In the Shadow of the Cross
– Isaac Watts with Renee Adele Phillips
When I survey the wondrous cross
I look up at this symbol of such incomprehensible love
On which the Prince of glory died,
and I see Your blood and my tears mingle in a portrait of grace.
My richest gain I count but loss,
You could have let that cup pass from You
And pour contempt on all my pride.
but instead, my God, my God, You chose to die for me.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
I want every word I utter to bring others to You,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
for there is no greater demonstration of Your love than Your death.
All the vain things that charm me most,
The trivialities that tempt me away from You; the addictions I’ve craved—
I sacrifice them to His blood.
I leave them here at the cross. And rejoice: For It. Is. Finished.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,
I can barely stomach the idea of it—
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
How You suffered—Your very breath gone, too.
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
In that divine paradox of love and agony,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Of a man who was King—You bore what I could not.
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
Grace asks for no sacrifice from me—
That were an offering far too small;
Nothing. Yet my debt has been paid—in full.
Love so amazing, so divine,
Overwhelmed by Your love and freed by Your grace—
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
You drank of that cup for me; I will pour it all out for You.
Comments 4
Good morning Sparrow. Once again, your words, from your heart, beautifully expressed. I, and I certain, your devoted readers, appreciate your dedication, your “zeal”, love your writings. The Cross, “awesome”, gives hope to all Christians. All believers. Today, Holy Thursday, tomorrow Good Friday, then “glorious”, Easter. This year, with this horrible “virus”, it rings us to our knees to pray, for our family, friends, our country, our world. But, I feel there is “hope in Jesus Christ”.. “The Old Rugged Cross”, the symbol of suffering and shame. Then, Easter Sunday, “Jesus Christ is Risen Today”, all Glory to God, the Stone is “rolled away”, All our Hope, in Jesus Christ. What more can HE do, he “washe
washed away’ our sins. As you can tell, today’s blog, really inspired me.Thank you, Sparrow, you have Blessed me, and I sure others with today’s. Blog. God Bless You, Praying your recover6 from surgery is complete. See Ya, TexGen❤️
TexGen–I agree with you about Easter this year. More than ever, we need the reminder to pray, and we need the reminder that there is hope. Thank you for adding to my post with your words and your prayers. ❤
This is so beautiful, Renee. It’s just what I needed to help me focus on Jesus and all He did for me. The distractions this Easter are so many! I love the way you wrote, “For it. Is. Finished.” Wonderful! Oh yes, this blessed me!
I wrote it to remind myself where my focus should be. I’m so glad it did the same for you. Thank you for your words. ❤