Winston Salem church of Christ

Songs of the Cross* Quotes, unless otherwise noted, are from ­­101 Hymn Stories, by Kenneth W. Osbeck

INTRODUCTION:

• The procedure for this sermon will be very simple – we will emphasize the songs themselves. Throughout all these songs a common theme will emerge – the paradox of the cross.

There’s something about a fine old hymn

That can stir the heart of a man;

That can reach to the goal of his inmost soul

Such as no mere preaching can.

It’s more than the tune of the song he sings

And it’s more than the poet’s rhyme –

It’s the Spirit of God working through these things

That gives them their power sublime!

So we thank Thee, Lord, for the fine old hymns;

May we use them again and again

As we seek to save from a hopeless grave

The souls of our fellow men! (Author Unknown)

I. Song – Beneath the Cross of Jesus (#168)

A. Author Behind the Song - Elizabeth Clephane

• “This meaningful hymn was written by a frail…woman (Elizabeth Clephane)…who, despite her physical frailties, was known through her community for her helpful, cheery nature….Yet within the limits of her strength she served the poor and sick of her community, and she and her sisters gave to charity all they did not actually require for their daily needs…. (The author) was affectionately known to the townspeople as ‘the sunbeam.’” It is obvious that Elizabeth Clephane…was an ardent Bible student for her hymn is replete with Biblical symbolism and imagery.

B. Story within the Song

• The title, “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” is not intended to be a historical reference to any of the devoted women, such as Jesus’ mother and Mary Magdalene, plus the apostle John (the only male disciple mentioned) who sat beneath the cross. But for historical reference, let’s remember who had the courage to be beneath the cross of Jesus.

John 19:25 NASB – Therefore the soldiers did these things. But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

• No, the title refers to us taking a stand which could literally be done like those first disciples by standing at the cross, taking our place beneath the cross of Jesus.
• In taking our stand, we can picture ourselves as if we were actually there standing with those brave enough to risk condemnation and crucifixion themselves.
• If we were literally standing there, the cross stood close enough to the ground for us to touch the feet of Jesus.
• Who else besides the faithful were beneath the cross of Jesus? Who would be standing beside us, but not with us?

Matthew 27:39-43 NASB – And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads (40) and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” (41) In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him and saying, (42) “He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. (43) “HE TRUSTS IN GOD; LET GOD RESCUE Him now, IF HE DELIGHTS IN HIM; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”

• So before we gather beneath the cross, please understand that we will not be alone. And yet, some of those surrounding us will despise and hate us because they despise and hate our Lord. And also remember and focus on this further thought – standing beneath the cross is the safest and most dangerous place to be. That is just one of the paradoxes of the cross. Are we ready to stand beneath the cross of Jesus? Are we ready to take our stand beneath the cross of Jesus?

1. Beneath the cross of Jesus

I fain would take my stand,

the shadow of a mighty rock

within a weary land;

a home within the wilderness,

a rest upon the way,

from the burning of the noontide heat,

and the burden of the day.

• Verse 1 is filled with Biblical imagery:
• o The “mighty rock” (Isaiah 32:2)
• o The “weary land” (Psalm 63:1)
• o The “home within the wilderness “(Jeremiah 9:2)
• o The “rest upon the way” (Isaiah 28:12)
• o The “burden of the day” (Matthew 11:30)

• “Fain” – “with eagerness; gladly” (Webster’s Dictionary). As an adverb, “fain” is an archaic word that is not used much if at all anymore. So let’s go back to the day Jesus was crucified. Let’s go back and believe that we are glad to stand beneath the cross. I doubt that Mary, the mother of Jesus was glad to be there. I doubt John the apostle was glad to be there. So, why are we glad?

• Verse 1 speaks of a shadow. Jesus’ crucifixion lasted from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Within these six hours, there was both sunshine and darkness. Half of the time, there is sunshine, and the last half there is darkness. I guess we could say a shadow descended upon the land.

• Now let’s focus on the sunshine. When it shone, the sun must have cast a shadow – literally people could have been standing in the shadow of the cross. A shadow is the imagery of this first verse, and the protection that a shadow grants:

• § The shadow of a rock in a weary land;
• § That shadow becoming a home, and a rest from the sun’s heat and the burden of the day.
• § Jesus’ cross is a place of safety and protection from life’s ordeals and turmoil. Think of the paradox that presents – the cross as a place of safety.

2. Upon that cross of Jesus

mine eye at times can see

the very dying form of One

who suffered there for me;

and from my stricken heart with tears

two wonders I confess:

the wonders of redeeming love

and my unworthiness.

• The author takes us back visually – where we are, with the mind’s eye, seeing Jesus. We are there, standing, beneath the cross, with Jesus’ mother, the devoted women, and the apostle John. We are standing there with tears flowing down our faces as we see Him and hear the mockers walk by. Because they mock our Lord, they also mock us. If we had runaway like the apostles, we have returned like John. And when we look at Jesus, we see ourselves – Jesus suffered for me. I deserve to die. Part of me desires to die instead of Jesus – but I know that is impossible. And here is another paradox. I deserve to die, and yet my death would be worthless. Jesus did not deserve to die, and yet His death is priceless. And seeing this most horrific site imaginable brings wonder: the power of love, and the depth of my unworthiness. Another paradox of the cross.

