Ask me

Ask ye what great thing I know,
That delights and stirs me so?
What the high reward I win?
Whose the Name I glory in?
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

It's not my fault.
I am not to blame.
I declare my innocence.
Whatever problems they have
Whatever difficulties they face,
are of their own making.
They should sink or swim.
I am not to blame.

What is faith’s foundation strong?
What awakes my heart to song?
He Who bore my sinful load,
Purchased for me peace with God,
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

My sinful load?
I am not to blame.
The Romans, the Pharisees, the zealots.
They killed him.
They hung him from a tree
Nails through his hands
Blood dripping from his feet.
I am not to blame.

Who is life in life to me?
Who the death of death will be?
Who will place me on His right,
With the countless hosts of light?
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

How is it that we can sing both songs,
One stating our faith,
One stating our actions?
How is it that we can sing both songs,
One claiming forgiveness and redeption?
One disclaiming the need for it?
How is it that we can sing both songs?

This is that great thing I know;
This delights and stirs me so;
Faith in Him Who died to save,
Him Who triumphed over the grave:
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

The fruit tells of the tree.

Inspiration: Worship yesterday -- sermon by Rev. David Johnson. Hymn quoted in italics is Ask Ye What Great Thing I Know, words by Jo­hann C. Schwed­ler.

Image: Tree from the park yesterday.