Musical Encouragement #14- "Rock of Ages"
"Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee..."
Whether it's Chris Rice or Fernando Ortega singing the traditional tune or one of the many new melodies from the likes of Indelible Grace, David Harris, James Ward, or Sovereign Grace, this song gets to people. The lyrics are ones we can all relate to. The frailty of our humanity shakes our faith in our ability to save ourselves from anything. This song reminds us that salvation rests in God alone; that nothing we could do can change the status God has placed on us, and that apart from the Savior we are truly lost. This truth gets us through the most difficult times of this life and leads us faithfully onto the next.
I have heard many versions of this hymn, but for some reason the one below is my favorite. Maybe it's the meditative tone or the sweet harmonies. I can hear Martin Luther singing this way as He wrestled with the idea of working for his salvation. I can also hear myself, crying to God for His redemptive hand of grace, waiting on Him alone as I "draw this fleeting breath."
Whether it's Chris Rice or Fernando Ortega singing the traditional tune or one of the many new melodies from the likes of Indelible Grace, David Harris, James Ward, or Sovereign Grace, this song gets to people. The lyrics are ones we can all relate to. The frailty of our humanity shakes our faith in our ability to save ourselves from anything. This song reminds us that salvation rests in God alone; that nothing we could do can change the status God has placed on us, and that apart from the Savior we are truly lost. This truth gets us through the most difficult times of this life and leads us faithfully onto the next.
I have heard many versions of this hymn, but for some reason the one below is my favorite. Maybe it's the meditative tone or the sweet harmonies. I can hear Martin Luther singing this way as He wrestled with the idea of working for his salvation. I can also hear myself, crying to God for His redemptive hand of grace, waiting on Him alone as I "draw this fleeting breath."
Rock of Ages
words by Augustus M. Toplady ~ music by Bob Kauflin
Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood from Thy wounded side which flowed;
Be of sin the double cure, save from wrath and make me pure.
All the labors of my hands could not meet the law's demands.
Could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow;
All for sin could not atone, Thou must save, and Thou alone.
Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to the cross I cling.
Naked come to Thee for dress, helpless, look to Thee for grace,
To Thy fountain, Lord, I fly; wash me Savior or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath, when my eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown, see Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee.
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