FEAR NOT ’TIS I by E. L. Sands

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 3, 1872

FEAR NOT ’TIS I.

By E. L. Sands

“But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.” John 6:20.

’Twas eighteen hundred years ago, The night was dark, the wind did blow, The waves in fury o’er the sea, Dashed on the shores of Galilee.

“Five loaves that day of barley bread,” And “two small fish” were amply spread, Where hungry thousands ate their fill, On ancient Judea’s verdant hill.

In deepening sorrow of the heart, Jesus withdrew himself apart, “Into a mountain all alone,” To supplicate his “Father’s throne.”

His chosen few, that bowed the knee, Walked down in silence to the “sea;” One form was absent from their sight, He “was not come,” and now ’tis night.

Weary and tired, yet true and tried, No hope of worldly ease or pride; Their hearts were pure, though rude their fare, And coarse the garments of their wear.

They slip the cable from the shore, With callous hands they ply the oar; Behold! and lo! he “was not come,” Their prow points to Capernaum.

That weary night, tossed on the wave, Their fearless hearts became less brave; The lonely crew were sore dismayed, They looked! and lo! they were “afraid.”

Pierced through the darkness of the night, Above the wave, a glorious light Unto the ship was drawing nigh, And thus did say, “Fear not, ’tis I.”

When Jesus spoke, their fear dispelled, Their hearts in sweet communion held A foretaste of the by-and-by, When He will speak, “Fear not, ’tis I.”

His voice they heard above the din Of the fierce storm, and welcomed in Their Master who had heard their cry, And answering, said, “Fear not, ’tis I.”

No matter how the waves may roar, The sky with clouds be all cast o’er; We can behold our Saviour’s form, Beyond the blackness of the storm.

No matter how severe the gale, While o’er life’s stormy sea we sail, Jesus will hear his children’s cry, And sweet respond, “Fear not, ’tis I.”

E. L. Sands.