Not A Cross but Jesus

It is not so much the cross

But the one who hung there,

Not so much the crucifixion

But them for whom he cared.

Not so much the injustice

But the justice borne for us,

Not so much the anguish

But note that it was Jesus.

Not so much that hill called Calvary but the valley lying below,

Not so much the ridicule there but the love he came to show,

Not so much for his friends for they were few and far between

But those present and to come that will gaze upon this scene.

We all must be very careful

Not to lose our right focus,

Not the ridicule and suffering

But the sacrifice of Jesus.

The rogues that hung beside

They also experienced pain,

But theirs were their doings

That justified their shame.

God’s own son, in contrast,

Was the sinless eternal One,

He came to die for one and all

For us now and all those gone.

As you gaze upon this poem

No doubt you will see a cross,

Try not to focus on the cross

But on Jesus and what it cost.

Stewart Russell © April 2020