Tuesday, February 24 And Can It Be That I Should Gain

Scripture:
“But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8

Hymn Focus:
“And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?”

Charles Wesley’s words lead us into holy wonder. Lent invites us to slow down and stand beneath the cross, not as distant observers, but as those for whom Christ died. The hymn does not rush past the cost of grace. It lingers in awe: Died He for me?

During this season, we remember that Jesus’ journey to the cross was not abstract or symbolic. It was deeply personal. He bore wounds meant for us. He carried the weight of sin we could never lift. Lent calls us to face the truth about ourselves—our brokenness, our wandering, our need—and at the same time to behold the astonishing mercy of God.

The hymn later declares, “Amazing love! How can it be, that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?” This is the heart of Lent: not guilt alone, but gratitude born of grace. As we repent, we also marvel. As we confess, we also rejoice. The cross reveals both the seriousness of sin and the immeasurable depth of God’s love.

Let this season be one of holy wonder. Return often to the question the hymn asks, not to doubt, but to worship: How can it be? And let the answer draw you closer to the Savior who gave everything for you.

Prayer

Gracious God,
We stand in awe before the mystery of Your love.
That Christ would suffer and die for us—
for us in our weakness, our wandering, our sin—
is more than we can comprehend.

During this Lenten journey, slow our hearts.
Help us to see the cross clearly
and to remember the cost of our redemption.
Lead us into true repentance,
not born of fear, but shaped by gratitude.

Let the wonder of Your grace renew our faith.
May “amazing love” become the song of our lives,
drawing us ever closer to Jesus,
who gave Himself for us.

Amen.