“Beneath the Cross of Jesus” is a popular hymn that was written by Elizabeth Clephane in 1868. The hymn is a testament to the power of the cross and the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity. The lyrics are simple yet powerful, and they have been sung by Christians all over the world for over a century.
The Lyrics
The lyrics to “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” are as follows:
Beneath the cross of Jesus
I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty rock
Within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness,
A rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat,
And the burden of the day.
Upon that cross of Jesus
Mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One
Who suffered there for me,
And from my stricken heart with tears
Two wonders I confess:
The wonders of His glorious love
And my unworthiness.
I take, O cross, thy shadow
For my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than
The sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by,
To know no gain nor loss,
My sinful self my only shame,
My glory all the cross.
The Meaning
The lyrics to “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” speak of the comfort and refuge that can be found in the shadow of the cross. The hymn encourages Christians to take their stand beneath the cross, where they can find rest and shelter from the trials of life. The cross is a symbol of the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity, and the hymn celebrates the power of that sacrifice.
The second verse of the hymn speaks of the wonder of Jesus’ love and the singer’s unworthiness. The singer acknowledges that Jesus died for them, even though they were undeserving. The cross is a symbol of that love and sacrifice, and the singer is grateful for it.
The final verse of the hymn speaks of contentment in the shadow of the cross. The singer is willing to let go of worldly possessions and desires in order to abide in the shadow of the cross. The cross is their only glory, and they are willing to bear the shame of their sinful self in order to be near it.
Conclusion
“Beneath the Cross of Jesus” is a beautiful hymn that celebrates the power and sacrifice of the cross. The lyrics are simple yet powerful, and they have been sung by Christians all over the world for over a century. The hymn encourages Christians to find refuge and rest in the shadow of the cross, where they can experience the wonder of Jesus’ love and sacrifice.
