Carson: Christ’s Word of Forgiveness
theology March 19th, 2008One man on Golgotha, anonymous,
Whose eyes still glowed with hate, devoid of fear,
Of love, of conscious guilt, with malice learned:
‘Aren’t you the Christ? Then save yourself–and us!’
Another bore a gaze less venomous,
That stared past death and groaned, ‘Do you not fear
The God of truth? This Christ, in torment here,
Is innocent. Our punishment is just!’
Quite crushed by guilt, his eyes now see a Friend,
His sight improved by fledgling faith and prayer.
‘Remember me’, his eyes and voice cry, ‘when
You come into your kingdom’. Soldiers stare.
This man outlived his guilt. He heard the Christ:
‘Today you’ll be with me in Paradise.’
Posted by kind permission of the Banner of Truth magazine. Copies of the entire set of sonnets (scroll down) by D. A. Carson are available from ChristWay Media.
March 19th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Champ -
Well, let me share back with you what I think was an outstanding contemporary Christian song on this theme – Third Day’s “Thief”. Perhaps simpler than Carson, and more apt to wander into areas of poetic license, but equally profound and very stirring – especially if you hear it sung by Mac Powell.
Hans
I am a thief, I am a murderer
Walking up this lonely hill
What have I done? I don’t remember
No one knows just how I feel
and I know that my time is coming soon.
It’s been so long. Oh, such a long time
Since I’ve lived with peace and rest
Now I am here, my destination
guess things work for the best
and I know that my time is coming soon
Who is this man? This man beside me
They call the King of the Jews
They don’t believe that He’s the Messiah
But, somehow I know it’s true.
And they laugh at Him in mockery,
and beat Him till he bleeds
They nail Him to the rugged cross,
and raise Him, they raise Him up next to me
My time has come, I’m slowly fading
I deserve what I receive
Jesus when You are in Your kingdom
Could You please remember me
and He looks at me still holding on
the tears fall from His eyes
He says I tell the truth
Today, you will live with Me in paradise
and I know that my time is coming soon
and I know paradise is coming soon.
March 19th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
That’s a great text, Hans. Helps put our face in the crowd, our voice among the scoffers. Thanks for adding it!