My mother sang all of her life. When I was very young, she would be up front at church leading songs or singing in the choir or performing alone. As a young woman, she was part of an evangelistic team in the northeastern United States. In those days, evangelistic meetings might involve a big tent or auditorium and staying in the community for many months after the meetings themselves were done to follow up with those who wanted Bible studies. Mother sang duets with another lady named Cassie during the meetings and also on the radio. I always thought that if I could sing half as good as she did, that would be good enough.
I remember many Sabbaths when I sat on the front row pew of the church while she performed her responsibilities up front. Still today, many of the songs that she sang are my personal favorites: In the Garden, The Old Rugged Cross and one I heard the other day on the radio, Why Should He Love Me So?
This is a beautiful song from a musical perspective, but even more so when you understand the words.
Love sent my Saviour to die in my stead,
Meekly to Calvary’s cross He was led.
Nails pierced His hands and His feet for my sin,
He suffered sore my salvation to win.
O how He agonized there in my place,
Nothing withholding my sin to efface.
Why should He love me so?
Why should my Saviour to Calvary go?
Why should He love me so?
It reminds me of Hebrews 12:2, “looking unto Jesus … who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross.”
“That joy was to see souls saved by His humiliation, His agony, and the shedding of His blood.” The Sanctified Life, 57
“Love for lost souls brought Christ to Calvary’s cross. … The joy of seeing souls eternally saved will be the reward of all who follow in the steps of the Redeemer. …
“It was a costly sacrifice that the Lord of heaven made. Divine benevolence was stirred to its unfathomable depths; it was impossible for God to give more.” Testimonies, Vol. 9, 59, 60
Lord, we know that You will never leave us, physically and spiritually sick as we are. We cannot fathom the love that it took to go to Calvary, giving Your life so that we would not perish. But we must commit our lives to following and obeying You. You, who are the Author and Finisher of our faith and the only One who can heal us from this sin sickness and restore us to Your image. Please do that today, Lord.