• These last two thoughts bring to mind another song – And Can it Be (#93 1000V)
• o Read verses 1-3 and then sing chorus going directly to 3^rd ending.

3. I take, O cross, thy shadow

for my abiding place;

I ask no other sunshine than

the sunshine of his face;

content to let the world go by,

to know no gain nor loss,

my sinful self my only shame,

my glory all the cross.

• As we gather beneath the cross, in awe of God’s love and our unworthiness, we make a decision. We make a choice.
• o We decide that there is no shame in standing beneath the shameful cross, no matter what the world might say, or how it might appear.
• o We make a choice that if all we have is the cross, that nothing else matters.
• o We make a choice to stand and to take our stand beneath the cross.
• Are we ready to take our stand? Let us stand while we sing this song and use this song as an invitation song for anyone who has not yet chosen to stand beneath the cross..

C. The Song to Sing

1. Beneath the cross of Jesus

I fain would take my stand,

the shadow of a mighty rock

within a weary land;

a home within the wilderness,

a rest upon the way,

from the burning of the noontide heat,

and the burden of the day.

2. Upon that cross of Jesus

mine eye at times can see

the very dying form of One

who suffered there for me;

and from my stricken heart with tears

two wonders I confess:

the wonders of redeeming love

and my unworthiness.

3. I take, O cross, thy shadow

for my abiding place;

I ask no other sunshine than

the sunshine of his face;

content to let the world go by,

to know no gain nor loss,

my sinful self my only shame,

my glory all the cross.

II. Song – The Old Rugged Cross (#578)

A. Author Behind the Song

• Generally considered the most popular hymn of the 20^th century. The author of the song, George Bennard, lost his father when he was only 16 years old. What we don’t see is the author wallowing in his own misery. What we do see is him focusing on the misery of another – Jesus Christ. How often we can say about our own troubles that life is not fair. No it not. And aren’t we glad? If life was fair, then Jesus never would have climbed up on that old rugged cross.
• What sparked the writing of this particular song, “The Old Rugged Cross,” was another particular trying time within the life of George Bennard. Again, troublesome times did not drive him away from God but rather brought him closer. This particular trying time was that “which caused him to reflect seriously about the significance of the cross and what the Apostle Paul meant when he spoke of entering into the fellowship of Christ’s suffering. As Bennard contemplated these truths, he became convinced that the cross was more than just a religious symbol but rather the very heart of the gospel.” He later said that he composed the hymn to meet his “own need.”
• Not knowing exactly which passage the author of this song referred to, I thought it would be enlightening to us to read several passages dealing with us sharing or having fellowship in the sufferings of Christ:

1. Scriptures:

• (2 Corinthians 1:5-7 NASB) – [5] For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. [6] But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; [7] and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort.

• (Philippians 3:10 NASB) – that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;

• (Colossians 1:24 NASB) – Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.

B. Story within the Song

1. On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,

the emblem of suffering and shame;

and I love that old cross where the dearest and best

for a world of lost sinners was slain.

• There is a book I have read entitled, “On A Hill Too Far Away.” The purpose of that book is place the cross central in our thoughts. What that means is that the meaning of the cross becomes central. That means, I must focus on the reason of the cross – sin; my sin.
• Think with me about the words “rugged cross.” What do you think the author meant by the word “rugged?” There are so many definitions of “rugged:”
• o 1. Having a rough irregular surface.
• o 2. Having strong features marked with furrows or wrinkles: the rugged face of the old sailor.
• o 3. Having a sturdy build or strong constitution: a rugged trapper who spent months in the wilderness.
• o 4. Tempestuous; stormy: the rugged weather of the North Atlantic.
• o 5. Demanding great effort, ability, or endurance: the rugged conditions of barracks life.
• o 6. Lacking culture or polish; coarse and rude: rugged manners and ribald wit.
• The only two that fit are the first and fifth, but I think the author meant the first.
• When the Romans executed Jesus Christ on a cross, Jesus died by the most painful and degrading form of capital punishment in the ancient world. He died as a criminal. When this form of capital punishment was first started by the Greeks and the Romans, it was considered to be too barbaric for freeborn citizens and was reserved as punishment for slaves who were guilty of a capital offense.
• The horror of the crucifixion begins before Jesus is nailed to the cross. Remember the scourging. The patibulum is placed on the ground and Jesus is quickly thrown backward with His shoulders against the wood. Remember, this would was not polished wood, and His back is already flayed open by the scourging. Every breath Jesus takes His back will rub against the old rugged cross.

