The Old Rugged Cross

George Bennard (1873-1958) was a methodist preacher, born in Ohio, but raised in Iowa. He started top write ‘The Old Rugged Cross’ in late 1912 as a reply to ridicule he received at a revival meeting. It was finished and first sung in January 1913. The original song had four verses…

On a hill far away, stood an old rugged Cross
The emblem of suff’ring and shame
And I love that old Cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain

So I’ll cherish the old rugged Cross
Till my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged Cross
And exchange it some day for a crown

Sometimes life seems so complicated. The hymn takes me back to the simple gospel of Jesus and his death to which I committed myself many years ago. In a few simple words it paints a picture… I’m looking at a hill, a rugged cross, Jesus’ suffering and shame… understanding Jesus’ sacrificial death for the world…

I get closer. Somehow the ugliness and the suffering of the cross is attractive and beautiful. I’m personally involved. I find in that old rugged cross forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace. I’m reminded of simple yet profound truths, foundational to my faith… Jesus dying on a cross so I can receive a heavenly crown…

Oh, that old rugged Cross so despised by the world
Has a wondrous attraction for me
For the dear Lamb of God, left his Glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary

In the old rugged Cross, stain’d with blood so divine
A wondrous beauty I see
For the dear Lamb of God, left his Glory above
To pardon and sanctify me

I first learnt this song as a child. I imagined the vivid picture of the cross, the sacrificial Lamb of God. I understood something of forgiveness and salvation. Today I still see the cross but it has deeper meaning… and the hope of heaven is in much clearer focus.

Yesterday I learnt that a good friend had died. He clung to the old rugged cross… his old rugged cross. He believed it, preached it, shared it with those around him. Now he’s put down his earthly experiences, achievements and trophies and exchanged them for a crown. He’s been called home.

To the old rugged Cross, I will ever be true
Its shame and reproach gladly bear
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away
Where his glory forever I’ll share

So I’ll cherish the old rugged Cross
Till my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged Cross
And exchange it some day for a crown