Still There Was Love

A meal so unusual from all in the past
A traitor among all the ones You loved best—
A group so oblivious to the deeper meaning of Your words—
A midnight walk to a garden with Your friends,
A plea to the Father: “Not My will, but Yours in the end.”
Sweat drops of blood watering the roses – the symbol
Of love – love You came to show us.

A crown coming towards you with torches and swords,
A kiss of betrayal with cold, empty words—
A miracle of healing for a man who came to help arrest You—
Your disciples deserted You and left You to the mob,
Your best friend denied You before the crow of the cock—
The look in Your eyes when he looked at You said it all…

A mockery of a trial by mean, cruel men,
You were beaten and spat on again and again—
A long, dusty road paved the way to the cross,
Made to carry Your destiny upon Your bloody back.
A slave had to help You; You were hurting and weak—
As a sheep to the slaughter, You were forgiving and meek…

Hung between criminals; laughed at and scorned—
Still, there was love, though you were broken and torn…
Nailed to the cross, my debt to be paid,
You could’ve come down, yet You chose to stay.
A prayer for sinners of mercy and grace:
“Father, forgive them; I’ve taken their place.”
The sky quickly blackened, as the loud thunder roared—
The back of the Father was turned toward You, Lord…

More painful than all of the beatings You got
Was when the Father turned His face away from Your cross.
“It’s finished!” You cried – then gave up the ghost,
Satan and sinners were sure You had lost.
Yet wrong once again, You rose from the dead;
Conquered the grave, just as You had said—
You ascended to Heaven to sit on Your throne.
You’re the King, all victorious – You’re worthy alone!

Yet all through the suffering, You loved every man—
Knowing who’d hate You, You still gave them a chance.
Mercy and grace in unending flow,
You gave to us Your great love to show.
Rejected and beaten, despised, denied, and scorned—
Still there was love to give to the world.
Amazing, amazing the price that You paid—
The richness and abundance of love that can’t fade!

© Heather Vires 2005, all rights reserved.