Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.

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.

Here is podcast content always available to Subscribers, sometimes to Free Members, and occasionally to everyone.  Want to learn more about accessing all the additional material in the Subscriber Content Library? Click here.  Or check out some other samples at our Free Member Content Library.  We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today!!

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.

We began our journey toward Easter this week as we ponder the cross. In the first half of this stanza, we remembered the suffering and shame Jesus endured on the cross and our response.  In this second half, we remember what Jesus accomplished on that cross and for whom.  Let’s think about this.

Unimaginable Light

If we are to rightly appreciate the darkness Jesus endured on the cross, we must remember what He left behind to do so.

For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above

Jesus, the one who would take away the sins of the world, had to leave the unimaginable wonder of heaven where He had existed eternally to become one of us.  He had to become one of us so He could offer His life as a ransom.  He had to offer HIs life as a ransom because we were separated from God, something that had never been true of Him, but would also never be more true than the moment of Hid death.

What did that glory above look like?

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb Revelation 22:1 ESV

Let us just consider one image.  You may have seen the sparkling waters of a mountain stream.  For me it is the babbling brook and the light glistening off the waters as they dance around the rocks creating glimmering surfaces to reflect the light of the sun.  You might be able to describe that memory as John did by describing the water similarly but I have a feeling the river John saw was more like crystal than anything we an imagine.

Ever aspect of glory is beyond what we can imagine.  The air, the smell, the sounds, everything.  Still that did not deter Jesus from leaving it all behind to take on the weakness of humanity.

John the Baptist used this title to identify Him, and then went on to declare what He would accomplish by laying down His life, taking away the sins of the world.  If that were not remarkable enough, consider what He left behind to do it. Thank Jesus for His sacrifice.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to ponder what the glory of heaven must be like.  Maybe it is not the river of the water of life, but some other aspect that has always intrigued you.  Jesus had dwelt there eternally, and it was a reflection of His greatness and glory, still He left that unimaginable light to shatter our darkness.  Ask Him to reveal some aspect of that right now.

Incomprehensible Darkness

It is against the backdrop of this light that the story of the cross unfolds.  We can not appreciate the darkness of the cross without remembering what Jesus left behind in order to endure it for the glory of God and our good.  This comes to bear on our current circumstances as well.

It against the backdrop of the goodness of God that the story of this pandemic unfolds.  We can not rightly comprehend the purposes of God without remembering what Jesus accomplished for us on the cross.  We are facing some tremendous uncertainty in these days, but this is no surprise to our Lord, and He faced  much deeper darkness to give us peace in circumstances like this.

One of the most interesting dynamics of this virus is the universal nature of it.  Famous people have been effected, ordinary people too. Professional athletes have tested positive, but so have folks who lack those abilities.  Rich and poor, influential and common.  This darkness has come to us all.

Jesus went to the cross, not only the bear the sins of every person, but to show us He is willing to meet every one of us at our point of greatest need.  For many of you reading, you know this to be true because it was your experience.  Not everyone watching this unfold have that same knowledge.  It is up to us to live it, and share it as He enables.

To bear it to dark Calvary.

Maybe you are facing something even darker than the corona virus.  Walk in that darkness knowing Jesus is with you.  He knows pain and suffering.  He knows what it is like to go through something you do not deserve.  So let Him help you. There is a purpose in that darkness.

And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Luke 23:33 NKJV

RESONATE!
His amazing love for us, demonstrated by walking through His darkness with His heart resolved to bring glory to the Father, sets an example for us.  It also quietly demands that we follow His divine example by offering Him our souls, our lives, our all.  What will that look like for you and the darkness you are facing today?  Ask Jesus to show you.

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 Attributions
Lamb of God – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/chalice-cup-lamb-god-eucharist-4718251/
Bright as Crystal – https://pixabay.com/photos/stream-wilderness-water-river-1865419/
Dark Calvary – https://pixabay.com/photos/moon-crosses-easter-faith-calvary-4777866/

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame;
And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

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.

Here is podcast content always available to Subscribers, sometimes to Free Members, and occasionally to everyone.  Want to learn more about accessing all the additional material in the Subscriber Content Library? Click here.  Or check out some other samples at our Free Member Content Library.  We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today!!

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.

