In the Cross of Christ I Glory
Devotion
Text: John Bowring, 1792-1872
1In the cross of Christ I glory,
tow'ring o'er the wrecks of time.
All the light of sacred story
gathers round its head sublime.
2When the woes of life o'ertake me,
hopes deceive, and fears annoy,
never shall the cross forsake me;
lo, it glows with peace and joy.
3When the sun of bliss is beaming
light and love upon my way,
from the cross the radiance streaming
adds more luster to the day.
4Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure,
by the cross are sanctified;
peace is there that knows no measure,
joys that through all time abide.
In the cross of Christ I glory towering o'er the wrecks of time…
The cross is at once the timeless event that shows God's unconditional love, a love that conquers all that would separate people from Him. This timeless event is for all. The cross is also a timely event that in some mysterious way becomes very present in the heart of a person through faith. And because of the cross, God's mercy, the unholy trinity of death, sin, and the devil is defeated eternally and now.
One year ago he looked like death warmed over, pale, skin and bones, and liver failure. All this disease and disaster brought on by the demon alcoholism. But today, after several interventions, he's sober, a dad again, physically recovering. A light, the Light has gone on. And as my friend says, 'the bridge from darkness to health is called faith.'
Prayer
Crucified and Risen Lord, may all my actions and words glory in the cross both now and forever. Amen.