Musical Reflections: How Deep the Father’s Love for Us

This post is part of a series of Lenten reflections using worship songs to engage the journey of Lent. Each reflection involves meditation on one song and a portion of scripture from the Gospel of Luke. These reflections are a part of the senior project of Southwestern College student Mallorie Coffman. Graphic design by Maggie Collett.You may use the Chapters for Reflection from the Gospel of Luke to shape your approach to these lyrical meditations. The author has also provided shorter focus verses.   Chapters for Reflection: Luke 9-12 How Deep the Father’s Love for Us Stuart Townend How deep the Father’s love for us, How vast beyond all measure That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure How great the pain of searing loss, The Father turns His face away As wounds which mar the chosen One, Bring many sons to glory Behold the Man upon a cross, My sin upon His shoulders Ashamed I hear my mocking voice, Call out among the scoffers It was my sin that held Him there Until it was accomplished His dying breath has brought me life I know that it is finished I will not boast in anything No gifts, no power, no wisdom But I will boast in Jesus Christ His death and resurrection Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer But this I know with all my heart His wounds have paid my ransom

When speaking about “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us,” Stuart Townend said that the melody came almost instantaneously to him. So instantly, that he listened to the music he had come across in the past few months to see if he had heard it recently. After searching, he found the melody nowhere else. It was a true original and had come naturally to him. This melody was a gift from God and an opportunity to use this gift to praise God’s name. There are times in life when something comes so innately we call it a gift, but don’t credit the Giver. What is something in your life that you boast in? How can you better praise God for these gifts in your life?

In the last verse, a question is posed. “Why should I gain from His reward?” I think the question is answered in the first line of the song, because of “how deep the father’s love for us.” His love is so deep and unending, that God would sacrifice his beloved son for all people. God’s love is unconditional to every one. While our love is often conditional, what is one way we can model God’s love with our thoughts and behavior towards others?

Focus Scripture: Luke 9:21-27.

In the third verse, Townend claims that he, too, would have been a scoffer in the crowds at the Crucifixion. This is echoed in the scripture about the crowd’s shame towards Jesus and his words. There were thousands who followed Jesus to listen to his sermons, and those same thousands were there to shout “Crucify Him.”   It is easy to become swept up in the flow of this world. How can you reject those who lead you astray? Are there people, activities, or items in your life that open the door for the evil one to enter?

In Luke 9:23, Jesus commands his disciples to “take up their cross daily and follow [him].” As Jesus took up his cross for our sins, we should do the same every day just as Jesus instructed. As you go through your routine this next week, concentrate on how you can serve God daily through your actions, no matter how seemingly small. Take the time to model God’s love in a way honors the cross and credits the Giver.

— Mallorie Coffman