Pondering the Cross

I have been reading all the gospel accounts of the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Christ the last two days. I was again awed and reminded of my own sin, that I too would have been one of the ones mocking our Lord along with the crowd. Christ still died for those who mocked and reviled Him. Hallelujah, what a Savior! As I was trying to think of what to say about the cross, one song came to mind. Here are the words of a song that clearly, powerfully, and wonderfully explain the cross.

The Power of the Cross

Oh, to see the dawn

Of the darkest day:

Christ on the road to Calvary.

Tried by sinful men,

Torn and beaten, then

Nailed to a cross of wood.

CHORUS:

This, the pow'r of the cross:

Christ became sin for us;

Took the blame, bore the wrath-

We stand forgiven at the cross.

Oh to see the pain

Written on Your face,

Bearing the awesome weight of sin.

Ev'ry bitter thought,

Ev'ry evil deed

Crowing Your bloodstained brow.

Now the daylight flees;

Now the ground beneath

Quakes as its Maker bows His head.

Curtain torn in two,

Dead are raised to life;

"Finished!" the vict'ry cry.

Oh, to see my name

Written in the wounds,

For through Your suffering I am free.

Death is crushed to death;

Life is mine to live,

Won through Your selfless love.

FINAL CHORUS:

This, the pow'r of the cross:

Son of God-slain for us.

What a love! What a cost!

We stand forgiven at the cross.

Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend