The Wondrous Cross
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Words by Isaac Watts (1707)
Music by Lowell Mason (1824)
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
This song encompasses all that this week should be about. The cross. The wondrous, saving, healing cross.
Charles Wesley, writer of more than 6,000 hymns including ‘Christ, The Lord is Risen Today,’ ‘Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing,’ and ‘Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,’ reportedly said that he would give up all his other hymns to have written this one.
The lyrics speak so much of how what we have is nothing, what we gain is nothing, compared to what Christ gave to purchase us for the Father. The second verse, in particular, parses no words. ‘Lord,’ he implores, ’stop my pride, wipe away the things that draw my attention away from you.’
“See from His head, His hands, His feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down!” Oh, how Isaac Watts captures those hours on the cross. He doesn’t focus on the physical pain that Jesus felt. The reality is that the physical pain was such a small part of the cross. His heart was breaking for us, as was his Father’s. Yet the love of our Lord far outweighed it all. He could have so easily called the angels down to take him from the cross, release him from the pain, and return to his Heavenly home. But he chose to bear it all for us.
Yet, for me, the final verse is what gives an even greater perspective. Watts says that if everything was his, everything. Every mound of dirt, every kernel of corn, every bird, all the riches, everything. If it was all his, it would fail to compare to the gift that Christ gave that day so long ago. And, in return for this gift, the gift of salvation, we must give all to Him.
“Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.”
It’s true. How can we look at what Christ gave us, what God gave us, and not give of ourselves completely. Another hymn proclaims, “Jesus paid it all. All to him I give.” And we should. We must. He doesn’t demand it. But how can we give less than our all to the one who gave his all for us?
May 26th, 2010 at 8:31 am
lucky
July 4th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Each article I have read is very well written and to the point. I would also like to say, not only are the posts well written, but the design of your web-site is excellent. I was able to navigate from post to post and locate what I was looking for with ease. Keep up the great work you are doing, and I will be back many times in the near future.