Thursday, March 20, 2008

Reflections


When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died,

Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

but made Himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
He humbled Himself
and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!

My richest gain, I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

But whatever was to my profit
I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.
What is more, I consider everything a loss
compared to the surpassing greatness
of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord,
for whose sake I have lost all things.

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.

Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered Him stricken by God,
smitten by Him, and afflicted.

But He was pierced for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him,
and by His wounds we are healed.

See, from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!

"My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

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!

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live,
but Christ lives in me.
The life I live in the body,

I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave Himself for me.

~ ~ ~

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy,
to offer your bodies as living sacrifices,
holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.


Scripture References:

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13 comments:

Anonymous said...

One of the most beautiful renditions of this song was recorded by the group Selah. (My two favorite groups are Avalon and Selah).

Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

I'm with Julie...love Selah on that song!

Beautiful how you interwove the scripture with the hymn....

Love ya!

Lisa

Lisa Spence said...

Beautiful! Have a blessed Resurrection celebration!

He is risen,
Lisa

P.S. Love your new look!

Anonymous said...

We're on the same page today, sister! I'm overwhlmed on this Good Friday! Happy and Blessed Easter, friend.

Kelli

Sandy said...

Indescribable gift - so perfectly said!
Happy Easter Linda!

Anonymous said...

Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all!
That is the line in the song that convicts me every time!

Thanks for posting this...it puts it all in perspective!

Happy Easter.....He is risen indeed!
~Sandy

Connie Barris said...

but made Himself nothing...

and now... that I too have been crucified with Christ...

beautiful my friend...

This is one of the most special times of year...

don't you wonder how Heaven celebrates??

Happy Easter

Love ya
Connie

Xandra@Heart-of-Service said...

Oh, Linda. I have goosebumps all over. What a beautiful juxtaposition of a classic hymn and scripture. Amen and amen!

Xandra

Alene said...

Thanks for sharing. What a beautiful piece of hymn and scripture. May God bless you this Easter weekend. He has risen! Amen.

Rhonda said...

Beautiful!!

Have a wonderful Easter Linda!

Melissa in Mel's World said...

What a beautiful gift we have all been given!

Happy Easter Dear Friend!
Melissa

Anonymous said...

HAPPY EASTER MY FRIEND!!

Anonymous said...

Happy Resurrection Day!!