Hymn for the Week

Busy and busier...this week holds much sewing and practice in preparation for a Living History dress rehearsal on Friday, our recital Saturday, and the actual Living History Day next week. Add to that the books I want to read and the outdoors that I want to enjoy and the friends I want to see and the practice I need to do, and you've got a full schedule.

I thought about just not posting another hymn, but decided against it. This one will be easy for me, though, because I already know it top-to-bottom. (If you come to the recital you may figure out why.) It's another contemporary one and we were introduced to it by The Irish Tenors. John McDermott sings it on their CD Sacred.

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss –
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.

Behold the man upon the cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life –
I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart –
His wounds have paid my ransom.
Words and Music by Stuart Townend, 1995