This week we focus on the Lenten theme of humility.
Words of Reflection
As we often discover on our Lenten journey, if we are ever struggle with pride (and we do), if we ever think too highly of our efforts (and we do), and if we ever fool ourselves into thinking that God’s kingdom depends on the cleverness of us (it can happen), there is a place we can go that provides an immediate corrective:
The cross of Christ.
At the cross we are overwhelmed by the greatest expression of love the world has ever seen…or will ever see. In the light of such amazing love we can see clearly our own inadequacy and need. At the cross we are reminded that our best efforts, our human wisdom, and our natural accomplishments are empty apart from the love and power of God shown in Christ. As we gaze on the cross, the words of Isaiah once again become heart-breakingly clear:
“All of us have become like one who is unclean,
and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;
we all shrivel up like a leaf,
and like the wind our sins sweep us away.”—Isaiah 64:6 (NIV)
But the wonder of Lent and the approach of Holy Week is this: the wind of sinfulness does not have the final word. When we put our trust in Christ, crucified and risen, we are not swept away. Instead, we are cleansed and restored, and what was once a shriveled leaf becomes a fruit-bearing branch of the True Vine. At the cross we are invited to lay down our broken lives as an offering and receive the life we were always meant to know.
If that doesn’t humble us, nothing will.
To gaze upon the cross of Christ is humbling, to be sure, but never in a way that shames us. We are humbled because we are brought face-to-face with the depth of God’s love for us. And in response we can do nothing…but offer everything.
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
Scripture for Meditation:
When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the testimony of God to you with superior speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were made not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.
—1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NRSV)
Song: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my prideForbid it Lord that I should boast
Save in the death of Christ my God
All the vain things that charm me most
I sacrifice them to His bloodSee from His head His hands His feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did ever such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crownWere the whole realm of nature mine
That were an offering far too small
Love so amazing so divine
Demands my soul my life my all
Isaac Watts
© Public Domain
This classic hymn has been put to a number of different tunes through the years. We are sharing a more contemporary version by Tim Hughes. See the end of the “Questions for Contemplation” section for links to other familiar tunes for this text.
Questions for Contemplation:
What helps you keep the cross before you, either literally or inwardly? What Scripture, practices, or songs have helped you focus on the love of God shown at Calvary? What might you build into your walk with God to make it even more central?
How do you find yourself humbled by the cross of Christ? Are you able to receive that humility without falling into shame? Spend some time in prayer asking God to show you anew the depth of his love and the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice for you in a way that leads to wholeness and healing.
What are the “vain things that charm (you) most?” How might God be calling you to sacrifice them as you continue on your Lenten journey of repentance, surrender, and humility?
Additional Tunes:
Here are some other tunes often used for this hymn text: