4 Lessons from “The Old Rugged Cross”

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suff’ring and shame; And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best for a world of lost sinners was slain.

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 that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous 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.

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 someday for a crown.

Date: 19th-20^th century

Writer(s): George Bennard 

Background for writing: The Salvation Army is where this hymn-writers formal ministry began. He was later ordained by the Methodist Episcopal church. God allowed a challenging trial to come into his life that led him to reflecting on the passion of the cross. Bennard said that the promise of John 3:16 led him to conclude that Jesus’ love for us is seen most in his suffering(s). he said the cross was more than a religious symbol.

4 Lessons:

1. The cross is a symbol of persecution but we should value it for what it accomplished – forgiveness of sin and holiness.

2. Jesus willingly left heaven to endure this shame from the hands of the world.

3. The sufferings of the cross compel us to follow Christ.

4. We should be both sobered by the cross and celebrate the cross.