I penned this poem last year a few days before Easter Sunday. A curious perspective hit me where I wondered if the many people who paved the way for our Lord's birth, life, crucifixion, and resurrection knew what role they would be playing in the Gospel narrative? It fascinates me how when we look back at what may be the most mundane of tasks, such as constructing a stable, planting a garden, and weaving linens together or the most difficult of tasks such as building a cross to be used for the punishment of crucifixion, fashioning a stone to cover the opening of a grave, or weaving together thorny branches. So many small things fell into perfect place for each piece of God's plan to be executed, and what an honor and joy for us to be involved in the strange paradox of the salvation the Gospel offers.
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." ~ Ephesians 2:10
The method at which our Lord and Savior granted us salvation is scandalous, defies justice, breaks my heart for the sorrow He endured on my behalf, and yet at the same time drives me to want to forever praise and worship Him for granting me an eternal hope, forgiveness and pardon for my sins, mercy to have a life free from the chains and consequences of my sinful actions, and a personal relationship with the One who redeemed me and you. He is risen! He has overcome death itself and offers forgiveness freely to His beloved created humanity. If you have not already found freedom and joy and forgiveness in the love of Christ, I pray fervently you will find it! Please reach out if you would like to connect and talk more about the gift of hope, forgiveness, and eternal life He offers to all of us. I would love to go through the Gospel story with you.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." ~ Romans 6:23
Did They Know?
When the feed trough was constructed
When the bed of hay was harvested
When the simple stable was raised
Did they know?
When the donkey colt was untied
When the palm leaves were scattered
When the echoing praises were shouted
Did they know?
When the upper room was furnished
When the unleavened bread was baked
When the symbolic wine was poured
Did they know?
When Gethsemane’s garden was planted
When the crowing rooster was birthed
When the flogging whip was molded
Did they know?
When the living tree was chopped
When the rough planks were assembled
When the wooden cross was erected
Did they know?
When the heavy mallet was crafted
When the crude nails were fashioned
When the sharp crown was twisted
Did they know?
When the hollow tomb was carved
When the weighty stone was shaped
When the burial linen was knitted
Did they know?
Paving the way to God’s glorious plan
Were many immortal human hands
Little did they all know
That their small task would be a vital piece
In the scandal of the Savior’s gift of grace
What a beautiful morning it must have been
When the darkness of death no longer did reign
Transformed to a day full of life, light, and love
What a marvelous Savior and Lord we serve
The King of kings freely gave His life in my place
A magnificent, mysterious scandal of amazing grace!
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