How Deep the Father's Love for Us
There is a
progression within this hymn. And that is a source of its beauty.
It begins with the
Father's love, His love for us in giving what was precious to Him: His Son. And
note how each of us is described: a wretch. And even that is too kind a
description of someone who is without Jesus.
The next stage (the
second stanza) brings us to consider Jesus - and ourselves. It is not enough
simply to talk about Jesus' death. We need also to be clear about the reason
for that death: our sin. Notwithstanding the ugliness of what we have done, and
the just curse of eternal death we deserve, we are blessed with life.
All this leads to
the climax of the hymn. You might say this is the point of it all: 'boasting'.
What do we brag about? What do we highlight in our lives? What do we live for?
If it is something other than Jesus and His death and resurrection, then we really
didn't get what those first two stanzas were about.
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
a 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 pow'r,
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.
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