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 pride.

See, from His head, His hands, His feet,

sorrow and love flow mingled down;

did e'er such love and sorrow meet,

or thorns compose

so rich a crown?

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.

I love the emotion and depth that Isaac Watts poured into this beautiful hymn. He wrote it in 1707 while preparing for a communion service...written so long ago, yet still so relevant and powerful today.

When I survey the wondrous cross, I am reminded of the human condition, well, my condition...I was an ungodly, helpless sinner and an enemy of God. BUT, at the right time God demonstrated His love for us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

As I continue to ponder the cross, I think of Jesus, although He was God, He emptied himself by becoming a man and being confined by human flesh that was frail and dying. He humbled himself by becoming a bond-servant and was obedient to the point of death...even death on the cross. He willingly and lovingly took the sins of humanity and said I will pay the price. He was punished, I was healed. When I survey the cross, I do not see a fashion accessory...I see an amazing reminder of divine love and sacrifice. God gave. How can I give any less than my soul, my life, my all.

My prayer is that you will consider the cross and be amazed.