The Cross of Christ (pt3) AMAZING LOVE

* dedicated to Megan

Luke 23:34
And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And parting his garments among them, they cast lots.


Sophocles
One word frees us of all the weight and pain in life. That word is love.


Mark 15:39
And when the centurion, who stood by over against him, saw that he so gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God


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The Cross of Christ Series Part 3: Astonishing/AMAZING LOVE....Jesus Forgives----Mark 15:39--The thoughts of the Converted Roman Soldier watching Jesus die-------------



YOUR CRUCIFIXION ON A COLD CLOUDY DAY
(astonishes me)


Grey skies
chill bumps and the brisk winds
my cape billowing
crimson red, a helmet of silver steel
sandal straps that feel like pure ice
my sword razor sharp stuck in its sheath
the air numbing to the cheeks
to my heart
oh so numbing

I watch Your body limp
discoloration from hypothermia setting in
Your skin so stiff
Your skin so stiff
the nails begin to loosen
and dislodge underneath Your dead weight
the blood from your ribs splattered on the ground

my eyes well
at the thought of watching You fall

these eyes have seen the most disparaging of tragedies
arms and legs dismembered on the battlefield
tongues and eyes gouged out of victims willing
animals devouring women and children stillborn
while the amphitheater roars with glee
a smirk across the Caesar's face

But never have I witnessed
love unfazed by hatred
determined in the face of rejection
so unrelenting
Love reaching out in the midst of ravenous
murders
offering solace to one's own assailants
Love that stares death down
with no regrets
that journeys down to Hades
gliding across the River Styx

JESUS OF NAZARETH KING OF THE JEWS
more valiant than any Caesar, more noble than any prelate
more enchanting than any priestess
You are no mere man,

The Son of God You Truly are

(may Your garments be a curse to anyone trying to peddle them)


A LOVE SO POWERFUL AMAZING LOVE




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I Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking.
It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.