how deep the Father's love for us

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 knoww that it is finished

I will not boast in anything

No gifts, no power, no wisdom

But I will boast in Jesus 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

we used to sing this song in intervarsity all the time. i also remember that i could hardly ever sing through the entire song without breaking down and crying whenever we sang it. i think the words of this song were the first words i heard that really expressed the vastness of God's love for his children.

i specifically remember trying to choke out the words "ashamed i hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers". i have not done a very good job of always walking in the light. i tend to let the world sneak in and dictate my actions. and yet, God loves me. i have heard God's voice and ignored it. i have chosen to go my own way. and yet, God loves me. i have judged others and said words that were intended to hurt and break them down. i have been jealous of others' happiness. and yet, God loves me.

i am a sinner. but i am also God's child. and he loves me. he loves ME. none of the wrong that i do is a surprise to God. but he doesn't look at all of that stuff. he looks at the amazing woman he created in me and he delights in her. he doesn't hold my sin over my head and use it to blackmail me or guilt me into loving him. instead, he wipes my slate clean every time i mess up (which is a lot) and says "try again...and don't forget that i love you."

as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us [psalm 103:12]