Song Study 12: Meekness and Majesty

SONG STUDY (3) WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS

Isaac Watts 1674-1748

This great 17th century hymn by Isaac Watts still speaks strongly to all believers today and presents us with a challenge every time we sing it.

  

When I survey the wondrous cross

       On which the Prince of Glory died

       My richest gain I count but loss 

       And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast

       Save in the death of Christ my God:        

       All the vain things that charm me most,

       I sacrifice them to His blood.

             

       See from His head, His hands, His feet

       Sorrow and love flow mingled down:

       Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,

       Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

 Were the whole realm of nature mine,

       That were an offering far too small,    

       Love so amazing, so divine,

       Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Verse 1

(a) Do I understand the meaning of all the words?

survey, wondrous, “Prince of Glory”, but, contempt.

 (b) Should we think of Christ on the cross as much as we do the risen Christ?

See 1 Corinthians 1: 17-18; Galatians 6: 14; Luke 22:19.

 (c) See Philippians 3: 7-11. Are we really prepared to put Christ first?

Verse 2

(a) Do I understand the meaning of all the words?

“Forbid it”, boast, save, “Christ my God”, vain, charm, sacrifice.

 (b) What do you think the writer means by “vain things”?

 (c) What does it mean to “sacrifice them to His blood”?  See Revelation 1: 5-6; Romans 12: 1-2.

Verse 3

(a) Do I understand the meaning of all the words? mingled, e’er, compose.

 (b) From your knowledge of the crucifixion of Jesus, explain what the writer means by this verse.

Verse 4

(a) Do I understand the meaning of all the words? realm, divine.

 (b) If the “whole realm of nature” is too small an offering, why is “my soul, my life my all” sufficient? See 1 Peter 2: 4-5; Amos 5: 21-27; Psalm 51: 16-17.

You can find many videos on You Tube of this hymn being sung. Here are several links:

King's College Cambridge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDkuxEIcpdI

Gaither Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkrhAgOFzsE

https://johnsbluemountainsblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/links-to-all-blog-entries-and-relevant.html All Blue Mountains blogs and videos

https://johnsnewenglandminerals.blogspot.com/2013/12/list-of-all-blog-entries-to-date.html

All New England and other Geology blogs and videos

https://www.blogger.com/blog/posts/1325599670344725659?pli=1

Limestone Caves of NSW

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/1147003616874115974/2430103125095714141

Song Studies. Bible studies based on hymns and songs

https://www.blogger.com/blog/posts/1515863000684737715

Shoalhaven District Geology.

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