THE WAY OF THE CROSS LEADS HOME

We've just come through another Easter season and we have celebrated the death of Christ on the cross and His life changing resurrection from the dead.  Central to this amazing historical event is the cross where the Lamb of God shed His blood to pay the price for our redemption. As the scripture tells us, without the shedding of blood there is no remission for sin. This week's hymn choice takes us to one of the great impacts of this sacrifice.  For because of His death and resurrection we now have the promise of a future eternal home with the Savior.  For the way of the cross leads home, where the Savior waits at the open door to welcome His children home.  The words were penned by Jessie B. Pounds (1861-1921).  The music was added by Charles H. Gabriel.  Pounds was born in Hiram, Ohio, near Cleveland.  She was in poor health as a child and received her education at home.  At age 15 she began to submit articles to the Cleveland newspapers and to various religious publications.  In her early years an editor commented that some of her poetry would make good hymn texts. And this led her to a song writing career. It is said that Jessie wrote 9 books, 50 cantata librettos, and over 400 hymns.  She actually collaborated with James Fillmore for three decades.  Now we don't really know what led her to pen these words, but some speculate that it could have been inspired by a popular sermon illustration that was circulating during those days.  The geographical heart of London is Charing Cross, which is referred to locally simply as "the Cross". A London police officer came upon a lost child who was unable to tell him where he lived. Finally, amid sobs and tears, the child simply said, "If you will take me to the Cross, I think I can find my way home from there".  Now I don't know if this hymn was ever very popular, but as a youngster I can recall it being sung quite often on Sunday evenings and in prayer meetings.  It was a great hymn of hope.  It is a testimony to that fact that believers are just pilgrims here and this world is not our home.  Our real home, Heaven, is the destination of our journey.  The way of the cross leads home.  May that be your hope and testimony today.  The journey may be tough at times, but a glorious end is in sight for the believer.

(1)    I must needs go home by the way of the cross,

There's no other way but this;

I shall ne'er get sight of the gates of light,

If the way of the cross I miss.

The way of the cross leads home,

The way of the cross leads home,

It is sweet to know as I onward go,

The way of the cross leads home.

(2)    I must needs go on in the blood sprinkled way,

The path that the Savior trod,

If I ever climb to the heights sublime,

Where the soul is at home with God.

The way of the cross leads home,

The way of the cross leads home,

It is sweet to know as I onward go,

The way of the cross leads home.

(3)    Then I bid farewell to the way of the world,

To walk in it never more;

For the Lord says, "Come," and I seek my home,

Where He waits at the open door.

The way of the cross leads home,

The way of the cross leads home,

It is sweet to know as I onward go,

The way of the cross leads home.

Sing along with this hymn as you listen to it here.   LISTEN