Love Lustres at Calvary

One of my struggles is cultivating affection for God and what He has done on the Cross for me. Sometimes it is easier to "like" the things of this world. They are here. I can see them. Taste them. Touch them.

Enter the book of Psalms. The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, etc.). And the Valley of Vision, a book of Puritan Prayers. My goal is to daily read a section from each of these books. To foster and cultivate my affection for the Cross.

Today's reading from the Valley of Vision moved me. I have typed it out as a reminder for my soul and hopefully an encouragement for yours as well...

Love Lustres at Calvary

My Father,

Enlarge my heart, warm my affections, open my lips,

supply words that proclaim 'Love lustres at Calvary.'

There grace removes my burdens and heaps them on thy Son,

made a transgressor, a curse, and sin for me;

There the sword of thy justice smote the man, thy fellow;

There thy infinite attributes were magnified,

and infinite atonement was made;

There infinite punishment was due,

and infinite punishment was endured.

Christ was all anguish that I might be all joy,

cast off that I might be brought in,

trodden down as an enemy

that I might be welcomed as a friend,

surrendered to hell's worst

that I might attain heaven's best,

stripped that I might be clothed,

wounded that I might be healed,

athirst that I might drink,

tormented that I might be comforted,

made a shame that I might inherit glory.

entered darkness that I might have eternal light.

My Savior wept that all tears might be wiped from my eyes,

groaned that I might have endless song,

endured all pain that I might have unfading health,

bore a thorned crown that I might have a glory-diadem,

bowed his head that I might uplift mine,

experienced reproach that I might receive welcome,

closed his eyes in death that I might gaze on unclouded brightness

expired that I might for ever live.

O Father, who spared not thine only Son that thou mightest spare me,

All this transfer thy love designed and accomplished;

Help me to adore thee by lips and life.

O that my every breath might be ecstatic praise,

my every step buoyant with delight, as I see

my enemies crushed,

Satan baffled, defeated, destroyed

sin buried in the ocean of reconciling blood,

hell's gates closed, heaven's portal open.

Go forth, O conquering God, and show me the cross,

mighty to subdue, comfort and save.

My two favorite lines:

Help me to adore they by lips and life

Go forth, O conquering God, and show me the cross