I Must Tell Jesus

By Gerald Hochstetler

March 1, 2025

About as far back as I can remember, I’d say my early teens, I wanted to be free. Every fiber in my body longed to be free.

Rules. I hated rules.

My Dad would go to town and stop at the flea market. Once in a blue moon my turn would come around and I’d get to go along and get a little taste of the world. Two accounts seared into my brain that I will never forget. 

The first was the day I bought my first pack of cigarettes. I nervously fumbled around in my pocket and handed the clerk my own hard earned cash. I felt liberated. My life of freedom was about to begin. I would soon be blowing smoke like a real man. No one was going to tell me what to do, or so I thought. 

The other account made an even greater impact. I was walking along and heard a familiar hymn being sung. It was absolutely beautiful. The harmony and the music were heavenly beautiful. I made my way over and just stood there. If I allow myself, I can still feel it. 

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
I cannot bear my burdens alone; 
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

 What did that even mean? Jesus can help me, Jesus alone! The beautiful music rang out into an ugly, ugly environment. I felt bad...and good. I would do this, I thought.

I must tell Jesus all of my troubles;
He is a kind, compassionate Friend;
If I but ask Him, He will deliver,
Make of my troubles quickly an end.

I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus…. 

And so it went. Even though it felt like heaven was near, I had to move on. For even this music was forbidden. I could not afford to be caught here listening to music. 

Oh, what a troubled world of false religions and ugliness we often create. I would go on to a long life of “looking for freedom” in all of the wrong places. But in this confused journey, faith also began to grow. 

This Jesus was available, This Jesus does hear. This Jesus does understand. 
And so the last line of the song became, and is still becoming, a reality.
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone. 

That, my friend, is the good news of the gospel. Jesus can help us, Jesus alone! This Jesus is the gateway to freedom! 

 

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