Beneath the Cross of Jesus by Keith and Kristyn Getty, 2005.

Beneath the cross of Jesus I find a place to stand,
And wonder at such mercy that calls me as I am;
For hands that should discard me, hold wounds which tell me, “Come.”
Beneath the cross of Jesus, my unworthy soul is won.

Observe: It is not often we encounter lyrics that express so simply the deep theological truths revealed in our song for today. First, they welcome sinners. Second, they acknowledge God’s mercy, and third, they state the truth that the hands that should reject us reveal the wounds that secure our souls for eternity.

Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:27–29, ESV).

To believe without seeing is faith, but it’s not our faith, it is God’s gracious gift (Ephesians 2:8). Faith gains us entrance into God’s family, as verse 2 reveals.

Beneath the cross of Jesus, His family is my own.
Once strangers chasing selfish dreams, now one through grace alone.

In God’s family, we are suddenly friends with people that we would never choose in our former life. Now, we care deeply for them, pray for them, and encourage them. Verse 2 states the reason we have a new concern for other believers; it’s our love for Jesus.

How could I now dishonor the ones that You have loved?
Beneath the cross of Jesus, see the children called by God.

It is beyond our finite understanding to realize the heights from which Jesus descended to save our unworthy souls. But we can gain perspective by reading God’s word and meditating on His truth with the illumination of the Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth (John 16:13). When we do, we find the courage to follow in His footsteps—verse 3.

Beneath the cross of Jesus, the path before the crown.
We follow in His footsteps, where promised hope is found.
How great the joy before us to be His perfect bride;
Beneath the cross of Jesus, we will gladly live our lives.

James, the half-brother of Jesus, writes, Count it all joy, my brothers and sisters when you meet trials of various kinds (James 1:2). Because of the promised hope we have by knowing we are the King’s perfect bride, we have a joy that transcends circumstances. Amid all the real concerns we have today, we can find peace in knowing that the Bridegroom is in perfect control. Beneath the cross of Jesus, we gladly live our lives because our eyes are on him and his promises.

Blessings,

Pastor Don.