In the Shadow of the Glorious Cross
“In the Shadow of the Glorious Cross” by Brooks Ritter and Rebecca Bales
footage by Ryan Hargrave and Daniel Miller. Edited by Ryan Hargrave.
It has been a while since a song has struck me like this one has. When I first heard this song, I was sure that it was hundreds of years old because of the rich theology and the choice of wordage. Then I found out that it was written by some of my peers; two worship leaders from Sojourn Community Church in Louisville, KY. I had a chance to visit Sojourn in the fall and was inspired by their authenticity in worship and their depth of song lyrics. I had a chance to talk with Brooks about his passion for worship and love for music. I would encourage you to check out some of his stuff at www.brooksrittermusic.com .
This song really hit the nail on the head as far as explaining what my response to Christ and his gospel should be. Right off the bat the song declares “In the shadow of the glorious cross, compelled by grace to cast my lot. I’ll discard the loss and bare your name, forsaking all for your own fame.” This line in the song showed me that my repentance should not come from a legalistic mindset where I am trying to show off or please somebody by my good works. I should simply be compelled by the grace of Christ to repent of my sins. I really see it as a shedding of skin where my old self is cast aside for a new life in Christ, and it is not by my doing that this happens, but it is a response to how great God is. This all happens with Christ’s death on the cross as my central thought. In 1 Corinthians 1:18, Paul says that the word of the cross is the power of God to those that are being saved. What a statement that is; that we, through the gospel of Jesus can tap into the power of God! As the songs say, our only response to that news can be Hallelujah, Praise Yahweh!
I hope this video gives you an idea of what our time of singing is like on Sunday mornings. I have posted the lyrics below so that you can meditate on these words and hopefully find your identity in the precious blood of Christ.
In the shadow of the glorious cross,
Compelled by grace to cast my lot,
I’ll discard the loss and bear your name:
Forsaking all for your own fame.
Your hymn of grace sung over me,
Abounding forth in glorious streams,
My thirst is quenched by you my Lord,
Sustained am I, redeemed, restored.
Sustained am I, redeemed, restored.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
When death’s dark shadow’s at my feet,
When I am plagued by unbelief,
You place my hands into your side:
By precious blood identified.
By precious blood identified.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
These crowns I’ve clenched with fisted hands,
I cast them down before the throne
Of Christ my God, the worthy lamb,
Christ crucified, the great I AM.
Christ crucified, the great I AM.
Christ crucified, the great I AM.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
