Viewing the Cross

That last post with God's searing judgment in Amos jogged my memory about two hymns in my devotional aids. Way back before dystonia took my voice (no great loss to the world! I would often include singing in my devotions. Many hymns and songs are helpful in praise and thanks. I still use them as spoken words. Some really challenge. That's why I have a photocopy of two hymns side by side. One is contains much comfort. Yes, it's an old hymn, written in the19th century by Elizabeth Clephane in 1872:

Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand- 

  the shadow of a mighty Rock within a weary land,

a home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way,

  from the burning of the noon-tide heat, and the burden of the day.

Upon that cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see

  the very dying form of One who suffered there for me;

and from my smitten heart with tears two wonders I confess-

  the wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.

I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place;

  I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of his face,

content to let the world go by, to know no gain nor loss,

  my sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross.

 

Set alongside is a 20th century hymn by Ferdinand Blanchard 1929. He stresses a different aspect!

Before the cross of Jesus our lives are judged today;

  the meaning of our eager strife is tested by his Way.

Across our restless living the light streams from his cross,

  and by its clear, revealing beams we measure gain and loss.

The hopes that lead us onward, the fears that hold us back,

  our will to dare great things for God, the courage that we lack,

the faith we keep in goodness, our love, as low or pure,

  on all, the judgment of the cross falls steady, clear and sure.

Yet, humbly, in our striving, O God we face its test;

  we crave the power to do your will with him who did it best;

on us let now the healing of his great Spirit fall, 

  and make us brave and full of joy to answer to his call.

I need both aspects - comfort and discomfort!  What about you?