Wondrous Love, Unutterable Sorrow

September 2021 — Grace & Truth Magazine


Wondrous Love, Unutterable Sorrow

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” — Psalm 22:1 NKJV

The stern sword of the Lord of Hosts was lifted up with inflexible justice, and it had to be bathed in blood. The fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the floodgates of heaven were opened. Deep called to deep; the thunders of Sinai roared, and the foaming waves of offended justice; all the righteous demands due to sin rolled over the meek, loving and obedient Jesus.

He was forsaken of God; He died for the ungodly. The Lamb without spot was slain, and “He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified” (Heb. 10:14).

Why all this suffering? It was because Jesus was the Sinbearer. The glory of God demanded that our sins should be judged. Yes, God must judge sin. He has no other way of dealing with it; nor could He save us unless our sins were judged, for God is just. The righteous God loves righteousness. Jesus only could bear our sins because He is perfect Man and without sin. God sent Him to save, and He willingly came, saying, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God” (v.9).

By Alan H. Crosby

Life, life of love poured out fragrant and holy! Life, ’mid rude thorns of earth, stainless and sweet! Life, whence God’s face of love, glorious but lowly, Shines forth to bow us, Lord, low at Thy feet! Grief, grief of love that drew hate’s every arrow! Grief that Thy suffering heart only could meet! Grief, whence Thy face of love, shining in sorrow, Draws us adoring, Lord, low at Thy feet! Death, death of stricken love, wrath’s sea exploring! Death, life’s mysterious death – deep meeting deep! Death, whence Thy bursting heart fills ours – outpouring All, all in worship, Lord, low at Thy feet! — Frank Allaben (1867–1927)