Yesterday in the middle of worship, we sang an old hymn that pricked my heart in a way that it had not before. It’s a song I have song probably hundreds of times, as it was an old favorite year’s ago. I think it may have been in the worship schedule every other week for a while. Anyway, it had been a while and the words of “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” pierced my heart.
The entire song has lyrics that are raw and gripping, but the last two stanzas just nailed me yesterday
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrectionWhy 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
Sometimes, I feel pretty special and talented. I mean, I am an Ironman. But seriously, not one thing that I have ever done compares to the actions of the Christ on the cross. His actions make me whole, take away my worry and give me something to really focus on each day. All those other things are just things – ways to give glory to the Christ and show his impact in my life.
Today as you go about the day, think about what you will boast in, and who paid your ransom.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)