The Look

Recently I've been mulling some older hymns, challenged by the words of these christians of past ages. I find many of the hymns they've written have a richness to them that feeds my soul. I've been enjoying hearing some of the newer versions that sovereign grace ministries have been producing... today, I've been meditating on the song "The Look" by John Newton, updated by Bob Kauflin and recorded on their album "Songs for the cross centred life"...

"I saw one hanging on a tree in agony and blood
who fixed his loving eyes on me as near His cross I stood.
And never till my dying breath will I forget that look.
It seemed to charge me with His death, though not a word I spoke

My conscience felt and owned the guilt, and plunged me in despair.
I saw my sins His blood had spilt, and helped to nail him there.
But with a second look He said "I freely all forgive.
This blood is for your ransom paid. I died that you might live.

Forever etched upon my mind
Is the look of Him who died
The Lamb I crucified
And now my life will sing the praise
of pure atoning grace
That looked on me and gladly took my place

Thus while his death my sin displaced for all the world to view,
such is the mystery of grace: it seals my pardon too.
With pleasing gried and mournful joy, my spirit now is filled -
that I should such a life destroy yet live by Him I killed

Praise you Jesus for your atoning grace and mercy.

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