This post brings to a conclusion a mini-series I’ve done since last night on different versions of this one song. I’ve been through the beginning with the version I’m most used to. Then I posted an entry with a life-changing encounter with a version that got me thinking seriously about the lyrical content.
All the previous versions were hugely influential, but in a real way were preparing me for this version. First of all it’s an ensemble piece with different aspects and facets contributing to the brilliant whole. Secondly it features some of my Gaither favourites, so that’s a good thing. Beyond that though there is something that I know still sends chills down my spine.
I never noticed that the whole concept was look at the cross and who Jesus is, and now how do you respond? When I look at it, I pour scorn on all my pride. When I look at the cross I know I can only boast in the death of Christ and that anything else that might have held a candle doesn’t stand a chance. When I look at what Jesus did I consider the majesty and tragedy of the situation all motivated by the power of love.
And that my dear beloved reader is where I fall apart. It’s the love. It is love so amazing, so divine, so brilliant, so beyond human comprehension and expression. It’s that love that leads to the majestic last verse.
Check it again – if this whole realm of nature were mine, it would be a present far too small. Did you get that? If the entire riches of the universe were at my disposal, it wouldn’t be good enough as a display of gratitude to God for the amazing love of His Son on the Christ.
You can see how that further changes things if you have not thought of it before. Here, now, it is stipulating quite clearly for anyone to get that it is not the good things of God, it is not His gift that makes the difference. It is the charisma or the mighty works that keep me close to Him. It is His amazing, divine, all-encompassing love. That love drives me. That love is at the core of my being for every challenging day at work. that love is the core for every decision I take on my own, as part of my family or church. It is that love and nothing else – no fancy talking or bible study, no elaborate praise dance routine, no eloquent preach or teach – the indefinable but very real love makes the whole difference.
And because of that love. Because. Of. That. Love. Is my entire being not a start in thanksgiving? Is everything I am and have not worthy of giving to Him? It seems perfectly understandable that such a love demands the soul, the life and all. Now some may have a problem with the use of the word ‘demand’. When you consider the call to discipleship and the one who gives it, it won’t take long to discover that demands are part of the deal. Demands that stretch and reshape. Demands that cause moments of doubt and uncertainty to be complimented with assurance and understanding of His eternal presence. Demands because it is the edict of the King and His Kingdom for us to follow. These are not demands that can be perfunctorily observed. No slapdash haphazard response is acceptable. He doesn’t just want everything. He wants the best of everything and then we discover as we respond obediently that the revelation of Jesus Christ becomes all the deeper embedded.
This version more than any other took the grandeur of the piece and got me thinking as to whether I have really looked at that cross again and if I’m prepared to take on what is involved in the knowledge that it will be nothing compared to what He went through as well as nothing in comparison to what awaits us.
Don’t forget that love – that amazing, divine love – that is the key to everything if we would but pay attention to Him is far greater than us all.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
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