Rejoicing in the death of Jesus

'Wooden Christian Cross' by freefotouk on flickr.com

One of the best ways to chew over truth as a Christian is through truth-rich songs. Somehow a song - the combination of stirring music, and words which fit the melody well - can bridge the gap which often exists in my Christian life between head and heart, knowledge and emotion. I'm sure God's designed music to do that - set on fire joyful hearts with the jewels of his truth.

At the heart of the Christianity is the death of Jesus on the cross. Somehow, through the most horrific execution, God worked the greatest act of love and mercy. He 'bruised' his own son - gave him up to the agony of death, torture and separation - so that we ourselves might escape our own deserved punishment. One of my favourite Christian songs is 'When I survey the wondrous cross'. It condenses that wonderful truth into memorable and singable verses - plus it has been given an uplifting and emotive modern tune!

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 an offering far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all
Issac Watts, 1707Strong throughout is contrast - glory in death; riches in thorns rather than gain; love in immense sorrow.

No greater contrast has ever been seen, or will ever be seen in history, than in Jesus' death. The King of all Creation, the Prince of Glory, choosing of his own desire and free will to be subjected to the mockery, cruelty and brutality of humanity - the Creator, submitting himself to utter humiliation at the hands of his own creatures.

And all out of intense, focused love for those same ugly rebels who murdered him. Ugly rebels like you and me - puffed up by our misplaced pride, by nature deliberately turning a blind eye to the goodness and love of God, choosing instead to stubbornly go our own way.

Love so amazing, so beyond my grasp. It demands my soul, my life, my all.