Jesus,
the eternal Son of God, took on human form and was born of a virgin birth. “Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When
his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was
found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:18. For thirty three years he walked among us. The last three years of his life were devoted to public ministry. He was a man
of sorrows and his life was one of suffering. He underwent temptations and was persecuted
and rejected. At the time appointed by God, he laid down his life to pay for
the sins of his people. My heart is
struck with awe and incomprehension of the depths of Christ’s agony on the
cross. I cannot understand the capacity of his love or the depths of his grace.
I can only look at the cross in wonder.
For by grace are ye saved through
faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians
2:8-9
For
God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
This week, I reflected upon my Savior’s redeeming work on the cross. I read the gospel accounts of his
death and resurrection as well as Hebrews 1-2. This poem reflects my ponderings
on his sufferings and includes several paraphrases of scripture.
Humility all glorious, leading up to death on a cross
Upon the cross, a Man- King of the Jews, GOD
Uncomely and marred, his clothes taken from him
Parted and given for lots. Fulfilling scripture.
Mocked and spit on, crowned with thorns
His hands and feet adorned with nails-
Pierced through, blood dripping
His life he gave. He
nailed my sins to the tree
His precious blood atoning for the vile creature, me
Though physically pained beyond measure, reproach
Broke his heart. No pity or comforters could be found
His deepest suffering was expressed by his lips- “My God
My God why have you
forsaken me?” The darkness of my sins
Was echoed in the
pitch black sky. The Father’s Wrath seared-
A consuming fire poured
out on his precious Son. Jesus drank
The bitter cup in full, shunning delirium when offered gall
Having emptied the cup, he cried “it is finished” and gave
up the ghost
The temple destroyed, arose three days later. Taking his
life up again
The King of kings triumphed openly over his foes
His bloody death esteemed as shameful-
The Savior, smitten, stricken and afflicted,
Showcased God’s glory, power, and love. What is
More glorious than God Almighty dying for me?
He chose the cross because he loved, because he loves.
His glory shone not only in his resurrection
But also in his death.
O Grace. Amazing grace. He tasted death that I may live
Death where is thy sting? Where grave thy victory?Reproaches have broken my heart, so that I am in despair.I looked for pity, but there was none, and for comforters, but I found none. They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink. Psalm 69:20-21
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 1 Corinthians 15:55
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