Was it for crimes that I have done
He groaned upon the tree
Amazing pity grace unknown
And love beyond degree
Alas And Did My Savior Bleed 1707
By: Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
ref. by Ralph E. Hudson, 1885
Listen to this modern version of this penitent hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics.
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Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below! It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.
Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.
As we continue our journey through this ancient text and hymn, make each stanza your own by praying through it. Let’s think about this.
Pity and Grace
It was His pity that prompted His grace. He did not simply feel sorry for us. He was moved to compassion.
It reminds me of Matthew 9:36 which says, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Sheep without a shepherd are in a bad way. With no protection, they are easily victimized. They can not protect themselves, and are likely to be in grave danger.
That was our status because of the crimes we had done which separated us from our Good Shepherd. Our sins had put us in a bad way. With no protection for the wrath of a Holy God, no way to escape it. We were in grave danger. Then, the cross.
Amazing pity grace unknown
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, Ephesians 1:7 ESV
The riches of God’s grace and the extravagance of His pity are on display at the cross better than anywhere else. Redemption and forgiveness are ours because of Christ’s work there. God saw how our sin caused us to suffer and He intervened.
Grace like that which was on display on the cross had never been seen before it. The Father saw that we were suffering in sin, He pitied us, and then did something about it. He sent His only Son, the only one who could, to bear the penalty for our sins.
RESONATE!
Give Him praise! What are you waiting for? Sing a song, say a prayer, find a way to express, “Father, I praise You for Your grace and pity.”
And Love
When I think of myself as the lonely sheep, harassed and helpless and the darkness encroaches, I am so thankful for Jesus’ pity and grace. But I am also thankful for His love. He came after me, and it cost Him.
I am reminded of Matthew 18:12 which says, “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?” He would leave ninety-nine to come after me, but in order to get to me, He had to give up His life.
And love beyond degree
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 ESV
He showed His love best on the cross, while we were still sinners. Love beyond degree. He did not wait until we were lovable, and good thing because we never would have been to a holy God. Instead, He made us lovable through the cross. Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus!
The cross is an expression of love that we can not even truly fathom. For Christ to bear the weight of all sin for all time requires a love that is truly incomprehensible, yet the Spirit makes it known to us. Thank the Spirit for giving you the capacity to see and receive God’s love there.
RESONATE!
Do you remember your helpless and harassed state before you surrendered to the Shepherd’s call? Take a moment and think about that. Then think about His coming to you, like a sheep lost and alone, when you first believed. That was the work of the Spirit, allowing you to see and receive God’s love at the cross. Thank Him.
My Good Shepherd, thank You for coming after me and finding me. Thank You that I did not have to come to You, but instead you pursued me. I will be grateful eternally for that kindness. Amen.
Grateful Thinking!
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Podcast 26.2 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.
Was it for crimes that I have done
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. 1 Peter 2:24 ESV
Yes, Christ bore the punishment for our crimes, our sins, when He went to the cross. He had never sinned and was crucified without reason, which is why Pilate washed His hands of the matter. The sinless died for the sinful. Recall when you first realized you needed a Savior.
He groaned upon the tree
And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Mark 15:34 ESV
Jesus said several things from the cross but this expression may have seemed that most like a groan. Again, in His humanity Christ felt forsaken as He died on the cross. He endured that shame and separation from the Father for our good. Thank Him for bearing the cross for you.
Amazing pity grace unknown
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, Ephesians 1:7 ESV
The riches of God’s grace and the extravagance of His pity on are display at the cross better than anywhere else. Redemption and forgiveness are ours because of Christ’s work there. God saw how our sin caused us to suffer and He intervened. Give Him praise!
And love beyond degree
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 ESV
He showed His love best on the cross, while we were still sinners. Love beyond degree. He did not wait until we were lovable, and good thing because we never would have been to a holy God. Instead, He made us lovable through the cross. Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus!
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, with the refrain
Was it for crimes that I have done
He groaned upon the tree
Amazing pity grace unknown
And love beyond degree
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 The Shepherd Loves His Sheep appeared first on Resonant 7.
Image Attribution
Amazing Pity, Grace Unknown – https://pixabay.com/photos/sunset-sheep-silhouette-dusk-50494/
And Love Beyond Degree – https://pixabay.com/photos/jesus-good-shepherd-christ-1335804/
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