The Old Rugged Cross

I am thinking about the cross. More particularly I am thinking about the old hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross" (written by George Bennard). The song conveys a powerful message concerning the cross. It reminds us of what Jesus endured upon the cross on our behalf. Meditate, with me, on these words:

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff'ring and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Oh, that old rugged cross so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left his glory above,
To bear it to dark Calvary.

Chorus:
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see;
For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true,
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then he'll call me some day to my home far away,
Where is glory forever I'll share.

Oh, that the power of the cross were ever before us, shaping our hearts and mind. Have you looked to the wondrous beauty of the cross? If not turn your mind's eye to that hill far away, and see that old rugged cross.