John 19.17-18, 29-30
“So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them … A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
Last Friday—which was Good Friday, the day we remember the crucifixion of Jesus—I listened to and reflected deeply on one of the great hymns of the faith. The name of the hymn is “How Deep the Father’s Love For Us.” It is a powerful song of remembrance, repentance, and deep gratitude toward our Heavenly Father.
Listening to this magnificent hymn, I was profoundly moved, and tears streamed down my face. I was overwhelmed with the reality of just how much the Lord loves us. Below are the verses of the hymn. At the end I provide a link to the song as it is sung by the group Selah. Read carefully, listen deeply, and thank the Lord for His incredible love.
How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure.
That He should give His only Son,
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders,
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there,
Until it was accomplished.
His dying breath has brought me life,
I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom.
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart,
His wounds have paid my ransom.
Here is a link to the song as it is sung by the group Selah: https://youtu.be/4-GM9w6IA2M
