When the Cross Changes Everything

The wonderful cross draws our hearts back to Christ’s sacrifice, reminding us on Good Friday that His love redefines what truly matters.

“But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14).

A precocious child, Isaac Watts began writing poetry while he was still a boy. Eventually Watts, who was born in 1674 in Southampton, England, turned his attention to writing hymns. He was so committed to this calling that, for two years, he wrote a new hymn every week.

In 1707 while writing a hymn for a communion service, Watts was inspired by Paul’s words to the Galatians. He recognized that everything changes when we think about Jesus and His death for us. The cross puts our lives in perspective.

Watts wrote, “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.”

Humbled, Watts turned to God in a prayer, saying, “Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ my God! All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood.”

Nothing compares with Jesus’ life and death: “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.”

On this Good Friday, stop to consider how much God loves you! He sent His Son to die on a cross for you. Search your heart and ask Him to reveal any sin in your life. Allow Him to fill your heart with His love. Commit your life to serving Him.

Reflection Question: What does the cross invite you to surrender today?