04/01/2026
The Cross is the Reason
by Patrick Norris
"Father, forgive them", His cross cry,
as humanities cruelty rose so high.
Driving nails through hands and feet,
the Son of God they did so mistreat.
Refrain
Serving Jesus in sickness or in health,
being in want or blessed with wealth.
After what he has done on that cross,
I now count all other things but dross.
"Today with Me in paradise" He said,
a thief had asked, remembrance ahead.
Confession of faith, in a last moment,
no time for good works, they are absent.
Refrain
Serving Jesus in sickness or in health,
being in want or blessed with wealth.
After what he has done on that cross,
I now count all other things but dross.
"Woman, behold your son!" was next,
as John excepts Mary in all aspects.
"Behold your mother!" tranfer done,
the care of Mary to a different son,"
Refrain
Serving Jesus in sickness or in health,
being in want or blessed with wealth.
After what he has done on that cross,
I now count all other things but dross.
"My God, why have you forsaken me?"
to bear sins curse on this awful tree!
Eternity fellowship torn, for a time,
for the love of man, only this onetime.
Refrain
Serving Jesus in sickness or in health,
being in want or blessed with wealth.
After what he has done on that cross,
I now count all other things but dross.
"I thirst" Christ's humanity, it shows,
agony of His flesh, as it then goes.
A sour blend is now offered to Him,
He takes what He can, it looks grim.
Refrain
Serving Jesus in sickness or in health,
being in want or blessed with wealth.
After what he has done on that cross,
I now count all other things but dross.
"It is finished" all punishment paid,
our substitute would go to the grave.
The sting of death, he suffered for us,
all salvation through Jesus, now thus.
Refrain
Serving Jesus in sickness or in health,
being in want or blessed with wealth.
After what he has done on that cross,
I now count all other things but dross.
"into your hands I commit My spirit"
nothing more to be done, it's adequate.
His body to lay in the grave for three days,
the prophesy was that then it would raise.
Refrain
Serving Jesus in sickness or in health,
being in want or blessed with wealth.
After what he has done on that cross,
I now count all other things but dross.
