“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” (ELW 803)
Devotion
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 a present far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.
The cross is a focus and a constant reminder to us as followers of Jesus Christ of what Christ has done for us. When Jesus came to earth, he gave up a position of status, glory, and honor, so that through his death and resurrection we might be reconciled to God. We realize that there is nothing we ourselves can do for our own salvation. We cannot buy it. We cannot earn it. We can only receive it as a gift from God. Yet we are filled with the Holy Spirit when our pride and our sinful self are removed through Christ’s death on the cross. We are only left with the same inheritance which is given to Jesus Christ, the prince of glory. Though we may face death, not even death can separate us from or remove us from that promise.
Prayer
Good and gracious God, when we look upon the cross, we are reminded of all that you have done for us, even though we are not worthy. Still it is this gift of new life and faith that you give us. In Jesus’ name we are claimed and so we dare to pray: Lead us and guide us in all that we are so that we may keep the cross as our focus today and every day. Amen.