The Old Rugged Cross

The old rugged cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain.…

George Bennard was born in 1873. At age 16, he lost his father, so he became a miner to support his mother and sisters. His strength and perseverance were reinforced as he sacrificed for others. (source)  

When Bennard found Christ in 1897, that same strength and perseverance gave him a passion to share the gospel.

In 1912, a group of young people mocked him as he spoke at a revival, and their disrespect for God deeply troubled him. This situation prompted Bennard to spend time reflecting on the cross of Christ, and that's when he wrote this wonderful hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross.” (source)

The lyrics reflect Bennard's deep respect for the crucifixion and redemption of Christ. The line, "Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world," seems to reflect what prompted him to write it.

I encourage you to take time today to read through the words thoughtfully, prayerfully, and gratefully.

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame,
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best,
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain: So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down.
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me.
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above,
To bear it to dark Calvary. 

In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
Such a wonderful beauty I see.
For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me. 

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true,
Its shame and reproach gladly bear.
Then He'll call me someday to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I'll share. 

 

 ✞✞✞

 

For more insights into the ways God uses music, see It Is Well with My Soul and Should We Be Offended by "Onward Christian Soldiers"?

 

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