We began our journey toward Easter this week as we ponder the cross. In the first half of this stanza, we remembered the suffering and shame Jesus endured on the cross and our response.  In this second half, we remember what Jesus accomplished on that cross and for whom.  Let’s think about this.

We Love the Cross

We left off Tuesday with the words that remind us of the suffering and shame the cross is designed to induce. And induce it does.  It is a very effective means of capital punishment, inflicting excruciating pain on the subject until their breathing becomes gradually more labored until they can breath no more.

But we love the cross. What’s up with that!?!

For those of who realize what Jesus did for us there, the cross becomes a symbol not of suffering and shame, but of sacrifice and obedience. Jesus, the Dearest and Best, willingly went to that cross to fulfill the wrath of God according to the will of God.

And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best

The Darling of Heaven, as another songwriter described Him, left the glory of God where He had existed eternally to suffer the humiliating death of the cross.

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:8 ESV

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to ponder who He is, who He has been eternally.  Set that next to what He endured, and the reality that He was the only one ever born who did not deserve to endure the penalty of sin.  Allow your heart to soak in the wonder of these two truths.

But So Should the World

Of course, we love the cross because we know who it represents. But much of the world does not. This is sad.

Think about that. People see the cross. Many wear it. But most truly do not realize what really happened there.

For a world of lost sinners was slain.

This is why Jesus commissioned us to make disciples.  We need to let the world know that though our sin has separated us from God, the cross has reunited to Him all who believe.

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

I have a friend who sends me a message most every morning reminding me to spread God’s love with at least one person that day.  It is a simple reminder of a practice that should be a part of my life every day, but sadly isn’t always. But how do we change that.

I think the answer is in how we feel about the cross.  If we truly cherish it, clinging to it because it is so precious to us, we will be more likely to tell others about it.  This thought gives new meaning to Jesus’ teaching to “take up our cross daily”.

Imagine carrying a cross even the size of a book around with you all day, every day.  People would likely ask you about it, even if you did not lead with it, unless of course every Christian carried one around. How remarkable would that be?  And how long would it take for the the world to have heard from many of us why it means so much to us?

RESONATE!
How can you take up your cross today?  What practical things could you do to allow the cross to mark your life?  It might not even be the physical symbol or shape of the cross, but hopefully the expression will be just a meaningful.  Think about it, then do it.

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 Attributions
Dearest and Best – https://pixabay.com/photos/cross-jesus-wood-church-christ-78000/
For a World of Lost Sinners – https://pixabay.com/photos/christ-cross-faith-jesus-passion-3484141/

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, Holy, Holy
By: Reginald Heber 1783–1826

Listen to this simple piano version as you read. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available to Subscribers, sometimes to Free Members, and occasionally to everyone.  Want to learn more about accessing all the additional material in the Subscriber Content Library? Click here.  Or check out some other samples at our Free Member Content Library.  We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today!!

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.

We conclude our journey through another great hymn this week.  In the first half of this stanza, we considered how all creation will praise and the impact our entering in can have on us.  In this second half, we contemplate the holiness of God and the implications on our needing to share it.  Let’s think about this.

None Like Him

Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!

As we close out our reflections on this hymn, you might be thinking you hear an echo.  These last two lines are an exact repeat of the last two lines from the first stanza.  I think that repetition is useful because it reinforces how important these truths are.

Think about it this way.  God is holy.  Very holy.  Completely holy.  Holy, holy, holy.  If He were to act only out of His holiness and might, it would be justified and simple for Him to deal with our sin by vaporizing us.  But His mercy leads Him to deal with us in an entirely different way.

The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.  Psalm 145:8 ESV

He is merciful, indeed.  Gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.  And what is the greatest expression of that love?  The gift of His Son to satisfy the wrath of a holy God against sin.  Merciful and Mighty.

RESONATE!
His ability to keep His anger toward all our sins in check when He is completely without sin is a remarkable expression of both His mercy and His might.  Take a few moments right now and thank Him again for His marvelous mercy, which spares you from getting what you deserve.  Then follow it up with some praise for His matchless might, which purchased your redemption.

Make It Known

God in three Persons, blessed Trinity

There is no one like our God.  Perfect in holiness, yet also making a way back for those separated from Him by their sin. So we are commanded, even commissioned, to get this news to the ends of the earth.  “God invites you to follow Him and makes the way plain.”

