Good Friday Reflections

The old rugged cross

Consumatum est ... "It is finished... Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."

Quiet reflections. Humbling prayers for Christians who take to heart the meaning of the Holy Week, of Christ's death, and his eventual resurrection.

On reflection, there's this human dilemma. A strange conflict occurs. For whilst the human level is struggling to survive from being swallowed up by the ruthless quicksand of day to day challenges at their worst, the spiritual level is soaring with that beckoning eternal hope of "Why are you cast down oh my soul?" And that still small voice that follows out of nowhere, "Oh, you of little faith, why can't you keep still, cast your cares to me?" 


It's never easy. The logical mind needs immediate resolve.  Another stretch in opposing directions. 

Perhaps, a serious talk with a minister of God? Even this doesn't come easy.  Ah, one best way is to take it to God in prayer.  "In His arms He'll take and shield you. You will find a solace there," from the hymn "What a friend we have in Jesus" by hymn-writer Joseph Scriven.

The Holy Week is a much needed respite from it all - Offline. Online. Whatever line.

Gone were the years when Good Friday was observed with much solemnity.  The years of genuine Holy Week celebration with family, and closely-knit fellowships  have long gone, but well-kept in memory. I miss the many spectacular classic movie greats like Ben-Hur, The Reluctant Saint, or that haunting Whistle Down the Wind starring the child star Hayley Mills... all watched in the comforts of home.

Of all favourite crucifixion hymns, The Old Rugged Cross comes closest to heart, one of best loved sacred songs. Here's an interpretation from John Berry, American country music singer.

Have a lovely Easter.  For now, let's revert back our thoughts on that old rugged cross.

John Berry - The Old Rugged Cross

Video Courtesy:

The Old Rugged Cross sung by John Berry, YouTube uploaded by Packfan1999



The Old Rugged Cross
Text and Music: 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)

It's beautiful to listen to "The Old Rugged Cross" played on the organ, or sung by a quartet with a piano accompaniment.

Image Credit:

crossofchristfaithministry.webs.com


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