Title: The great physician now is near
Hymn Number: SS&S 89 (Sacred songs and solo)
1 The Great Physician now is near,
The sympathising Jesus ;
He speaks the drooping heart to cheer,
Oh, hear the voice of Jesus !
Sweetest note in seraph song.
Sweetest name on mortal tongue,
Sweetest carol ever sung :
Jesus ! blessed Jesus !
2 Your many sins are all forgiven ;
Oh, hear the voice of Jesus!
Go on your way in peace to heaven,
And wear a crown with Jesus.
3 All glory to the risen Lamb !
I now believe in Jesus;
I love the blessed Saviour’s name,
I love the name of Jesus.
4 His name dispels my guilt and fear,
No other name but Jesus ;
Oh, how my soul delights to hear
The precious name of Jesus.
5 Come, brethren, help me sing His praise.
Oh, praise the name of Jesus !
Come, sisters, all your voices raise,
Oh, bless the name of Jesus !
6 The children, too, both great and small,
Who love the name of Jesus,
May now accept the gracious call
To work and live for Jesus.
7 And when to the bright world above
We rise to see our Jesus,
We’ll sing around the throne of love
His name, the name of Jesus.
About The Hymn
The hymn “The Great Physician Now Is Near”, numbered 89 in Sacred Songs and Solos, was written by William Hunter in the mid-19th century. This seven-verse hymn celebrates Jesus Christ as the compassionate and powerful “Great Physician” who brings spiritual healing, comfort, and salvation. Each verse reflects on His tender care, the joy of redemption, and the assurance of eternal life. Its tone is deeply personal and worshipful, inviting believers to place their trust in Christ, the healer of both body and soul.
Verse 1: The Presence of the Great Physician
“The Great Physician now is near, the sympathizing Jesus; He speaks the drooping heart to cheer, oh, hear the voice of Jesus.”
The hymn opens with a declaration of Jesus’ nearness and His compassionate nature. As the “Great Physician,” He understands human suffering and offers comfort and encouragement. His voice, gentle yet powerful, brings hope and healing to the weary soul.
Verse 2: The Sweetness of His Name
“Your many sins are all forgiven, oh, hear the voice of Jesus; go on your way in peace to heaven, and wear a crown with Jesus.”
This verse emphasizes Jesus’ power to forgive sins, offering believers the assurance of pardon and peace. It reflects the transformative impact of salvation, pointing to the eternal reward of being united with Christ in heaven.
Verse 3: The Joy of Salvation
“All glory to the dying Lamb! I now believe in Jesus; I love the blessed Savior’s name, I love the name of Jesus.”
The third verse focuses on the believer’s response to Jesus’ sacrificial love. The “dying Lamb” refers to Christ’s atoning death, which secures salvation for all who believe. This verse exudes joy and adoration for Jesus’ name, which represents His person and work.
Verse 4: The Beauty of His Name
“His name dispels my guilt and fear, no other name but Jesus; oh, how my soul delights to hear the charming name of Jesus.”
Here, the hymn celebrates the power of Jesus’ name to bring peace and remove guilt. The believer finds comfort and delight in hearing His name, which signifies His presence and His role as Savior.
Verse 5: The Call to Follow Him
“And when to that bright world above, we rise to see our Jesus, we’ll sing around the throne of love, His name, the name of Jesus.”
This verse points to the hope of heaven, where believers will see Jesus face to face and join in eternal worship. It reflects the ultimate fulfillment of the Christian journey, culminating in the joyous presence of Christ.
Verse 6: Assurance in His Promise
“Come, brethren, help me sing His praise, oh, praise the name of Jesus; oh, sisters, too, your voices raise, oh, bless the name of Jesus.”
This verse invites others to join in praising Jesus, emphasizing the communal aspect of worship. It reflects the unity and joy that come from shared faith in Christ and the collective celebration of His goodness.
Verse 7: Eternal Praise to Jesus
“The children, too, both great and small, who love the name of Jesus, may now accept the gracious call to work and live for Jesus.”
The final verse calls all believers, regardless of age or status, to respond to Jesus’ invitation to serve Him. It reminds worshippers that Jesus’ love and salvation extend to all who accept His call, inspiring a life of devotion and obedience.
Overall Message and Significance
“The Great Physician Now Is Near” is a hymn of comfort, joy, and hope, celebrating Jesus as the healer of both physical and spiritual ailments. Its verses emphasize His power to forgive sins, bring peace, and provide eternal life. The hymn invites believers to place their trust in Christ, rejoice in His love, and live in gratitude for His saving work.
The imagery of Jesus as the “Great Physician” highlights His compassion and understanding of human suffering, offering encouragement to those in need of healing and hope. Through its deeply personal and uplifting message, this hymn continues to inspire faith and devotion, pointing worshippers to the ultimate source of healing and redemption—Jesus Christ.