Beneath the Cross of Jesus
08/10/07 12:53
A
Hymn Devotional
Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty rock Within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness, A rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat,
And the burden of the day.
I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of his face;
This hymn portrays the cross as a mighty rock, large enough to cast a protective shadow as a shelter from the heat and the burden of the day. This is an unusual image, one not frequently found in hymns or poetry. But what a wonderful thought, to recognize the relief we have from our daily struggles because of what Jesus did for us on the cross that day!
There is a story attributed to a papal visit to Brazil. In the city of Rio de Janeiro, there is a statue called "Corcovan", that sits atop a mountain overlooking the city. The statue is Jesus, his arms outstretched so that his body resembles the cross. On the mountain, behind the statue is a very, very impoverished area. As the story goes, the pope visited some of the poor villagers behind the statue. He heard complaints of individuals saying that just like the statue, they believe that God has turned his back on them. The pope’s reply was "God has not turned his back on you. He is leading you out of despair."
You see, the cross is a wondrous reminder of God’s love for us. However, I sometimes wonder if we mistake and misuse this reminder as decorations for our places of worship. In fact, the next time you are at church, count the number of crosses you see. You will find them on altars, hanging on walls and from the ceiling, on hymnals, offering envelopes, bibles, pews, pulpits, stained glass windows, bulletins, doors, lights, choir robes, banners. Perhaps hundreds of crosses. Does this numb us to the visage of the cross? Does it cause us to take the cross for granted?
I think perhaps it does. For what happens when we look at the cross? I mean, when we really look at, ponder, or as the great hymn suggests, when we survey the cross?
Upon that cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One Who suffered there for me;
And from my stricken heart with tears, two wonders I confess:
The wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.
God’s love, our unworthiness.
Our shame, God’s glory.
Our sin, God’s grace.
God’s cross, our hope.
Help us to be mindful of the price you have paid for us. Help us to see the cross as your not-so-subtle reminder of the human pain and suffering you endured on our behalf. Help us to know that no matter how troubled our hearts can be, that you are there, ready to lead us out of despair if we will but turn our hearts and troubles to you. For we gladly rest Beneath the Cross of Jesus, basking in your grace and glory, sheltered in your love.
Amen.
Copyright 2007 Robert K. Lindsey - All Rights Reserved.
Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty rock Within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness, A rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat,
And the burden of the day.
I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of his face;
This hymn portrays the cross as a mighty rock, large enough to cast a protective shadow as a shelter from the heat and the burden of the day. This is an unusual image, one not frequently found in hymns or poetry. But what a wonderful thought, to recognize the relief we have from our daily struggles because of what Jesus did for us on the cross that day!
There is a story attributed to a papal visit to Brazil. In the city of Rio de Janeiro, there is a statue called "Corcovan", that sits atop a mountain overlooking the city. The statue is Jesus, his arms outstretched so that his body resembles the cross. On the mountain, behind the statue is a very, very impoverished area. As the story goes, the pope visited some of the poor villagers behind the statue. He heard complaints of individuals saying that just like the statue, they believe that God has turned his back on them. The pope’s reply was "God has not turned his back on you. He is leading you out of despair."
You see, the cross is a wondrous reminder of God’s love for us. However, I sometimes wonder if we mistake and misuse this reminder as decorations for our places of worship. In fact, the next time you are at church, count the number of crosses you see. You will find them on altars, hanging on walls and from the ceiling, on hymnals, offering envelopes, bibles, pews, pulpits, stained glass windows, bulletins, doors, lights, choir robes, banners. Perhaps hundreds of crosses. Does this numb us to the visage of the cross? Does it cause us to take the cross for granted?
I think perhaps it does. For what happens when we look at the cross? I mean, when we really look at, ponder, or as the great hymn suggests, when we survey the cross?
Upon that cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One Who suffered there for me;
And from my stricken heart with tears, two wonders I confess:
The wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.
God’s love, our unworthiness.
Our shame, God’s glory.
Our sin, God’s grace.
God’s cross, our hope.
Help us to be mindful of the price you have paid for us. Help us to see the cross as your not-so-subtle reminder of the human pain and suffering you endured on our behalf. Help us to know that no matter how troubled our hearts can be, that you are there, ready to lead us out of despair if we will but turn our hearts and troubles to you. For we gladly rest Beneath the Cross of Jesus, basking in your grace and glory, sheltered in your love.
Amen.
Copyright 2007 Robert K. Lindsey - All Rights Reserved.