Bids me come and die and find
that I may truly live
Oh the wonderful cross (2x)
All who gather here by grace
draw near and bless your name
At the Ecumenical Good Friday Service today, we sang this chorus by Michael W. Smith together with the stanzas of the traditional hymn, "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," by Isaac Watts. Members of congregations in the Hempfield area filled the nave of the Hempfield Brethren in Christ Church, and we joined in contemplating the Words that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ spoke from the Cross.
The church was in darkness during the reading of the Seven Words. The brief comments made by each of the pastors, and the special music provided by three soloists, were all spoken or sung from the back of the worship area. On the stage in front of us, a large, wooden cross draped in purple cloth and a crown of thorns stood in a spotlight as the central focus of our worship. The effect was stunning.
Sitting in darkness, gazing at the cross, heariing Jesus' words, contemplating the awesome act of love Jesus offered "for us and for our salvation" through his crucifixion is an experience of worship unlike any other. It forces one to search deep within one's heart and recognize his or her utter unworthiness of God's grace, freely given through Jesus. It brings you to your knees in confession and upright again in thanksgiving for the forgiveness offered "once and for all." It gives light to your heart and soul so that the darkness of suffering, sin and death no longer have power and you can walk out into the daylight filled with peace, hope and purpose.
Oh, the Wonderful Cross! I pray that all who read these lines will know the power and blessing of the Cross of Christ for their lives. That is why we call this Friday "Good."
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