This generation has experienced an explosion of new worship songs. One of the richest of these, I believe, is Stuart Townend’s How Deep the Father’s Love for Us. This song echoes the mature lyrics of an old hymn set to a reflective melody. Often, in the throws of these words, I find myself welling up with joyful and astonished tears. May we know the depth of the love of God for us today.
How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast inJesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
(c)1995 Kingsway’s Thankyou Music
Love this song also ken…only thing I’d change is the line “It was my sin that held him there” to “It was his love that held him there.” Semantics perhaps, but I don’t believe it was the power of sin that kept him on or brought him to the cross, but his deep and powerful love for the world.