Worship Set 4 - "How Deep the Father's Love for Us"

​As stated back in May on our Worship Set 2, during each month with five weeks I will share a song useful for communion.  Now these songs are appropriate for anytime, because they magnify and glorify Jesus.  But I feel that they are especially fitting for this part of the service: remembering Jesus’ extreme sacrifice.  

​This month’s communion song was written by Stuart Townend.  If his name sounds familiar, a couple weeks ago I highlighted a song he co-wrote with Keith Getty (“In Christ Alone”).  However, the song we’re going to look at today is called “How Deep the Father’s Love.” 
 
You may have heard it before because it’s been out for a while.  And as with most modern hymns, this song has crossed denominational and musical genre boundaries—which is no wonder for it is filled with powerful, vivid lyrics and a unique but moving melody.  Townend beautifully paints a picture of Christ’s sacrifice, not necessarily on the physical level but rather on the spiritual and emotional level.  He also incorporates the part our sin played at Calvary and gives us much food for thought and contemplation. 
 
I don’t think you’ll hear or sing this song without being touched in a new way what Christ did for us.  We should never grow weary of Calvary or lose our awe and wonder at what Jesus was willing to do for us.  So I pray that this song renews your perspective on that fateful day and ignites your heart with fresh gratitude, love, and wonder at the price Jesus paid to ransom you and me.  Here’s “How Deep the Father’s Love” by Stuart Townend.  

"How Deep the Father's Love for Us"
by Stuart Townend

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 know 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.