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 ESV

We must not keep the reality of God to ourselves.  We must receive it AND resonate with it, so that all who have ears to hear can join us as His disciples.  

I have often thought of that opening word in this way, “as you are going”.  I think it is easy for us all to think that these words apply to missionaries, international workers, pastors, evangelists, etc.  The “called” are those in vocational ministry, especially those who have left familiar surroundings to make this good news known.  But the “called” are also represented in every vocation and avocation, and so we each must find some way to let the wonder of Who God is be expressed in our lives, to the point that others decide to follow Him with us. 

RESONATE!
How are you making His holiness known to the world, His perfect blending of mercy and might?  Maybe you are building a relationship with someone who does not know Jesus.  Maybe you have family that have not yet surrendered to His call.  Ask Him to give you an opportunity today to tell someone about Him.

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 Attributions
Holy, Holy, Holy – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/holy-trinity-triangle-circle-gold-893202/
Great Commission – https://www.sermoncentral.com/church-media-preaching-sermons/sermon-video-illustrations/the-great-commission-11099-detail?ref=MediaSerps

Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.

Holy, Holy, Holy
By: Reginald Heber 1783–1826

Listen to this simple piano version as you read. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available to Subscribers, sometimes to Free Members, and occasionally to everyone.  Want to learn more about accessing all the additional material in the Subscriber Content Library? Click here.  Or check out some other samples at our Free Member Content Library.  We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today!!

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.

We began our journey through another great hymn this week.  In the first half of this stanza, we sought to identify the darkness which sometimes seems to hide God.  In the second half, we consider the hope of one of God’s people in her darkness and lift our gaze to see the person of Jesus Christ who perfectly blends God’s power, love and purity.  Let’s think about this.

Prayers in the Dark

Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,

Hannah is one of many remarkable figures in Scripture.  She was barren, and one of two wives of a man named Elkanah.  He loved Hannah very much, as is evidenced in several ways, still her soul was dark with the pain of her infertility.

She cried out to God at the Temple.  So distraught was her prayer that Eli the priest rebuked her because he thought her to be drunk.  After she explained that it was just sorrow that influenced her cries and not intoxicating drink, he dismissed her asking God to grant her request.  And God did in giving her Samuel as a son.  She followed through with her commitment to give Samuel back to God after he was weaned.

This verse is part of the beautiful prayer offered as she worshipped the Lord in those moments after leaving Samuel with Eli.  She had earned the right to offer this praise to God.  He had heard her cry from her dark place and showed Himself to be a rock unlike any other source of wholeness.

“There is none holy like the Lord; there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.” 1 Samuel 2:2 ESV

God had delivered her from a very dark place.  That deliverance, and her trust of Him even in the midst of it, enabled her to offer this prayer once she was again standing in the light.  What a powerful expression of faith!

There is no one holy like our Lord.  None besides Him.  No rock like our God.  Have you experienced this truth in your life?  If so, give Him praise right not.  If not, ask Him for the faith to receive it, even in the darkness.

Answered with Radiant Glory

Perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.

Hannah had obviously seen some measure of the power, love, and purity of God.  That perspective allowed her to cry out in faith from a place of deep affliction and grief to the One who she believed heard her.  That faith sustained her through some very difficult days until better ones came.

What do you look to when you face affliction and grief?  That source will greatly influence how you will deal with these powerful emotions.  Looking to Jesus, who is the radiance of God’s glory, transforms our perspective of all things, including our darkness.

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high…Hebrews 1:3 ESV

Having this perspective of God, revealed to us in the person of Jesus Christ, changes how we see everything given that we look at all things through this lens.  He is perfect.  

He upholds the universe by His power.  That same hand that is right now reaching out to you in perfect love, made and sustains the universe.  Those same arms that were stretched wide on that cross to demonstrate the perfect love of God, stretch all the way into your darkness to bring light and life.  That same perfect life sacrificed as a ransom to make us pure is offered to you in the hope you will but receive and find peace and rest in His Majesty. 

There is no one like Him.  Will you welcome Him to shine the light of His presence into your darkness?  You may be in the midst of some unmentionable pain, but Jesus is right there with you.  He never left you.  He did not withdraw His hand.  Will you accept the offer of His perfect power, love, and purity into your circumstances?  He is waiting in radiant glory.

