Brothers and Sisters,

A couple of weeks back I mentioned that I wanted to draw our attention to some great hymns that, for whatever reason, are rarely sung in the church today. Last time I sought to draw your attention toward a hymn of comfort entitled “Come, Ye Disconsolate,” this time I want to draw your attention to a hymn of love entitled, “The Love of Christ Who Died for Me.”

“The Love of Christ who Died for Me” by Timothy Dudley-Smith

1. The love of Christ who died for me Is more than mind can know;
His mercy measureless and free To meet the debt I owe.
2. He came my sinful cause to plead, He laid his glories by,
For me a homeless life to lead, A shameful death to die.
3. My sins I only see in part, My self-regarding way;
The secret places of my heart Lie bare before his gaze.
4. O living Lord of life, for whom he heavens held their breath,
To see, triumphant from the tomb, A love that conquers death,
5. Possess my heart that it may be Your kingdom with-out end;
O Christ who died for love of me And lives to be my friend.

There are so many things that I like about this song, but first, let me say one slightly negative thing about it. Generally speaking, for congregational worship I prefer the use of the plural (we instead of me). I think that it is important that when we gather together we confess our faith and joy in Christ corporately. Having said that, I also think that at times in corporate worship it is useful, appropriate, and important to give voice to our individual faith.

I think that my favorite verse is the fourth verse. To speak of the resurrection in terms of “a love that conquers death” is wonderfully encouraging and true. The Lord Jesus said that he came not only to lay his life down for his sheep (John 10:15), but also to take it up again (10:17). He wasn’t forced to do so, but voluntarily did so (John 10:18) because he loved and loves his sheep. Praise God that Christ’s love has conquered death.

Warmly in Christ,
Mike