Sunday Morning Devotion: Week 35
Introduction
Thank you for joining me today as we reflect on another great hymn of our faith: Lift High the Cross. Written in the 19th century, this hymn is a stirring call to the Church to live boldly under the banner of Christ crucified. It reminds us that the cross isn’t a symbol of defeat, but of victory, our rallying point, our hope, and our proclamation to the world.
The cross of Jesus Christ is at the very center of our faith. Through it, Satan is defeated, sin is forgiven, and salvation is offered to all nations. This hymn summons us to lift it high, not only in song, but in life. To bear the cross daily is to live as witnesses of Christ’s redeeming love, proclaiming his name until the whole world hears. Let’s approach today’s devotion with reverence and joy, remembering that the cross we lift is not our burden alone, but our banner of triumph.
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you for the cross, the place where your love was poured out and our salvation secured. We lift high your cross today in worship, prayer, and daily living. Strengthen us to follow where you have led, to march under your banner of victory, and to proclaim your sacred name to a world in need. May our lives point others to you until every tongue confesses you as Lord. Amen.
Lift High the Cross
By G.W. Kitchin
Refrain:
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim
Till all the world adore his sacred name.Come, Christians, follow where our Captain trod,
Our King victorious, Christ the Son of God. [Refrain]Led on their way by this triumphant sign,
The hosts of God in conq’ring ranks combine. [Refrain]This is the sign that Satan’s legions fear,
And angels veil their faces to revere. [Refrain]Saved by this cross whereon their Lord was slain,
The heirs of Adam their lost home regain. [Refrain]From north and south, from east and west they raise
In growing unison their song of praise. [Refrain]
Key Principles from this Hymn
- The hymn reminds us that the cross isn’t a symbol of shame, but of triumph. It’s the sign by which Satan is defeated and the Church advances.
- To “follow where our Captain trod” is to walk in obedience, humility, and courage. Discipleship means bearing the cross and proclaiming Christ’s love.
- The refrain’s vision is global: the cross lifted high until all the world adores his name. The cross gathers together God’s people from every nation into one song of praise.
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
- What does it mean for you personally to “lift high the cross” in your daily life?
- How does the cross change the way you view suffering, hardship, or spiritual battle?
- Why do you think the hymn calls Christ our “Captain” and “King victorious”?
- How is the cross both a symbol of weakness and the greatest sign of victory?
- What role do you play in helping to proclaim Christ’s name to the nations?
- How can you help the Church today march together in “conquering ranks,” rather than divided?
- In what ways does the hope of the cross give you courage to stand firm against sin and temptation?
Related Bible Verses to Reflect Upon
- 1 Corinthians 1:18 – For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
- Galatians 6:14 – But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
- Philippians 2:8-9 – And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name.
- Colossians 2:14-15 – By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
- Revelation 7:9-10 – After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb… crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’
Action Steps
- Worship Christ not only in song but in your daily gratitude and devotion. Begin each day by remembering the cross.
- Share Christ’s love and message with someone this week, through a word of encouragement, an invitation to worship, or a testimony of what he has done for you.
- Work to build unity in the Body of Christ. Pray for the global Church, and look for ways to encourage your own congregation to stand together under the banner of the cross.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
We give you thanks, Lord Jesus, for the cross lifted high. Thank you for conquering sin and death through your sacrifice. Thank you that Satan’s power is broken, and that your Church marches forward in victory. We bless you for uniting people from every tribe and tongue beneath the sign of your love. Strengthen us to lift high your cross each day, so that all the world may adore your sacred name. Amen.
Prayer Prompts
Use the following prayer prompts to encourage you to pray beyond your usual prayer requests. These prompts are included here to help get your own creative juices flowing and not to be regarded as strict and legalistic requirements. Use them or do not use them according to your need. May the Lord bless you as you go deeper with him in the holy communion of prayer.
Petition – prayers for yourself
- Lord, help me to faithfully participate in the life of my congregation and for the sake of my community…
Ø By my prayers
Ø By my presence
Ø By my gifts
Ø By my service
Ø By my witness
- Today’s events and interactions with others, planned and unplanned
- Other needs
Intercession – prayers for others
- My family
- For those who serve in government, at the national, state, and local levels
- For those who serve in law-enforcement
- For those who serve in fire and rescue
- For those who serve in our nation’s military
- Other needs
Quotation from Church History
“Christ’s cross is the sweetest burden that I ever bore: it is such a burden as wings are to a bird, or sails to a ship, to carry me forward to my harbor.” (Samuel Rutherford)
Closing Thoughts
The cross of Jesus Christ is the Christian’s triumph, the believer’s hope, and the Church’s song. When we lift it high in faith, worship, and witness, we proclaim not our own strength, but the victory of Christ over sin, death, and the grave. The world needs to see the cross, not hidden or ignored, but boldly proclaimed in word and deed.
As you go through this week, may you lift high the cross in your life, standing firm in Christ, proclaiming his love, and living as one united with believers around the world under his sacred name.
May the Lord bless you and keep you, strengthen you in faith, and send you out to bear his cross with courage and joy. Amen.
Thank you for joining me today. My hope is that you were encouraged and blessed by reflecting on this hymn with me. Remember, there are other resources that come out weekly that do not go out via email. You can discover more devotionals, Bible studies, and other resources by clicking here: Walking Points. Please consider sharing this post or email with others, subscribing if you haven’t, and encouraging others to subscribe as well.
