Hymn Highlight: When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
Isaac Watts (1674-1748) is perhaps one of the most well-known hymn-writers in history. Watts was a non-Conformist minister for much of his life in England, and wrote hymns prolifically. Upon his death in 1748, he was buried among the great Puritans at Bunhill Fields, but is also honored with a plaque at Westminster Abbey.
Among his most popular hymns are Joy to the World, Our God, Our Help in Ages Past, Alas! and Did My Saviour Bleed, and, of course, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross was written in 1707, and continues to be one of the most popular hymns in the world. The song is quite simple, only having four stanzas and no refrain. However, the powerful lyrics are purposed to draw our attention to the cross in self-examination.
The first stanza calls the congregant to gaze upon the cross of Calvary, upon which the Prince of glory died. Upon this beholding of the Christ’s cross for the singing sinner, the richest gain must be counted as simply loss, as the sacrifices of Christ and the riches of mercy applied pours contempt on all our pride.
The next verse reminds the singer that all reason of boasting except in the cross of Christ is naught. At the wonderful passion of Jesus Christ—his death, burial, and resurrection—all grounds for boasting are gone. Everything else can be considered vain in the shining love of God displayed at Calvary.
The third stanza calls the singer to a question: Has there every been a love so great as that displayed on Calvary? See from his head, his hands, his feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down. As Christ bled on the cross—a horrible and heartbreaking scene—we see a tangible example of his love for the elect. When we see such a magnificent display of love, we are forced to sing: Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown? Surely, as the Roman crucifiers were twisting the crown of thorns to be put on Jesus’s head in mockery, they had no clue they were crowning the Eternal King of Glory.
The closing stanza reminds us that there is no response worthy of such a sacrifice made on our behalf. Were the whole realm of nature mine, and mine to give, it would be far too small. The love displayed at Calvary demands our whole life, all of it.
Beloved, look at the cross this week. Read the crucifixion story and gaze afresh at the sorrow and love flow mingled down for you. May this stir your affections anew for your Savior.