When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

But God forbid that I should boast in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. Galatians 6:14 

Isaac Watts felt a clear tug to go into the ministry in England at age 24. He preached and wrote many hymns at that time with the hope of reviving a dying church in England. At that time, hymns were based only on the Psalms. Watts set about to change this. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross is considered the finest hymn in English Church History and Charles Wesley wrote that he wished he had written it rather than all his own.

    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.

 

    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,

    Demand my soul, my life, my all. 

This hymn was first published in 1707, yet its message continues to speak of the sacrifice Jesus made for us and His love that continues for us all.

Prayer: Thank you, God, that you loved us so much that you sent your son to die for us to take away our sin. As the hymn says "Love so amazing, so divine, Demand my soul, my life, my all". Help us remain focused on your love in our daily lives. Amen

Nancy Hall

(resources on Isaac Watts taken from Then Sings My Soul Book 2 by Robert J. Morgan)