless divine compassion, calling for the most exuberant praise.
The second verse introduces the concept of an 'Ebenezer,' a term from the Bible meaning 'stone of help,' symbolizing a marker of God's assistance in the singer's life. This acknowledgment of divine help is coupled with a hope for continued guidance to reach a spiritual home. The reference to Jesus seeking the singer 'when a stranger' and rescuing them with His blood underscores the Christian belief in salvation and the sacrificial love of Christ.
The final verses reflect a deep awareness of human frailty and the propensity to drift away from faith. The singer admits to being 'prone to wander' and asks for divine intervention to bind their heart to God. The repeated plea to 'take and seal' the heart for 'Thy courts above' signifies a desire for eternal security and a steadfast relationship with the divine. Clifton's emotive delivery enhances the hymn's message, making it a powerful expression of spiritual longing and devotion.