Evangelical Lutheran Hymn-book 198. Beloved Jesus, what law hast Thou broken

197

Evangelical Lutheran Hymn-book‎#198

199

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Beloved Jesus, what law hast Thou broken

198. Beloved Jesus, what law hast Thou broken

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1 Beloved Jesus, what law hast Thou broken,
That such sharp sentence should on Thee be spoken?
Of what great crime hast Thou to make confession,
Of what transgression?

2 They crown Thy head with thorns, they smite, they scourge Thee,
With cruel mockings to the cross they urge Thee,
They give Thee gall to drink, they still decry Thee,
They crucify Thee.

3 Whence come these sorrows, whence this mortal anguish?
It is my sins for which Thou, Lord, must languish;
Yea, all the wrath, the woe Thou dost inherit,
'Tis I do merit.

4 What strangest punishment is suffered yonder?
The Shepherd dies for sheep that love to wander,
The Master pays the debt His servants owe Him,
Who would not own Him.

5 The sinless Son of God must die in sadness;
The sinful child of man may live in gladness;
Man forfeited his life, and is acquitted--
God is committed.

6 There was no spot in me by sin untainted,
Sick with sin’s poison all my heart had fainted;
My heavy guilt to hell had well nigh brought me,
Such woe it wrought me.

7 O wondrous love, whose depth no heart hath sounded,
That brought Thee here by foes and thieves surrounded,
All worldly pleasures, heedless, I was trying
While Thou wert dying!

8 O mighty King, no time can dim Thy glory!
How shall I spread abroad Thy wondrous story?
How shall I find some worthy gifts to proffer?
What dare I offer?

9 For vainly doth our human wisdom ponder
Thy woes, Thy mercy still transcends our wonder.
O how should I do aught that could delight Thee!
Can I requite Thee?

10 Yet unrequited, Lord, I would not leave Thee;
I will renounce whate’er doth vex or grieve Thee,
And quench with thoughts of Thee and prayers most lowly
All fires unholy.

11 But since my own strength never will suffice me
To crucify desires that still entice me,
To all good deeds, O let Thy Spirit win me,
And reign within me!

12 I’ll think upon Thy mercy without ceasing,
That earth’s vain joys to me no more be pleasing;
To do Thy will shall be my sole endeavor
Henceforth forever.

13 Whate’er of earthly good this life may grant me
I’ll risk for Thee; no shame, no cross shall daunt me;
I shall not fear what man can do to harm me,
Nor death alarm me.

14 But, worthless is my sacrifice, I own it;
Yet, Lord, for love’s sake Thou wilt not disown it;
Thou wilt accept my gift in Thy great meekness,
Nor shame my weakness.

15 And when, dear Lord, before Thy throne in heaven,
To me the crown of joy at last is given,
Where sweetest hymns Thy saints forever raise Thee,
I too shall praise Thee.