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J. Wilbur Chapman
John Wilbur Chapman (1859–1918) was an American Presbyterian preacher and evangelist whose dynamic ministry bridged the 19th and 20th centuries, leaving a profound impact on American evangelicalism through his revival campaigns and hymnody. Born on June 17, 1859, in Richmond, Indiana, to Alexander H. Chapman and Lorinda McWhinney, he grew up in a devout Presbyterian family with two sisters and a brother who died in infancy. Converted at age 17 in 1876 during a revival at First Presbyterian Church in Richmond, he felt called to ministry and graduated from Oberlin College in 1879 and Lane Theological Seminary in 1882, where he was ordained that year. He married Irene Steddom in 1882, who died in 1886 after bearing three children—Bertha, Irene, and Agnes—followed by marriages to Agnes Pruyn Strain in 1888 (died 1907, with three more children) and Mabel Cornelia Moulton in 1910, who outlived him. Chapman’s preaching career began with pastorates at Liberty Presbyterian Church in Indiana and Dutch Reformed Church in Schuylerville, New York (1882–1885), followed by First Reformed Church in Albany (1885–1890) and Bethany Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia (1890–1899), which grew to over 2,000 members under his leadership. Resigning in 1899 to become a full-time evangelist, he conducted citywide revivals across the U.S., Canada, and beyond, notably partnering with Charles Alexander in 1907 for campaigns that drew millions, including a 1908 Boston revival baptizing 2,500 converts. Known for hymns like “One Day” and “Jesus! What a Friend for Sinners,” and books such as The Secret of a Happy Day, Chapman served as General Secretary of the Presbyterian General Assembly’s Evangelism Committee (1903–1918). He died on December 25, 1918, in New York City after gall bladder surgery, leaving a legacy as a preacher whose fervor and organizational skill revitalized urban evangelism, bridging Moody’s era to Billy Sunday’s.
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J. Wilbur Chapman preaches about the comforting and secure relationship between Jesus as the good Shepherd and believers as His sheep, emphasizing the protection and love provided by Christ and the Father. The imagery of the sheepfold symbolizes the safety and assurance found in being held by Jesus and the Father, ensuring that nothing can harm or separate believers from their care. Chapman encourages living each day in the hope and power of Christ's appearing, trusting in His guidance to provide nourishment, protection, and victory in the midst of discouragement and challenges.
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Fifth Day: "The Lord Is My shepherd."
DAVID knew how he loved his sheep, and so no more endearing name could be given to his Lord. He is called "the chief Shepherd " by Peter in I. Pet. 5:4; for Peter was looking for him to appear, and he knew him to be the chiefest among ten thousand. And Peter's longing may be fulfilled today. So live this day in the light, the hope, and the power of his appearing. In John he is called "the good Shepherd." John 10:11. "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." Then in the same chapter is given a description of what would really seem to be the sheepfold, when it is written, "They shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." John 10:28. What a resting-place that is! What security is there! But the next verse increases the sweetness and power of the thought. "My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." John10: 29. And it is as if the Father's hand had just been placed over us as we rest in the hand of Christ. This is indeed the sheepfold; and, if this is our place in the plan of God, then surely nothing can molest us or make us afraid. But the next verse really increases the comfort of the thought, when Jesus says, "I and my Father are one." John 10:30. One in holding us out to the end. One in protecting us from danger and from harm. One in love toward us; for, having loved us, the love will be unto the end. Granted the fact that yours is a life of discouragement, that everything in life seems to be against you. Every day may be a day of blessing, every hour an hour of victory, if but lived in the thought that Jehovah in his might is your shepherd, in sympathy, in love, and in helpfulness. SUGGESTIONS FOR TODAY. 1. It is the shepherd's business to lead his sheep to the place where they may find food to eat and water to drink. Our Shepherd will do this for you today. 2. But you must be most sensitive to his leadings. It would be well to pause frequently today, and see whether he is really leading you on. 3. Do not dare go through the day without feeding upon his word. One verse may drive away the adversary of your soul. Stop often and take a deep breath of the very life of God.
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John Wilbur Chapman (1859–1918) was an American Presbyterian preacher and evangelist whose dynamic ministry bridged the 19th and 20th centuries, leaving a profound impact on American evangelicalism through his revival campaigns and hymnody. Born on June 17, 1859, in Richmond, Indiana, to Alexander H. Chapman and Lorinda McWhinney, he grew up in a devout Presbyterian family with two sisters and a brother who died in infancy. Converted at age 17 in 1876 during a revival at First Presbyterian Church in Richmond, he felt called to ministry and graduated from Oberlin College in 1879 and Lane Theological Seminary in 1882, where he was ordained that year. He married Irene Steddom in 1882, who died in 1886 after bearing three children—Bertha, Irene, and Agnes—followed by marriages to Agnes Pruyn Strain in 1888 (died 1907, with three more children) and Mabel Cornelia Moulton in 1910, who outlived him. Chapman’s preaching career began with pastorates at Liberty Presbyterian Church in Indiana and Dutch Reformed Church in Schuylerville, New York (1882–1885), followed by First Reformed Church in Albany (1885–1890) and Bethany Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia (1890–1899), which grew to over 2,000 members under his leadership. Resigning in 1899 to become a full-time evangelist, he conducted citywide revivals across the U.S., Canada, and beyond, notably partnering with Charles Alexander in 1907 for campaigns that drew millions, including a 1908 Boston revival baptizing 2,500 converts. Known for hymns like “One Day” and “Jesus! What a Friend for Sinners,” and books such as The Secret of a Happy Day, Chapman served as General Secretary of the Presbyterian General Assembly’s Evangelism Committee (1903–1918). He died on December 25, 1918, in New York City after gall bladder surgery, leaving a legacy as a preacher whose fervor and organizational skill revitalized urban evangelism, bridging Moody’s era to Billy Sunday’s.