2. O 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.

• According to the world, we Christians have a warped value system. What we value, they despise; and what they value we should despise.
• It feels odd, to be honest with you, to sing that the cross has a “wondrous attraction for me.” That would be like us saying the electric chair or the hangman’s noose, has a wondrous attraction. I expect the author of the song meant for this phrase to be incongruous with normal thinking – for the cross is not normal.
• When you think of the horrors of the cross, what thoughts come to mind? Of course there is the physical torment. There is also the spiritual burden Jesus bore for us. But notice what this verse also brings to mind – Jesus left heaven, the glory of God, and the very form of God, to bear a cross.

3. In that 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.

• There are so many paradoxes associated with the cross. But one of the greatest paradoxes is found within this verse – divine blood.
  • Acts 20:28 NASB “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

• Here is the answer as to how the horrors of the cross can be wondrous. I don’t only see Jesus. I don’t only see pain and suffering. I see me. I see forgiveness. I see freedom. I see life.

4. To that old rugged cross I will ever be true,

its shame and reproach gladly bear;

then he’ll call me some day to my home far away,

where his glory forever I’ll share.

• When we sing we are going to be true to the cross, we mean what the cross symbolizes. Paul urges the same thought:

• • Galatians 6:14 NASB – But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

• The last verse sums up all of what our life consists of: now – shame and reproach, gladly and joyously bore – just like Jesus. And just like Jesus, joy forever more.
  • Hebrews 12:2 NASB fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

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 some day for a crown.

C. The Song to Sing

1. On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,

the emblem of suffering and shame;

and I love that old cross where the dearest and best

for a world of lost sinners was slain.

2. O 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 that 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 that old rugged cross I will ever be true,

its shame and reproach gladly bear;

then he’ll call me some day to my home far away,

where his glory forever I’ll share.

(Refrain)

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 some day for a crown.

• • Poem – Title Unknown

Go to dark Gethsemane, Ye that feel the tempter’s power;

Your Redeemer’s conflict see; watch with Him one bitter hour;

Turn not from His griefs away; learn of Jesus Christ to pray.

See Him at the judgment hall, beaten, bound, reviled, arraigned;

See Him meekly bearing all; love to man His soul sustained;

Shun not suffering, shame or loos; learn of Christ to bear the cross.

Calvary’s mournful mountain climb; there adoring at His feet,

Mark that miracle of time, God’s own sacrifice complete:

“It is finished!” hear Him cry; learn of Jesus Christ to die. (Author – James Montgomery)

III. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (#189)

A. Author Behind the Song

• Author – Isaac Watts
• Referred to as the father of English hymnody.
• Quote – “The singing of God’s praise is the part of worship most closely related to heaven; but its performance among us is the worst on earth.” Such thoughts and railings caused Watts father to say, “Why don’t you give us something better, young man!”
• “Because of this bold departure from the traditional Psalms, Isaac Watts was often considered to be a radical churchman in his day.” (ibid.,)
• “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” is an example of a “hymn of human composure” and caused great controversy.
• Called by the theologian Matthew Arnold, “the greatest hymn in the English language.”
• Its original title was “Crucifixion to the World by the Cross of Christ.”

B. Story within the Song

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.

• Question – Outside of being a Christian, what is your most greatest accomplishment? What has brought you the most pride? Is it work related? It is family? Is it sports related? Do you remember the feeling when you won that game, or that award? Whatever is our “best” moment is nothing compared to knowing Jesus Christ. But let’s go beyond ourselves. Because in all honesty, how many of us have had a monumental impact on history.
  • The first to walk on the moon or reach the top of Mt. Everest.
  • Signed the Declaration of Independence.
  • Signed the Emancipation Proclamation
  • Discovered the cure for polio.
  • Invented modern modes of transportation, communication, and other means of everyday convenience.
  • Are any of these monumental accomplishments greater than knowing Jesus Christ?
  • Is any award, world-wide recognition, more wondrous than the cross?
• Philippians 3:7 NASB But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.

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.

• Pride and boasting go hand in hand. Pride and boasting can apply to our richest gains and what charm us most according to the ways of the world. But they can also apply to our spiritual accomplishments also. And maybe that is what is most dangerous for us Christians.

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.

• The cross is the greatest paradox of all history.
  • God dies
  • Jesus died for us – yet we must die to self.
  • The innocent dying for the guilty.
  • Rest from sorrow.
  • Life from death.
  • The richest crown is made of thorns.

4. Were the whole realm of nature mine,

that were an offering far too small;

love so amazing, so divine,

demands my soul, my life, my all.

• Do you enjoy being indebted to someone? I doubt it. How about being indebted so deeply that you know you can never repay them? Notice two amazing facts from this verse. First, if we owned everything, including all that is, all of existence, all of everything, and gave it all to God – that price is still inadequate. And here comes the second fact – all I have to give is me. As inadequate and insufficient as “I” am, God deserves to be given my soul, my life, my all.

C. The Song to Sing

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 an offering far too small;

love so amazing, so divine,

demands my soul, my life, my all.

Closing Song – Thomas’ Song (#40 – 1000V)