During yesterday’s worship service, we sang When I Survey the Wondrous Cross written by Issac Watts and published in 1701. Here are the lyrics:
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 ere 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
Demands my soul
Love demands my soul
My life my all
I have to admit that some songs have become so familiar to me that I sing their words out of habit and forget to embrace their meanings. While singing this song, the verse “All the vain things that charm me most I sacrifice them to His blood” resonated with me.
I believe the verse asks if we will be willing to sacrifice our most prized possessions for God. For some, these may be very expensive material objects. For others, they may be personal treasures close to the heart. The point is, though, if God asked us, we need to be willing to give anything up for him. The question is, will we? As Christians, our answer should be yes.
I looooooove this song and sing it often!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP82E6bvU48 This is a different version sung by Sir Cliff Richard–a famous singer in the UK.