Last month I had the privilege of leading gathered worship for both our church and EFC, a Mandarin-speaking congregation that meet in our church building on Sunday afternoons.

To accommodate both languages, I spent some time searching for translations to good gospel-centred songs that we could sing together. In the end, it was such a delight to learn and sing songs like  Before the Throne of God Above, How Great Thou Art, In Christ Alone  and  Blessed Be Your Name  in both English and Mandarin Chinese.

After the service, learned that an older sister (in Christ) was profoundly moved by the truths of the gospel and being able to sing them in her native Mandarin tongue. In particular, it was a real delight to respond to a time of remembering the Lord’s Table with the song  Jesus, Thank You  by Pat Sczebel  (song story here).

So to encourage myself, her and others to sing of God’s marvellous provision of grace through Christ, I made a quick recording of Jesus Thank You, sung in Chinese:

The response I got today from her was:

“Thank you so much. Sending this so so beautiful song in Chinese… Praise the Lord.”

Here are the lyrics (in English):

VERSE 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

VERSE 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

© 2003 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (ASCAP)/Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP).

The words are so simple yet profound – to meditate on the fact that I was once an enemy of God, but now am seated at His table draws much thankfulness!

You can find other translations of this wonderful song on the Sovereign Grace Music website (e.g. Russian, Spanish, German, Japanese).

Oh, that the world would want to sing: “Jesus, thank you!”

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