The Call of the Cross

by Arnost Vevoda

Sweating blood, foreshadowed grief
In the Garden of Gethsemane,
When Judas kissed - bought off as a thief
Betrayed all loyalty to deity.

Soldiers of humanity - sought out profanity.
When Jesus stated "I Am He",
All fell to the ground - but unheeding the profound,
Regardless of His inherent ties to royalty.

With crude arrangement, - feud amended
Displayed Pilot and Herod as unlikely friends.
For the devil's devices to attend.
To false proceedings - made no reply.
Of which the mob raged "crucify, crucify!"

Lashed with a whip, shredded his human form.
Soldiers scorned, with a crown of thorns.
Christ's mangled frame as a lamb to the slaughter was torn
And spat upon to be scorned
Who was born to bear abuse.

Viewed as a regal pretender - of no earthly use.
Stripped of His garments and dignity,
Was tossed, outcast of His royal city.
Burdened by a crude cross, without pity.

His disciples scattered - when enemies regathered.
Roman soldiers divided His clothes
And caused mangled flesh - exposed.

Driven in spikes - hands and feet marred,
With passion endured cruelty - forever scarred.
A jolt of the cross, unto its final stand,
With legions of angels awaiting his command.

The universe took leave for a miracle reprieve,
Baffled by the Lamb of God - without spot or blemish
Became sin for our justification - admonished.

At that moment, 'The Father' turned his head in grief,
And shred Christ's heart - surpassing belief.
For the whole world, He shed His blood,
As we are all needy of this "cleansing flood."

When in torment Jesus pardoned the thief.
And comforted John and mother Mary in their grief.

With His anguished cry, He died.

The earth darkened as fierce storms raged,
To stage the profoundness of a new age.
The earth quaked and trembled the earth's foundations.
Tombs were emptied and dead men lept without explanation.

The veil that shews God from men was torn in two.
All sin was pardonable by this unthinkable act.
But as history stacks, this is known as an undeniable fact.
That He has Risen!

If Satan's ploy was man's demise,
He met his match with sultry surprise.

Misconception - in the world's perception,
Who placed 'The Lord' on that tree?
Do you not agree, it was you and me?

Do you also confess Jesus as Saviour and Lord?
To pay the penalty personally - you can ill afford!