Thus might I hide my blushing face
While Calvary’s cross appears
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness
And melt mine eyes to tears

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.

Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

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 penitent text and hymn, make each stanza your own by praying through it. Let’s think about this.

Dissolve

There is a lot of emotion in this stanza. The first part was focused on the blushing caused by the very appearance of the cross. This second part is no less dramatic.

The use of the word dissolve here first reveals the tone. This usage has to do with one thing subsiding uncontrollably into an emotion or feeling, in this case thankfulness. The writer is praying and asking God to cause his heart to subside uncontrollably into thankfulness, and all this at the very appearance or thought of the cross.

Has that ever been your experience? Have you ever looked at the cross, pondered our Savior’s sacrifice there, and found the very seat of your emotions sinking into a state of thankfulness? Not part of it, but all of it, until you were overcome with gratitude?

Dissolve my heart in thankfulness

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 5:20 ESV

Seeing ourselves clearly against the backdrop of the cross can have the effect of dissolving our heart in thankfulness, but we must welcome that work. We should be thankful for the work of the cross. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a heart overwhelmed with thankfulness.

From shame in the first part of this stanza to thankfulness in the latter, such is the journey of the honest soul as it acknowledges all the emotions the cross evokes. What a beautiful prayer to have our hearts dissolved in thankfulness! Are you willing to have your heart dissolved? If so, ask Jesus to do it.

RESONATE!
It really is a simple prayer, but one that must be prayed earnestly. “Jesus, dissolve my heart in thankfulness.”
If you are willing to ask, truly desiring that experience, be prepared for God to answer for there are few prayers God would like to answer more than to help your heart to sink into gratitude.

Melt

The use of the word dissolve above was not unlike the use of the word melt here, at least in some ways. The makeup of the object changes, from ingratitude to thankfulness, from something hard to something soft. But there is something in the words that is interesting.

It is the word to. The writer did not pray, “melt mine eyes with tears”, but “melt mine eyes to tears”. That is a very interesting choice.

With implies lots of tears flooding the eyes. To implies the eyes actually becoming tears, so complete is the anguish. The very nature of the eyes changes, so complete is the pain. Though I have cried tears at the thought of the cross, this seems more exhaustive, and I think I want it. How about you?

And melt mine eyes to tears

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret…2 Corinthians 7:10a ESV

Though thankful we are also grieved when we see our need for the cross. We repent and turn from our lives of self and sin and surrender to the work of repentance. Repentance leads to salvation, and in salvation there is no regret. Ask Jesus to melt your eyes to tears of repentance.

From thankfulness to tears, maybe ones of godly repentance as much as it may still be needed, and maybe ones of utter joy at the incredible, undeserved gift of salvation. Have your eyes ever melted into tears at the thought of the cross? If not, ask the Spirit to do that today.

RESONATE!
Again, a simple prayer, but with profound implications.  Will you prayer, “Spirit, melt my eyes to tears”? Be ready for Him to answer.

Merciful Savior, thank You for Your work on the cross that creates a scenario where my heart can be filled with thankfulness and my eyes would melt to tears. I want to experience that kind of thoughtful emotion and the very appearance of the cross. Amen.

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Image Attribution
Dissolve My Heart in Thankfulness – https://pixabay.com/photos/heart-ice-cold-winter-christmas-549097/
And Melt Mine Eyes with Tears – https://pixabay.com/photos/eye-tear-cry-sadness-pain-emotion-609987/

Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut His glories in
When Christ the mighty Maker died
For man the creature’s sin

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.

Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

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 penitent text and hymn, make each stanza your own by praying through it. Let’s think about this.

The Mighty Maker

It is hard for me to fathom that the One who made all things voluntarily offered His life so that He could remake all things.

Scripture clearly tells us that Christ made all things and in Him all things hold together. Jesus was there at the the beginning  and will be there at the end, Alpha and Omega. Because of the cross we get to join the song of joyful praise which began at the creation. As one hymn puts it, “Mortals join the happy chorus which the morning stars began.”

Christ brings us back into relationship with God. Brings us back to God, having been put to death, but made alive in the spirit. Because He suffered we do not have to any longer.

