The Booth Brothers - The Old Rugged Cross Lyrics

The Old Rugged Cross

The Old Rugged Cross Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Released on July 7, 2023, The Booth Brothers presented their rendition of the venerable hymn "The Old Rugged Cross," a song whose enduring power lies in its singular focus on the pivotal event of Christian faith. Far more than just a melody with lyrics, this hymn, penned by George Bennard in 1912, serves as a profound meditation on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the deep personal meaning it holds for believers. It speaks to the journey from shame to glory, from bearing the cross in this life to receiving a crown in the next, all centered on that one, rough-hewn instrument of suffering that became the symbol of ultimate love and redemption. The Booth Brothers step into this rich legacy, offering their vocal artistry to convey the weight and wonder of this central message.

Their performance approaches this sacred text with reverence, employing the signature harmonies for which they are known to build the emotional and spiritual landscape of the song. Instead of focusing on elaborate arrangements, the strength here is in the clarity and unity of their voices, allowing the profound truth of the lyrics to take precedence. There is a sense of deep contemplation in their delivery, reflecting the hymn's invitation to pause and consider the magnitude of what transpired on Calvary. It’s a sound that doesn't chase contemporary trends but instead honors the timeless nature of the hymn, presenting it with a sincere devotion that feels both personal and universal. The effect is not merely musical; it’s an encouragement to engage with the core of the Gospel message.

The power of "The Old Rugged Cross" resides in its unflinching look at the instrument of suffering where God's plan of salvation was completed. Scripture reveals the cross as a place of immense pain and public shame (Hebrews 12:2, Philippians 2:8), yet it is precisely *because* of this suffering that redemption is possible. Isaiah 53 prophesied a suffering servant who would bear our griefs and sorrows, and Peter confirms that Christ Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree (1 Peter 2:24). The hymn captures this by acknowledging the cross's outward appearance – its ruggedness and shame – while simultaneously declaring a profound love *for* it, not for the suffering itself, but for the One who suffered there and the salvation His sacrifice secured. Romans 5:8 beautifully articulates the hymn's underlying sentiment: "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The cross stands as the ultimate demonstration of God's boundless grace, a love so great that no one could take Jesus' life from Him; He laid it down of His own accord (John 10:18).

Furthermore, the hymn touches on the Christian life as one of bearing a cross, a concept Jesus spoke of directly when He said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23). It's a call to surrender, to walk in obedience even when it involves difficulty or sacrifice, patterned after Christ's own submission. The Booth Brothers' interpretation allows space for this personal reflection, inviting the listener to consider their own walk and commitment. This daily carrying of the cross, however, is not the end of the story. The hymn, and the Scriptural narrative, promises a glorious exchange: bearing the cross in this life for a crown in the next. The Apostle Peter speaks of receiving the "unfading crown of glory" (1 Peter 5:4), and Revelation promises a "crown of life" to those who remain faithful unto death (Revelation 2:10). This hope of future glory, secured by the work of the cross, transforms present struggle into purposeful endurance.

This release from The Booth Brothers serves as a poignant reminder of the unchanging truth at the heart of the Christian faith. By presenting "The Old Rugged Cross" with their signature blend of skillful harmony and genuine conviction, they uphold the hymn's original intent: to fix our gaze upon Christ and His finished work. It is a powerful musical expression of Galatians 6:14, which declares, "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." Their performance encourages reflection on the depth of God's love displayed at Calvary and inspires perseverance in the Christian journey, reminding all who hear it of the glorious promise awaiting those who cling to that old rugged cross.