We Adore The Old Rugged Cross
Born in 1873, George Bennard
went through a trying experience
which caused him to reflect on
the significance of the Cross.
After many hours in study and
prayer, he concluded that the
Cross was the heart of the Gospel.
While conducting revival services,
Bennard was inspired to write a
hymn with words that “were put into
my heart in answer to my own need.”
The hymn was “The Old Rugged
Cross,” and soon after its intro in
Michigan in 1913, it was being sung
throughout the America & the world.
Lord, we simply Adore You:
For to this you were called,
because Christ Also Suffered
for us, leaving us an Example…
He did not retaliate when He was
insulted, nor threaten revenge
when He suffered. He Left
His case in the Hands of God…
He personally Carried Our Sins
in His body On The Cross so that
we can be dead to sin and live
for what is right (1Pet 2:21-24).
Lord Jesus, You suffered unjustly,
and yet You did not retaliate at all.
Rather You entrusted Yourself
to the One who judges fairly.
Lord, I know that when I suffer
You become what I need. Change
me to be who You want me to be.
Help me to see my suffering as a
means to experience Your presence.
Help me to see suffering as a means
to be transformed into Your likeness.
Help me to desire to be like You
more than I desire a pain-free life.
Help me to entrust my life to You,
the One who judges fairly. Amen.
Heavenly Father, thank You for
sending Jesus to die for my sins.
To the world the cross is utter
foolishness; but to us whom
are saved, it is the sacrificial
love of God to give His only Son.
And through the resurrection,
the Cross also symbolizes the
victory Jesus won. And it is the
power of God in our life. Amen.
Lord, it’s so easy to fill our lives
with pride and self, overlooking
what Jesus has done for us all.
But the Cross reminds us of the
heavy price Jesus paid. For the
dear Lamb of God left His glory
above to bear it to dark Calvary.
So, I’ll cling to the old rugged Cross
& exchange it some day for a crown
I am eternally grateful to You. Amen.
On a hill far away stood
an old rugged cross, the
emblem of suffering & shame;
And I love that old cross
where the dearest and best for
a world of lost sinners was slain…
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross
‘Til my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross
& exchange it some day for a crown…
To the old rugged cross
I will ever be true, Its
shame & reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day
to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.