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Words of Reflection

Today we are at the halfway point of our Lenten journey, which makes today a good day to remember a troubling shift that can happen whenever we are in a season of intentional spiritual pursuit —a shift that changes the nature of what we’re doing and the reason we’re doing it.

In short, what was meant to be “devotion” becomes “work.” What began with an earnest and heartfelt desire to draw closer to God becomes less about communion and more about obligation. When that happens during Lent, the shift can turn us around and push us in the opposite direction from where we started. Instead of heading to the cross, with its powerful reminder of what Christ has done for us, we turn away and start focusing on the things we’re doing for him. We act as though the “success” of our journey depends on our performance, and when that belief takes over we find ourselves drifting off the path. Essentially we begin walking away from from Jerusalem instead of towards it.

This is a very tender place, and in this tender place God invites us to humble our hearts before him. Whenever we begin to think that our spiritual growth is primarily dependent on our own effort, God invites us to stop whatever it is we’re doing and simply gaze upon the cross of Christ. Only in being reminded of Christ’s work can we find what we need to stop focusing on ours.

Today we’re going to do just that, by allowing a well known hymn of the cross serve as our invitation to remember that this journey is not about our work or our worthiness. It is about Christ’s work and his worthiness alone. As you read, be sure not to rush through the lyrics. Allow these words to become your own humble prayer of re-centering.

For today there are two versions of this hymn, one instrumental and one vocal. If you choose to listen to the instrumental version, you might wish to use that time to be still, breathe deep, and begin in a spirit of prayer before moving to the vocal version. Regardless of your listening choice, focus on the cross, whether with your eyes or with your heart, and know that the one who traveled to that cross willingly is more than able to turn us around when we’ve strayed from the path.

Scripture for Meditation:

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
—Ephesians 2:4-10 (NIV)

Song: Near The Cross (lyrics after videos)

Instrumental Version

Vocal Version

Lyrics for Reflection

For today, simply sit prayerfully with the words of this hymn. Let them draw you back into the reason you began your Lenten journey some three weeks ago. Pray that the Holy Spirit would help to “re-center” you in the cross as you continue to Jerusalem.

Jesus keep me near the cross
There a precious fountain
Free to all a healing stream
Flows from Calv'ry's mountain
CHORUS
In the cross in the cross
Be my glory ever
’Til my ransomed soul shall find
Rest beyond the river
Near the cross a trembling soul
Love and mercy found me
There the Bright and Morning Star
Shed its beams around me
CHORUS
Near the cross O Lamb of God
Bring its scenes before me
Help me walk from day to day
With its shadows o'er me
CHORUS
Near the cross I'll watch and wait
Hoping trusting ever
Till I reach the golden strand
Just beyond the river
CHORUS