January 18, 2005

Before the Throne

Playing over and over in my head is this great hymn by Charitie Bancroft (1841-1892).

BEFORE THE THRONE OF GOD ABOVE

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea.
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.

Before Him there the risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The unchangeable I AM,
King of glory and of grace,
One in Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God!

My lips are still. For a moment, I can’t bring myself to type another letter on my keyboard. I am overwhelmed…

...with gratitude…

...to my Savior, the Lover of my soul. I pray you will discover this hymn (or discover it again) and you too will get caught up in the moment and linger there awhile.