The Old Rugged Cross
1 Peter 2:23-25
When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
On a Hill Far Away TFF 77
The Old Rugged Cross
1 On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suff’ring and shame;
and I love that old cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain.
Refrain So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it someday for a crown.
2 Oh, that old rugged cross so despised by the world, has a wondrous attraction for me;
for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above, to bear it to dark Calvary. Refrain
3 In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see;
for ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, to pardon and sanctify me. Refrain
4 To the old rugged cross I will ever be true, its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Christ will call me some day to my home far away, where his glory forever I’ll share. Refrain
Text: George Bennard, 1873-1958
The author of this familiar hymn, George Bennard, was an ordained pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church who did revival services throughout the Midwest. He tells the story of how it came about; “I was in Albion, Michigan, when I first began to write it. The melody came first, and then the words. But the first set of words I wrote seemed insufficient, so I began anew. When I had finished with the second set of words, I realized that these words were meant first and foremost for my own heart.”
It was at a revival in Pokagaon , Michigan, that he first introduced this hymn to the public. It was received with such enthusiasm, that he used it again when the revival went to Chicago, and from there, the hymn spread around the entire country.
Today, this hymn is often sung at funerals. And while its message of comfort is certainly apropos, the truth is it means so much more to the living who are called to proclaim the great gift of God to us in Christ. Too often, much of our modern music avoids talk of the cross. But the cross was the medium through which God brought the world to redemption, and so it must always be the focus of our faith. This is the main reason that we celebrate Passion Sunday instead of Palm Sunday. If not for Passion Sunday, many would never hear of Jesus ‘death on a cross, as the only time it is read is on Good Friday. There can be no Easter without Good Friday, there can be no resurrection without the cross!
Prayer: Jesus keep us near the cross, make it the center of our attention, the source of our healing and hope, and the sign of your great sacrifice on our behalf. Amen.