the wonder of the cross

We need reminders of truth. I am thankful when songs remind us of it. Songs about our dedication are true, but what speaks more is truth of who God is and the gospel. We hear about being gospel-centered and living a gospel-centered life, having gospel-centered relationships. Yet, sometimes "gospel" becomes just a word and the truth it conveys is lost. This song speaks both what the gospel is in a simple sense and our response. I resonate more with this song versus songs about how much I can give to God. Because in reality, I cannot offer much to Him. It is His glory we behold, not ours. His salvation from our sins and rebellious hearts is the answer to every day life. In difficulties to forgive, to love, to wake up for the day, to have joy, to fight sin, to work with excellence, to show mercy, all these things are redeemed by Christ who died for these things. He is our source and motivation. His love displayed on the cross wasn't just an event but had so much implications and significance. May I never lose the wonder of the cross.


THE WONDER OF THE CROSS | Vicky Beeching
 O precious sight my Savior stands
 Dying for me with outstretched Hands
 O precious sight I love to gaze
 Remembering salvation's day
 Remembering salvation's day
 Though my eyes linger on this scene
 May passing time and years
 Not steal the pow'r with which it impacts me
 The freshness of its mystery
 The freshness of its mystery

 May I never lose the wonder
 The wonder of the cross
 May I see it like the first time
 Standing as a sinner lost
 Undone by mercy and left speechless
 Watching wide eyed at the cost
 May I never lose the wonder
 The wonder of the cross

 Behold the God-man crucified
 The perfect sinless Sacrifice
 As Blood ran down those nails and wood
 History was split in two
 Yes history was split in two
 Behold the empty wooden tree
 His Body gone alive and free
 We sing with everlasting joy
 For sin and death have been destroyed
 Yes sin and death have been destroyed

truth

Lies. People lie and some even struggle with lying, even among believers. I sometimes am surprised by the reason people lie or how often. (Humorous when kids lie. I remember when I was a child I'd lie to get away with watching TV.) As much as I hate or am hurt when people lie to me or to others, the worst thing is I tell myself lies often.
We lie to ourselves about what our identity is, we lie about God's goodness, we lie about His sovereignty, we lie about how we are saved and not depend on His grace, we lie when we compare to one another, we lie about how holy and powerful God is, we lie to one another and lack love. We lie to ourselves and we forget. We live as if we are still bounded to sin.

John 8:31-32:

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

Truth that God is good. Sovereign. Holy. Perfect. Our identity is in Him. The gospel is important even though it is so often neglected! The only time I really have joy in the morning is when I reflect on the gospel, in it simplicity, in its complexity, in Who God is.