To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me someday to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.
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.
The Old Rugged Cross (1913)
By: George Bennard 1873 – 1958
Listen to this simple piano version as you read. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.
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Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.
We conclude our journey toward Easter pondering the cross one last time. In the first half of this stanza, we considered the shame and reproach we are likely to bear as we remain true to the cross. In this second half, we look forward to what lies ahead for all who do. Let’s think about this.
Someday
Then He’ll call me someday to my home far away,
It can seem so far away at times. Like it will never come. The promised reward of following Jesus. But someday can happen sooner than you think.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:3 ESV
Many have heard this passage used in the context of a funeral. In that setting, the words of Jesus take advantage of that stark reminder of the brevity of life to point us to the reality that there is more beyond what we see, and a particularly good something, for those who are trusting in Him.
It comes home when the prospect or reality of death knocks on your front door. I received a text today informing me that a childhood friend tested positive with COVID-19. She is a healthcare worker. She is the first person I know personally who has tested positive. That makes this entire thing seem so more real.
Think about the last loss you had to grieve. What did it make you feel about your own end? How did you respond to it at the time?
Jesus offers incredible hope to those who trust in Him. Someday when our end comes, whether we breathe our last on earth or He breaks through the clouds, we will go to a very real place that He has prepared for us. Home. Eternally. With Him.
RESONATE!
I asked you to recall your last brush with death. Think on it once more. As that day approaches, do you have peace? The cross offers you peace. Have you received it? If so, have you lost it amidst this pandemic or maybe even before? You can reclaim it today. Ask Jesus to usher it into your life again today. Take a few moments to let Him speak those words to you from John 14.
Everyday
Where His glory forever I’ll share.
Having arrived in His glory will be an experience we can not even imagine. “I Can Not Even Imagine” That’s my preferred title for the song “I Can Only Imagine” which I have often sung at funerals since it allows us to ponder how we will respond to arriving in glory by asking a series of questions. Still the questions remain for us even now, for we are being transformed here in response to what Jesus has done on the cross and in preparation for that place.
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. 2 Corinthians 3:18a ESV
The truly remarkable thing to consider in this final line of the hymn is not only that because of the cross we will be welcomed into the glory of the Lord, but we will somehow share it with Him, forever. What?!? I have a hard enough time fathoming my welcome, let only that privilege once I arrive.
I believe it is more than a nice poetic idea, which is what many lines from our hymnody can easily be reduced to. I believe it is true. If you can accept that, I want to invite you to think about it for just a minute longer.
We are being made like Him even here. That work will be completed when we arrive in glory. We are beholding the glory of the Lord now as through a glass dimly, but then we will be face-to-face, unveiled. How much better will our reflection be then for those reasons!
Even still this is an almost unfathomable mystery. We, who have been redeemed by His work on the cross, will share in the glory of our Redeemer eternally. Not only welcomed in, but sharing His glory Hallelujah! What a motivation to praise and glorified living that is!
And not only in His presence, but somehow sharing His glory, beholding it and then being transformed to reflect it. What a glorious existence that will be, and it starts here and now. Ask Jesus to help you reflect His glory to a world that needs to see it, until you see Him.
RESONATE!
Take a few moments to ponder what your arrival in glory will be like. Jesus wrapping His nail-scarred hands around you in a full embrace. How does the wonder of that welcome influence your living today? Draw encouragement and power from that hope. Ask the Holy Spirit to enable you to live in these uncertain days reflecting the certainty of the ones that are coming!
Jesus, thank You for the promise that you will call me home someday. As I anticipate that day, help me to live these days in a way that brings that glory into them so others may see the hope I have in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Hopeful Thinking!
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Podcast 15.4 Transcript
Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14 ESV
Oh that we would learn the power of this commitment, to boast only in the cross. If we have been crucified to the world, and we have, then why do we boast of things that will impress the world? Jesus, help us to boast only in Your cross. Today and everyday. Hallelujah!
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27 ESV
When we bear the cross, not one of our own design, but His cross, we will bear shame and reproach from some, as did this hymn writer. We want to be His disciples, so we really have no choice. We must bear the cross. Jesus, this is not easy. Please help us. Help me today.
Then He’ll call me someday to my home far away,
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:3 ESV
And if the freedom to live this life to bring glory to the One who set us free from the real shame of our sin were not enough, there is the promise of a far better life waiting for us. A life lived in the very presence of Jesus, in the place He has been preparing for us. Thank you, Jesus!
Where His glory forever I’ll share.
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. 2 Corinthians 3:18a ESV
And not only in His presence, but somehow sharing His glory, beholding it and then being transformed to reflect it. What a glorious existence that will be, and it starts here and now. Ask Jesus to help you reflect His glory to a world that needs to see it, until you see Him.
Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more.
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me someday to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.
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.
Take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond. Until next time, be Resonant.
The post Does Your “Someday” Influence Your Everyday? appeared first on Resonant 7.
Image Attributions
He’ll Call Me Someday – https://pixabay.com/photos/inspiration-heaven-spirituality-2706594/
His Glory Forever I’ll Share – https://www.marylutyndall.com/2018/03/what-happens-in-heaven-when-you-pray.html
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