When Christ the mighty Maker died

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 1 Peter 3:18 ESV

Having initially made all things good, He suffered and died to remake everything good again. His work of creation flawed by our sin was set right in His work of re-creation and redemption. He was put to death in the flesh, to make us alive in the spirit. Hallelujah!

RESONATE!
Take a moment and think of your favorite part of creation. Praise God for revealing His glory to you in it. Then praise Him for revealing His glory in His redemptive work, even more miraculously that His creative work, when You get down to it. The revelation is possible because He died, paying the penalty for our sins. Thank Jesus for dying.

The Sinful Creature

He is the Creator, or Maker, and we are the pinnacle of creation, having been made in His image. The creature of creatures. But before we begin to think to highly of ourselves, remember that when given the opportunity the first of us blew paradise up by choosing their will over God’s. This is often the underlying issue with sin.

At that original sin but us, the creature, at odds with Christ, the Creator. What should have been Paradise became Paradise lost. Their sin separated them from God, and ours does the same. If it had been you or me in the garden we would have made the same mistake.

For man the creature’s sin

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 ESV

We fell short, so God had to intervene to lift us to His glory again. We sinned, so God had to do something about it, The cross changes our temporal direction as well as our eternal destiny. Christ models for us the self-denial that ushers God’s light into our lives. Will you embrace His path!

If the Spirit did not reveal to us the significance of Christ’s work in our redemption we would not believe it, would not even realize our need for a Savior. But thanks be to God, He has revealed it to us. Thank the Spirit for doing His work of revealing our sin and Christ’s salvation.

Spirit, thank You for revealing my sin and Christ’s salvation.

RESONATE!
How kind of God to reveal to us how much we need Him. The Holy Spirit does this work. Will you welcome that work, not only in salvation, but in sanctification as well?

Mighty Maker, thank You for making all things well. Righteous Redeemer, thank You for making all things well again. Keep me continually mindful of how grateful I should be for both of those incredible workings. Amen.

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Image Attribution
When Christ the Mighty Maker Died – https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-stories/crucifixion-of-jesus-bible-story.html
For Man the Creatures Sin – https://pixabay.com/photos/cross-sunset-humility-devotion-1448946/

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.

Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

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 penitent 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.

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

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/

Alas and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sov’reign die
Would He devote that sacred head
For sinners such as I

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.

Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

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 begin our journey through this penitent hymn, make each stanza your own by praying through it. Let’s think about this.

His Glory

The first half of this stanza asks if our Savior, our Sovereign bled and died, but it is the second half which really finishes the question. It provides the reason behind why He did and should leave those of us who benefit from His sacrifice in stunned awe. Take a few minutes to ponder this.

Would He devote that sacred head

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 ESV

The Father gave His only Son to provide us the opportunity to move from death to life. What an astonishing and extravagant yet necessary gift it was! Consider for a moment your eternity if Jesus had not been willing to surrender to the Father’s will. We would be doomed.

Yes, God was so committed to our redemption that He was absolutely willing to devote, to commit a large portion of His resources, namely the sacred head of His beloved Son, to that purpose. He loved the world that much. May we be overwhelmed by it in this penitent season.

RESONATE!
This is one of the most basic truths of our faith. Christ died for us. This is one of the most common verses infall of Scripture, but when was the last time you stopped to reflect on it? Will you take a few minutes right now and do that? If you will, first pray this simple prayer. “Lord, overwhelm me with Your sacrifice.”

My Depravity

The juxtaposition between the innate value of these two things, Christ’s glory and my depravity, highlights the stark contrast between the two. But the choice of words for this last line has changed over the years, and though I like the current version best, I must admit the original lyrical choice by Watts is pretty striking. Not sure what it is, let me take you back.

Current – For sinners such as I

Transitional – For such a one as I

Original – For such a worm as I

Although not certain why the change was initially made, I have heard it supposed that people were not comfortable associating themselves with a worthless worm. This seems silly to me because of the utter lostness of our souls when we acknowledge we were sinners, as in the current version. “Such a one” was a terrible choice, and “sinners such as I” is superior in my opinion to “such a worm”, but I appreciate the powerful illustration of being acquainted with the lowly condition of a worm.

