Now if we be dead with Christ,
we believe that we shall
also live with Him.
Romans 6:8
Downward flows the shining Jordan
From Mount Hermon's lofty height,
Like a flood in time of harvest,
Who can stay its watery might?
On its banks the host of Israel,
With their faithful captain stand,
For the river must be parted,
'Tis Jehovah's firm command.
When the ark, the ark of covenant,
Borne by priests with feet unshod.
Reached the margin of the river,
Waters parted where they trod.
Say, what ailed thee, O thou Jordan?
Thou didst stand upon a heap!
While the people clean passed over,
Through thy solid, swollen deep.
From the heights of heav'nly splendour,
Downward, downward, Jesus came;
God Himself, the great Descender,
To the lowest place of shame.
Passing through both death and judgment,
Waves and billows, cold and deep,
Who can comprehend His anguish?
Who can measure all His grief?
O what ailed Thee, precious Saviour?
'Twas the bearing of our sin,
'Twas the lonely, sad forsaking.
Our poor stubborn hearts to win.
Now redemption's work is finished,
Death and judgment are behind,
Life, and peace, and full salvation
In Thyself Thy people find.
Canaan now our present portion,
Clean passed over, is the word,
To enjoy each fruitful promise
Till the Advent shout is heard.
And the stones swept o'er by Jordan,
With the twelve on yonder side,
Speak of death and resurrection,
With the Christ identified.
Dead with Christ to all that hinders,
Dead to self, the world, and sin;
For the cross is heav'n's gateway
To a deeper life within.
Risen with Christ in full committal,
Earth's attractions now grow dim,
And the more we die, yes, daily,
So the more we live in Him.
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