Beneath The Cross Of Jesus – Hymn Lyric
“Beneath The Cross Of Jesus: Finding Shelter and Rest in Christs Sacrifice” is a heartfelt hymn that emphasizes the love and sacrifice of Jesus. It portrays the cross as a safe refuge for those seeking solace, forgiveness, and redemption. Through powerful imagery, the hymn underscores the profound significance of the cross and encourages individuals to find their abiding place beneath its shadow.
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Beneath The Cross Of Jesus – Hymn Lyric
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.
O safe and happy shelter,
O refuge tried and sweet,
O trysting place where Heaven’s love
and Heaven’s justice meet!
As to the holy patriarch
that wondrous dream was given,
So seems my Savior’s cross to me,
a ladder up to heaven.
There lies beneath its shadow
but on the further side
The darkness of an awful grave
that gapes both deep and wide.
And there between us stands the cross
two arms outstretched to save
A watchman set to guard the way
from that eternal grave.
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 redeeming 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 or loss,
My sinful self my only shame,
my glory all the cross.
Meaning of Beneath The Cross Of Jesus
Beneath The Cross Of Jesus: Finding Shelter and Rest in Christs Sacrifice
In this beautiful hymn, “Beneath the Cross of Jesus,” written by Elizabeth C. Clephane, we are reminded of the incredible love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The words of this hymn express a deep yearning to find solace, protection, and rest in the shadow of the cross.
The hymn begins by stating, “Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand, the shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land.” These powerful words convey a sense of weariness and longing for a place of refuge. Imagine standing beneath a tall, majestic rock, finding shelter from the scorching heat of the day and the burdens that weigh us down. Just like the rock offers comfort in the midst of a barren wilderness, the cross of Jesus provides solace and rest within the trials and struggles of life.
This safe and happy shelter is described as a “refuge tried and sweet” and a “trysting place where Heaven’s love and Heaven’s justice meet.” It is a place where God’s love and justice intersect, where forgiveness is found and sins are washed away, bringing a sense of peace and safety. This imagery reminds us of the story of Jacob’s dream in the Bible, where he saw a ladder reaching up to heaven with angels ascending and descending. Similarly, the Savior’s cross is depicted as a ladder leading to heaven, where we can find redemption and a restored relationship with God.
The hymn also highlights the profound contrast found beneath the shadow of the cross. On one side lies the darkness of an awful grave, representing the separation from God and the consequence of sin. However, between us and that eternal grave stands the cross, with two outstretched arms beckoning us to safety and salvation. It is like a watchman guarding the way, keeping us from the perils of eternal separation from God. This image demonstrates the immense love and sacrifice Jesus made on the cross, providing a way for us to be reconciled to God and escape the consequences of our sin.
As the hymn continues, it describes the personal connection one can have with the crucifixion of Jesus. The author declares, “Upon that cross of Jesus, mine eye at times can see the very dying form of One Who suffered there for me.” These words convey a deep emotional response to the realization that Jesus willingly endured such suffering for our sake. It evokes a sense of gratitude and awe for the wonders of God’s redeeming love.
The hymn also brings attention to the individual’s response to the cross. The author expresses their unworthiness in the face of Christ’s sacrifice and confesses the wonders of redeeming love. It is a reminder that our salvation comes not through our own merits or worthiness but through the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.
The chorus of the hymn sums up the longing and commitment to the cross with these words: “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 or loss, my sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross.” This chorus encapsulates the desire to remain in the shadow of the cross, seeking only the radiance and presence of Jesus. It reflects a willingness to let go of worldly pursuits and find contentment solely in the sacrifice of Jesus. By embracing the cross, we acknowledge our flaws and weaknesses, recognizing that our only source of true glory is found in the redemptive power of Jesus’ sacrifice.
In conclusion, “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” is a poignant hymn that invites us to find shelter, rest, and redemption in the shadow of the cross. It reminds us of the immense love and sacrifice Jesus made, offering us a way to be reconciled to God. Whether we are burdened by weariness, weighed down by sin, or searching for solace in a chaotic world, the cross of Jesus stands as a symbol of hope, grace, and eternal salvation. May we always find our abiding place in the shadow of the cross, embracing the wonders of redeeming love and surrendering our lives to the glory that it represents.
I hope this hymn inspired image brings you hope and peace. Share it with someone who needs it today!