For sinners such as I

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 ESV

Far worse off than any worm, doomed would we be because of our sin. It separated us eternally from the Father…and yet, He made a way. Christ died for us to show us the love of God. And that extravagant offering was devoted and offered while we were so undeserving. We were sinners, lost and hurling down a path toward eternal damnation and separation from a loving God. Then He intervened.

RESONATE!
How will you respond to that love through this season of Lent? How will you offer yourself to God, responding to Jesus’ example? Ask the Spirit to show you to respond, and then enliven the praise of your ransomed soul.

O Sacred Head, thank You for being so devoted to the Father’s will that You were able to accomplish my redemption. Through this season as I approach Easter again, overwhelm me with Your sacrifice and fill me with wonder as never before. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Image Attribution
Would He Devote That Sacred Head – https://pixabay.com/photos/jesus-christ-clinic-jesus-christ-2437571/
For Sinners Such As I – https://pixabay.com/photos/earthworm-soil-dirt-macro-686593/

When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see
‘Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me

My Savior’s Love 1905
By: Charles H. Gabriel (1856-1932)

Listen to this modern version of this hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

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 conclude our journey through this wonder-filled hymn take an assessment of the level of wonder and amazement which characterizes your relationship with Jesus. We all have room to grow in response to His love for us. Let’s think about this.

Eternal Joy

When we finally see Jesus face to face we will know His love for us like never before. That knowledge will unleash an eternal joy that we simply lack the capacity to even comprehend, let alone enjoy. But enjoy it we will. Eternally.

We will give Jesus glory and honor and might forever and ever. Why? Because of His love for us.

‘Twill be my joy through the ages

And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” Revelation 5:13 ESV

We will sing with all creation on that day, and with the redeemed for all eternity the praises of the Lamb. What joy is ours that we know will be a part of the eternal worship of the Savior. Hallelujah!

When we finally see His face we will undoubtedly sing for joy. Then we will do so for the rest of eternity. We know the joy of His presence now, but not like the joy we will experience then.Take a moment to anticipate that eternal joy.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments think about the joy that will be yours eternally. The love of Jesus make that available to you. Make this your simple prayer “Jesus, help me anticipate the joy.” 

Singing

I am a singer. I love to sing. From Broadway to opera, country to a cappella, I enjoy singing just about anything and everything. Even still, I will easily admit that nothing effects my soul like singing of God’s love for me.

I long to be there in His presence singing of His love. Day and night to serve God by singing His presence. I can not imagine a more glorious way to spend my existence.

How does that thought strike you?

Maybe singing is not your favorite thing to do. Maybe you do not have the best voice. Maybe you struggle to match pitch. Do you realize all that will change with a glorified body? I am convinced our best singers here will not hold a candle to any singers around the throne. Your ability to sing will be as transformed as your physical body.

That will also impact your capacity to enjoy being a smaller part of a larger musical expression of worship. There will be no bounds to our praise then and there. How else could we serve day and night?

To sing of His love for me

“Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.” Revelation 7:15 ESV

This is our song now and will be our song forever, to sing of His love for us. We will serve Him day and night and He will be our shelter forever. This is our Savior’s love. Make it your song now and always.

Sometimes singing now is difficult. We praise Him through pain and problems. Those will all be gone in glory. Our praise will be fueled by profound, eternal joy and we will sing of His love through the ages. Don’t wait. Get started today so you are prepared for an eternity of exaltation.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about what that will be like, perpetually praising Jesus for His love. I love to sing but I can not really fathom that. Get ready for those days by praying a simple prayer like this, “Jesus, help me prepare for perpetual praise.“

Jesus, thank You for the prospect of offering You praise I can barely comprehend. But thank You even moe for giving me something to sing about, Your love. It will prompt my praise perpetually. In Jesus name. Amen.

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Image Attribution
‘Twill be my joy through the ages – https://pixabay.com/photos/sunset-beach-silhouettes-jump-570881/
To sing of His love for me – https://pixabay.com/photos/woman-silhouette-sunset-beach-sea-570883/