Mar

19

Carson: Christ’s Word of Forgiveness

Posted by Champ Thornton at 8:21 am
Filed Under theology

Luke 23:39-43

One 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.

Comments

2 Responses to “Carson: Christ’s Word of Forgiveness”

  1. Hans Dreyer on March 19th, 2008 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.

  2. Champ Thornton on March 19th, 2008 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!

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