Before the Throne of God Above

I’m not usually one for “old” hymns, but when this song came on my “Jahar” Pandora station I created, I found myself just smiling and nodding at so many of the lyrics. While it’s so easy to nod as if I’m agreeing this song was written for me, I have to remember that “the sin” this song talks about is not just my sin, but also the sins of Jahar. My sin is no greater or less “punishable” than his. And the lyrics of this song really describe that perfectly. I absolutely love the beginning: “My name is graven on His hands, My name is written on his heart.” Graven on Christ’s hands is the name, “Dzhokhar Anzorovich Tsarnaev.” And written on OUR LORD’S heart is also, “Dzhokhar Anzorovich Tsarnaev.” Because our Lord has died, JAHAR’S SINFUL SOUL IS COUNTED FREE.

Anyway, read the lyrics and/or watch the video. I’m so moved by these words.

“Before the throne of God above
[He has] a strong and perfect plea.
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for [Jahar].
[His] name is graven on His hands,
[His] name is written on His heart.
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid [him] thence depart.

When Satan tempts [him] to despair
And tells [him] of the guilt within,
Upward [he] look[s] and see[s] Him there
Who made an end of all [his] sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
[His] sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon [him].

Behold Him there the risen Lamb,
[His] perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace,
One in Himself [he] cannot die.
[Jahar’s] soul is purchased by His blood,
[Jahar’s] life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ [his] Savior and [his] God!”