This hymn was written by Will L Thompson and published in 1880.  I learned to enjoy it since it was sung most of the weeks I attended the Friday morning Bible study in my Dad’s nursing home.

 

Verse 1 Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,

                calling for you and for me;

                See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching,

                watching for you and for me.

Refrain Come home, come home,

                you who are weary, come home;

                earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,

                calling, O sinner, come home!

Verse 2 Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,

                pleading for you and for me?

                Why should we linger and heed not His mercies,

                mercies for you and for me?

Verse 3  Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,

                passing from you and from me;

                Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,                

                coming for you and for me.

Verse 4  Oh, for the wonderful love He has promised,

                promised for you and for me!

                Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon,

                pardon for you and for me.

 The sentiments of “not tarrying or lingering” and “time that is fleeting” are very appropriate for nursing homes or funerals; the aged are usually closer to death. But anyone of any age who has not considered the call of Jesus Christ would do well to heed the content of the last verse.  We have all sinned; we are all guilty before God.  But Jesus has mercy and pardon, and He promises wonderful love for those who accept his call.  Repent and believe.