Wondrous Love

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13 NKJV

It was a song with a message that resonated in the hearts of Believers. But no one seemed to know its origins, and who wrote it. But it had a profound impact. For it was a message about forgiveness, salvation, and love. The love of Jesus.

The writer clearly had experienced pains and problems. He had made mistakes and felt he was “sinking down.” But Jesus “laid aside His crown for my soul.”

In overwhelming gratefulness, the composer declared that he would sing “to God and to the Lamb who is the great I Am.” He knew that millions would join in this celebration, but he could not help but sing. And “through eternity, I’ll sing on,” being “free from death.”

He called the hosts of Heaven to bear this great news “like comets through the sky.” And he called all “friends of Zion’s king” to “join His praise,” to sing and “strike each tuneful string in His praise!” To realize that “we’ll join the happy throng, and sing on, and sing on.”

Overwhelmed, he could not help but proclaim, “What wondrous love is this, O my soul.” That Jesus has borne “the dreadful curse for my soul.”

The powerful message of this song was captured in a melody arranged by William Walker, who discovered it on a journey through America’s Appalachian region.

Today, this message is still desperately needed. Many people think of God as just their Judge. A detached Ruler. They approach Him in the context of a formal religious ritual. But how our perception changes when we realize that God is love.

(1 John 4:8) and that He sent Jesus into the world because of that great love (John 3:16).

Remember that Jesus loves you! That, because of that love, He died on the cross for your sins. What wondrous love!

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me. Thank You for forgiving my sins. That You for eternal life! Help me to share this Good News with others. In Your name. Amen.