When I Survey
Hello there friends,
This Good Friday morning I want to talk about one of my favourite hymns, yet this is not just one of my favourite hymns, it’s one of my all time favourite songs; When I survey.
For me, today, this is one of the best songs to help us reflect upon the cross and the sacrifice made there. My prayer is that as we examine the lyrics we will again be reminded of the debt of love we owe to Jesus for today and every day.
As with many hymns it’s lyrics are both incredibly powerful and yet beautifully crafted.
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
The imagery here and through the song is wonderful; the wonderful cross, the title of Prince of glory, and the illustration of pouring contempt on pride. God’s words are really clear as to how he feels about pride and the best antidote to pride is to remember the cross and what we are without it.
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?
The picture of sorrow and love being so beautifully entangled, entwined, tethered together so beautifully encapsulates what happened on the cross as we feel the sorrow of Jesus’ friends and family who watch him die, but we also see so clearly the picture of God’s love for us that he would come and die for us as one of us.
Were 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!
The response is simple. We cannot offer enough praise. This love we see demands everything of us and more, a price that we are so glad to pay.
The version that I’ll suggest to you from Tim Hughes’ Live album for a few reasons. First musically it’s amazing, great sounds throughout that both build and pare back the song; but it’s the way he ends the song that I am most impressed with. This is the last song that he will play and Tim is aware that everyone is likely to cheer at the end of it. As such, towards the end of the song he walks off the stage while the other musicians are playing. He then organises that at the end of the song that the words “death is defeated” and “Jesus is alive” appear on the screen. Thus as people cheer, even then their focus is driven towards the person of Jesus, a powerful statement and a great example to follow.
Have a listen to the song here (https://youtu.be/tB2dFvJVK-8) it’s also a part of our Spotify playlist here (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5b4XkZUPzCWC3yHNT7nxfi?si=ehStrcGATlisVp1hvecw2g).
Reflect this morning on what Jesus has done for us, remember and give thanks. And then get ready, because Sunday is coming.
Many blessings,
Disney