“When I survey the wondrous Cross”. So wrote Isaac Watts in his hymn – descriptive of the scene of Calvary at the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth AD 33.

Over the two millennia since, there have been so many factors, that have touched lives and been influential in awaking personal faith in Christ.

At some stage, however, for each such person, there will have been the experience encapsulated in the opening verse of the hymn.

“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.”

The Gospels inform us of a number who did indeed ‘survey that Cross’. The soldiers who nailed His hands and feet then ‘watched Him there’ (Matt 27³⁶), would hear the words of grace  “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23³⁴). The Passers-by viewing that sight, reviled Him saying “Save thyself”. Priests, Scribes and Elders mock dismissively with  “ He saved others – Himself He could not save”. Words however which state implicitly the truth of the Christian Gospel- that to secure  forgiveness for us – to provide salvation – did indeed require that He must submit to that Cross and the suffering “bearing our sins in His body on the tree” (1 Pet 2²⁴)

The disciple John, actually standing by the Cross – has unhindered vision –and through it is brought to understand that  “ the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1⁷) and  then to confess

“We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4¹⁹)

The disciple Peter too, was a ‘witness of the sufferings of Christ “.(1 Pet 5¹). Maybe from a distance and also with tear-filled eyes, he tells us later the meaning of the Cross   “Christ has once suffered for sin, the Just for the unjust that He might bring us to God”  (1 Pet 3¹⁸)

What is important for us today, is for us to grasp the reality of the event. It was a real Cross – the One crucified really was the Son of God – God the Son.  “God manifest in the flesh” (I Tim 3¹⁶). The suffering there was real – and in the hours of darkness- midday to mid-afternoon – there was a depth of suffering far beyond physical pain.

As you read,   you too are surveying  ‘ the wondrous Cross’. What impact might you allow it to have? Will it be:  wonder? -confession of need ?-  gratitude ?-  faith? – love? The Easter message is that Christ is risen from the dead – Jesus is alive and  He awaits our response! 

“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”!