I remember as a child the lyrics of the old song, “Alas and did my Savior bleed” had a line that was particularly amusing. The line, for such a worm as I, always caused a giggle.
Now modern versions have changed the lyrics to “for such a one as I.” I think a deep meaning is lost in so doing.
As is the case with many hymns, the phrase is rooted in Scripture. This phrase comes from Psalm 22:6. This Messianic Psalm depicts the Savior on the cross. He is described as a reproach of men, despised by the people, etc. And He uses the term worm, to denote the lowliness of man.
David, writing by Inspiration, used the term in Psalm 22. Job, feeling helpless, used the term in Job 17:14. Bildad agreed with him in Job 25:6.
Paul expressed the same sentiment, although he used different words, in Romans 7:24, when he said, “O wretched man that I am.”
John described the Laodecians as … You are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. Revelation 3:17.
When we consider ourselves in light of GOD’S holiness, we all are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. We are all worms.
But aren’t we made in the image of GOD? Indeed we are. And as such, we should have a healthy self-image. But that self-image needs to be healthy in the sense of being accurate.
Romans 12:3 reminds us not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought.
The whole point is that we can see ourselves accurately only when we realize our true condition before GOD. The beginning of a proper self-image is to we realize how desperately we need Christ. Our worth depends wholly upon Him. We are not basically good people who can be admitted into heaven on our own. We are all miserable worms who will be allowed into the presence of GOD only because of our Savior.
I thank you GOD for this unspeakable gift.