Through It All
How could He do it? I do not know;
Not letting a trace of hurt or anger show.
Before Pontius Pilate, He was made to stand;
tried and convicted, yet an innocent man.
Nevertheless . . . He still loved them.
Oh, the emotions that must have torn at His heart;
the tears, the fears, going through the betrayal part.
Did God lift those burdens at the garden that night
or did the turmoil within, Jesus continue to fight?
Nevertheless . . . He still loved them.
The crowds' displeasure must have deafened His ears;
the taunts and the scorns, the hateful sneers.
Through all the mockery and the awful shame,
the spitting, the beating and the calling of names . . .
Nevertheless . . . He still loved them.
The sound of whips cracking seared the air,
brutally biting, as His skin they did tear.
Forced to carry His cross up Calvary's hill;
could all this possibly be His Father's will?
Nevertheless . . . He still loved them.
Oh, the torture and torment as flesh and metal did meet;
spikes driven deeply through His hands and feet.
Not even in that dark hour did He curse or condemn,
instead requesting, "Father, forgive them."
. . . through it all, He still loved them.
Why did He do it? I do not know . . .
He died for us upon sins' death row.
Bearing our transgressions, He took our place.
Suffered even hell with strength and grace.
And still . . . He loves us . . .
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Today is Good Friday and it only seem appropriate that this be the poem I post
(actually a poem reposted from the past).
Easter is not about dying eggs, it is about Christ dying on a cross for our sins. It is not about finding decorative goodies hidden in the grass, it is about finding & accepting the grace given to us by Christ our Savior. This weekend is not about chocolate bunnies melting in our hands, it is about the hands stretched out, tied and nailed to a cross. This holiday, we tend to dwell on the innocence of children who believe a furry, white, cuddly creature brings them candy to hunt. Dwell, as well, on the innocence of a man betrayed by one closest to him, condemned, beaten horrifically, humiliated by a crowd that recently cheered him, who suffered a torturous death, descended into the depths of hell to return with the keys of death on the third day, arising into heaven to sit beside God - all so that WE might live. . .
As we spend time with our families, we need to not forget our heavenly family - a Father who loves us so much that He gave his only Son, a son who willing accepted the unbearable . . . He didn't just do it for his disciples. He didn't do it only for those who attend church every Sunday and try to live their lives righteously. He did it for the lost, the lonely, the broken, the rebellious. . . He did it for ME. He did it for YOU.
Find time this weekend to thank God for the Passion of Christ!
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Thank you, Jesus, for your willingness to take my place; for bearing what I deserve. Not only myself, but the sins of the entire world your bore that day. A sinner still, I am unworthy of your
sacrifice. I am humbled and awed by the depth of Your love for me. I am forgiven, but will never forget at what price that gift of grace and salvation cost. With sincerest love and adoration, thank You, Lord. ~ Amen
