“Thou Who Wast Rich Beyond All Splendor”

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 (ESV)

This beautiful hymn was written to honor and esteem missionaries John and Betty Stam. In China, 1934, they were taken prisoner by Communist soldiers, along with their three-month-old baby, Helen. John and Betty were marched to their deaths, but miraculously, baby Helen, hidden in a sleeping bag, survived and was discovered five days later. She was still alive.

The deaths of John and Betty Stam electrified the Christian world. Upon hearing of the deaths of John and Betty Stam, Frank Houghton wrote this hymn, which was inspired by 2 Corinthians 8:9: “… that though He was rich, yet for your sake he became poor.”

John and Betty Stam were compelled to give their lives for the truth that would eventually be printed on John’s tombstone: “That Christ may be glorified whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Phil. 1:20-21).

Thou who wast rich beyond all splendor,
All for love’s sake becamest poor;
Thrones for a manger didst surrender,
Sapphire paved courts for stable floor.
Thou who wast rich beyond all splendor,
All for love’s sake becamest poor.
 
Thou who art God beyond all praising,
All for love’s sake becamest man;
Stooping so low, but sinners raising,
Heavenward by Thine eternal plan.
Thou who art God beyond all praising,
All for love’s sake becamest man.
 
Thou who art love beyond all telling,
Savior and King, we worship Thee.
Emmanuel, within us dwelling,
Make us what Thou wouldst have us be.
Thou who art love beyond all telling,
Savior and King, we worship Thee.

– Words: Frank Houghton; Music: French Carol Quelle Est Cette Odeur Agreable © 1934 OMF International; CCLI #249042