Must Jesus bear the cross alone,
And all the world go free?
No, there’s a cross for ev’ryone,
And there’s a cross for me.
How happy are the saints above,
Who once went sorrowing here!
But now they taste unmingled love
And joy without a tear.
The consecrated cross I’ll bear
Till death shall set me free;
And then go home my crown to wear,
For there’s crown for me.
Upon the crystal pavement down,
At Jesus’ pierced feet,
Joyful I’ll cast my golden crown
And His dear name repeat.
O precious cross! O glorious crown!
O resurrection day!
When Christ the Lord from heav’n comes down
And bears my soul away.
Thomas Shepherd, 1693
Read Matthew 10:37-39
(The title and the more familiar opening stanza overshadow the hopeful forward-looking tone of the hymn. It must be remembered that bearing the cross is but a moment. Because Jesus chose to bear His cross, we look forward to a glorious crown and a resurrection day. It is a needful reminder, at least for those of us who get bogged down, discouraged, frustrated. There is so much more beyond.)
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