Therefore, since we have such a large crowd of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.  Hebrews 12:1-2 HCSB

There’s an old hymn that’s been running through my mind the past couple of days, At Calvary.  This hymn was written by William Newell and composed by Daniel Towner in 1895. There is an interesting story behind this hymn. You see, William Newell was the son of a pastor. He was a troubled young man and his behavior was wreaking havoc on the family. HIs father contacted the director of the Moody Bible Institute and asked if his son could attend there. The director explained that it was a Bible institute and not a reform school, but the pastor persisted. Finally the director agreed on the condition that his son would meet with the director daily and do his best to conform to the rules of the Institution. As the boy met daily with the director and they studied God’s word, he began to understand what had kept him from surrendering to God. Finally, he did surrender. He went on to be a pastor and a teacher at the Moody Bible Institute. One day in his classroom during a free period, he penned the words to the hymn. He then went to the music teacher, Daniel Towner, who put music to the hymn. William Newell wanted to paint a word picture now that he fully understood what Christ had done for him up on that cross.

The song begins with the lyrics, “Years I spent in vanity and pride, caring not my Lord was crucified.”  I spent many years of my life in vanity and pride and lived as though I did not care that Jesus Christ suffered torture, humiliation, and endured a great deal of physical pain and even died to free me from my sin. I simply went on about my life as though I did not care. Someone loved me enough to give their life for me. He loved me enough to endure horrible things even though He had done nothing wrong. He loved me enough to go through all that so my sin could be washed clean and I just didn’t care.

When I finally realized the love He had for me, I couldn’t help but care. I try to live my life now in a way that honors Him for all He has done for me.

So, I ask you today, do you care? He did all this for you too. He died for your sins as well. Do you care? If you say you care, then do you live your life as though you care? Do you strive each day in all that you do to bring him glory and honor and praise?

The story of William Newell’s reformation is a beautiful story. He too spent years thinking only about himself. It was through God’s word, with the help of the director, that he began to really understand what God had done for him.

If you are lost, don’t be afraid to ask for direction. You don’t have to do it all on your own. Get into God’s word, pray to Him to bring someone into your life to help you, find a good bible teaching church and search for the truth. Because the truth is that God loved us so much that He sent His Son to die for us so that we might have eternal life (John 3:16). We are told in John 8:31-32 that if we abide in His word, we are truly His disciples and we will know the truth and the truth will set us free.

Isn’t it time for you to be freed from the bondage of sin and death? Isn’t it time you quit believing all the lies the devil tells you? If you have spent years living in vanity and pride caring not the Lord was crucified, you can put an end to all of that today, right now,  at Calvary. Go to the cross and surrender to Him. Trust in Him and pledge your obedience. Understand He died there for you.

Don’t be afraid to go to the cross, like the hymn says, “Mercy there is great and grace is free.” Pardon will be multiplied to you there where grace abounds (Romans 5:20).

Have a great day!