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 Attributions
Hannah Praying – https://www.theodysseyonline.com/prayer-the-ultimate-tool
Power, Love and Purity – https://www.foundationarts.com/his-hand-is-stretched-out-still

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.

Holy, Holy, Holy
By: Reginald Heber 1783–1826

Listen to this simple piano version as you read. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available to Subscribers, sometimes to Free Members, and occasionally to everyone.  Want to learn more about accessing all the additional material in the Subscriber Content Library? Click here.  Or check out some other samples at our Free Member Content Library.  We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today!!

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.

We began our journey through another great hymn this week.  In the first half of this stanza, we considered how to use today to prepare ourselves for eternity by considering the worship there now.  In the second half, we continue the consideration particularly in light of God’s eternal quality.  Let’s think about this.

Falling Down

Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,

From guarding the entrance to the paradise of Genesis to ever-circling His worship-evoking throne, angelic beings have been, are, and always will be a part of the fabric of the reality created by our God.  They were there when the morning stars sang their first song, and voiced their own praise at the birth of His Son.  In John’s vision in Revelation, they are central figures, and Isaiah also esteemed their work around the throne describing them this way:

Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. Isaiah 6:2 ESV

Even though one might say their close proximity to God and the length of their tenure could possibly have the impact of their becoming a little casual in their service, nothing could be further from the truth.  Though they could use all six wings to fly, they only use two, the other four covering their face and feet, perspective and life.  Even they humble themselves.

I do find it odd that though Scripture clearly states they have six wings, most of our images of them depict only two.  I wonder if the reason for that is we are comfortable with two because they would obviously use those to fly, but we are uncomfortable with the other four because they might force us to rethink our  approach to God.  My point is that I think we are often too casual when we come before the Lord God Almighty.

The other interesting thing is that often our images of angels make them out to be very docile, whereas, I think Scripture portrays them to be more powerful.  Cherubs are often chubby little winged cupid-like creatures shooting people in the heart with their arrows, whereas the Bible seems to portray a much more focused and determined image.  Let us be faithful to allow the Scriptures to teach us truth and not just a plethora of images.

Having said all that, the more important thing may be honestly considering their activity and responding to it in faith.  There are 282 occurrences of the word angel in the ESV and not one with the word fall as it is used in this stanza.  I do believe that the image created in the hymn is still an accurate one because those same angels are ever the servants and messengers of God.

When given the opportunity, the cherubim and seraphim humble themselves before God.  And we must do the same.  They dwell in His presence, and one day, so shall we.  Until then, we must find ways to humble ourselves before our Lord, and we must do so routinely.  How will you do that today?  Maybe you will not fall prostrate before God in worship, but you must find expressions that mirror that humble heart.

When given the opportunity to esteem yourself in a conversation, choose instead to esteem God.  When confronted with a choice of how to handle a circumstance your own way, pray and ask for God’s direction.  When afforded the chance to serve yourself, ask God how you may serve His purposes instead.  When you have the option to share your message or God’s, choose to be His messenger.  Use one of these or find your own way to humble yourself before God today.

For Good Reason

Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.

When given the alternative to honor God instead of yourself, you are going to be most effective if you have a clear sense of why you would make such a choice.  Though I think the most obvious is in response to the eternal life that trusting in Christ offers us, for this context, I will offer another more objective one.  I can choose to honor God based on the self-proclaimed reality of Who He is, not my personal feelings or opinions.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 ESV

Well, there you have it.  The Lord God declares Himself to be the beginning and the end, and everything in between.  This provides us with a solid reason to choose to honor Him.  

Because He is the first and the last, we can trust the Eternal, Almighty God, for there is nothing we face which surprises Him.  Whatever decisions you have to make today to honor Him, He already knows about them all and wants to help you.  So what is your choice?

You may already know a few choices that will be a part of your day, but there is no way you can know them all.  You can still make the choice to honor Him now.  That way, when those moments come, honoring Him will be much easier because your decision has already been made.  Will you commit to honor Him today, no matter what?  It is a decision you will never regret.  After all, the cherubim and seraphim haven’t.

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 Attributions
Angelic Wings – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/angel-wings-angelic-bird-2479771/
Cherub – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/angel-wings-angelic-bird-2479771/
Angel Warrior – https://pixabay.com/photos/angel-warrior-the-archangel-justice-4361856/