I believe it was Lee Webb, news anchor for the 700 Club on CBN. But I grabbed hold of those words and never forgot them. I firmly believe he hit the nail on the head with that statement.
I have always been greatly moved by melody, tempo, and
especially the lyrics of a variety of genres in music, and I really appreciated the thought of holding hands with some of those wise old
saints.
With that in mind, from time to time throughout this devotional,
I will post the words to an old hymn. Most likely I will include a supportive
Bible verse or two along with the hymn.
I find encouragement when I really stop to think about what the
hymn might be saying. Sometimes, we know them so well, we simply mouth the words without giving them much thought. I hope this will encourage a time to really understand the intent of that saint of old through his/her worship of our Lord.
I will start with my favorite:
The Old Rugged Cross (1912)
George Bennard, 1873-1958
1. On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
the emblem of suffering and shame;
and I love that old cross where the dearest and best
for a world of lost sinners was slain.
Refrain:
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.
2. O 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.
(Refrain)
3. In that 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.
(Refrain)
4. To that 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 his glory forever I'll share.
(Refrain)
Luke 23: 32- 49
Isaiah 53: 1-12