Word is that Bob Kauflin is visiting Australia in the second half of 2011. That’s a good reason to feature ‘Jesus, Thank You’, written by Pat Sczebel of Sovereign Grace Music, on Sunday Songs this week. (The Sovereign Grace webstore is currently having its annual sale.)
We’ve been singing ‘Jesus, Thank You’ for a couple of years now, and it generally works for all but the ‘stuck in Scotland, Northern Europe or the 1950’s’ crowd. Anyone with an open mind and a heart for God’s grace can feel the lyrics of this song resonate in strong expression of thankfulness for God’s saving grace.
The lyrics testify strongly of substitutionary atonement and also of the awe which continues to experienced because of God’s unwavering acceptance of those in Christ.
It’s a fitting song as a confession of sin/assurance of forgiveness and also for communion.
I struggle to live as one who sits as a welcome family member at the table of God. Nameless fears and apprehensions walk with me daily. At times I feel so inadequate and unable to cope with church and family life. Some days it sits like a dead weight on my chest, yet at the same time my ribcage feels tight and hollow.
And then I remember that I sit at the table, which enables me to remember who I really am, and who holds onto me.
And something like normalcy returns.
Yeah, I like this song.
The lyrics:
1.
The mystery of the cross I cannot comprehend
The agonies of Calvary
You the perfect Holy One, crushed Your Son
Who drank the bitter cup reserved for me
Chorus.
Your blood has washed away my sin
Jesus, thank You
The Father’s wrath completely satisfied
Jesus, thank You
Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table
Jesus, thank You
2.
By Your perfect sacrifice I’ve been brought near
Your enemy You’ve made Your friend
Pouring out the riches of Your glorious grace
Your mercy and Your kindness know no end
Bridge.
Lover of my soul
I want to live for You
Words and Music Pat Sczebel.
© 2003 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (ASCAP)/Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP).
Here’s a YouTube of Bob Kauflin and Reilly leading over 2500 worshipers in the song “Jesus, Thank You”. Recorded at the Next 2009 conference in Baltimore, Maryland, May 30-June 2, 2009.
mgpcpastor's blog 
Great song!! I hear what you’re saying about those who dislike this song (and by the way, it’s more than the crowd that you mention). Sadly, that’s the case but I appreciate your comments about the meaning and depth of the song. To me, this song gives us a greater understanding of a concept that is often missed when we think of the atonement, that being, “The Father’s wrath completely satisfied”. What a great sacrifice paid by our Saviour that He bore the full force of God’s wrath on sin!! Praise God we do not have to face it – Thank You Jesus.
That particular aside was probably the product of Sunday night weariness.
A good song is a good song.
You’re right about the clarity with which propitiation is taught in the song. Probably only In Christ Alone, among modern songs, teaches it so plainly.