Amazing Love

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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?
4. 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.

ARE THOSE WORDS FAMILIAR AND BEAUTIFUL TO YOU? They are to me.

Isaac Watts penned the text in 1707. The words are still powerful today for the Christian who believes. The tune of the hymn was crafted by Lowell Mason over a century later!

The original title Watts gave to this hymn was CRUCIFIXION TO THE WORLD BY THE CROSS OF CHRIST. One of the identifying poetic themes present in the lyrics is juxtaposition: when two opposing ideas are present and placed near to each other in a phrase or sentence. (For example: richest gain/ loss; sorrow/ love flow.)

Watts does this masterfully.

Each phrase gives imagery of death on a cross with a legacy to follow. So beautiful to me! A perfect tribute on this Good Friday when I recall my Lord’s pain and love joining forces to save the world.

Isaac Watts used his gift of lyrics and word-crafting quite well in the glory of his Lord!

So fitting on this redeeming and thought provoking day.

AMEN.