Written by Isaac Watts in 1707, this song was a departure at the time from the practice of just singing or chanting passages of scripture as worship in a church service. The fourth verse is often omitted as the reference to the globe was often seen beyond anyone’s understanding. The song still sung today has survived 315 years around the world, mainly these days sung in funerals as a poignant reminder of the frailty of life.
The song was inspired by Galatians 6:14 ‘May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world’ (NIV).
As real today as it was written in 1707, when we get beyond ourselves, when our ego has a field day, then let the words of this song remind us all, ultimately our faith and life belong to Jesus.
Quote
The cross of Christ reminds us of the sacrifice made by the son of God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to more understand the magnitude of the sacrifice Jesus made for me, Amen.
Action Point Think of the older folk in your community that you know, drop by have a coffee and talk about the past, it would mean the world to them.
Copyright notices
(NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Use in other publications. You can use upto 100 words of this publication with a reference to www.faithlift.org by Carl Brettle.
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