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:

Philippians 2:6-8, Isaiah 53:5-6, Matthew 27:46,

Luke 23:34, Romans 5:8, Galatians 2:20, Romans 12:1

THANKS BE TO GOD FOR HIS INDESCRIBABLE GIFT!

II Corinthians 9:15