Christians enjoy a depth of riches in the songs we sing. The hymns which have stood the test of time are wonderful sources of expressions of truth. Modern songs that we sing also contain great lines upon which we do well to meditate.
Since the writers of these songs and hymns are not inspired prophets and apostles, they do not carry the weight of the Scriptures. Plus we must guard against lyrics which might contain error or a sentimentality that is more akin to a pop song than a worship song.
On this Good Friday I point to some of the verses from the hymnals of the past that are worth reflecting on about the cross of our Lord Jesus. Take the time to chew on these as you reflect this day on the cross.
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
I particularly love to reflect on this verse from this my favorite hymn.
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?—Isaac Watts
Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed
Alas! and did my Savior bleed,
and did my Sovereign die!
Would he devote that sacred head
for such a worm as I?—Isaac Watts
O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
O sacred Head, now wounded,
with grief and shame weighed down,
now scornfully surrounded
with thorns, thine only crown!—Bernard of Clairvaux
Are You Washed in the Blood?
Lay aside the garments that are stained with sin,
And be washed in the blood of the Lamb;
There's a fountain flowing for the soul unclean,
O be washed in the blood of the Lamb!—E.A. Hoffman
Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee;
let the water and the blood,
from thy wounded side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure;
save from wrath and make me pure.—Augustus Toplady
Beneath the Cross of Jesus
Upon the cross of Jesus
mine eye at times can see
the very dying form of One
who suffered there for me:
and from my stricken heart with tears
two wonders I confess,
the wonders of redeeming love
and my unworthiness.—Elizabeth Cecilia Clephane
In Christ Alone
In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
'Til on that cross, as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin, on Him, was laid
Here, in the death of Christ, I live—Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
The Old Rugged Cross
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
the emblem of suffering and shame;
and I love that old cross where the dearest and best
for a world of lost sinners was slain.—George Bennard
Man of Sorrows
Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
in my place condemned he stood,
sealed my pardon with his blood:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!—P.P. Bliss
There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood
There is a fountain filled with blood
Drawn from Immanuel’s veins;
And sinners, plunged beneath that flood,
Lose all their guilty stains:—William Cowper
Okay, I’ve given you one verse from ten different hymns. Perhaps I did not include your favorite. Tell me your favorite verse (either one listed or another one) by leaving a comment below or shooting me an email at frank.c.gantz@gmail.com.
You certainly covered my applicable favorites! Thanks for this!
Loved the article. It is so healing to go back and remember songs and moments from the past.
It also helps me remember the days I prayed for the things I have now.
My personal favorite:.......
Jesus paid it all.
All to Him I owe.
Sin had left a crimson stain.
He washed it white as snow.