Standing at the Cross by Donna Ensign Woods

I want you to close your eyes, and imagine, if you will,
That you are standing at the middle cross on the hill.
It’s been a long, and tiring day.
You want to go home…. But, something makes you stay.
You feel so desperately troubled and confused,
While many others are laughing, and simply amused.
You don’t want to stand and stare… but you must.
How could this gentle man cause such a fuss??
Is it possible?? Could he be the Messiah?? God’s Son??
Should you try to help him? Or quickly turn and run?
You never come here to watch men die, in shame and disgust.
No matter what their crimes, it seems so cruel and unjust.
Even the scavengers circle overhead,
Hoping for their chance to torture the dead!!
On the cross to the left you hear the thief moan and swear.
But, you hardly notice him, or even care.
You can’t take your eyes off, this Jesus hanging on the cross..
Or, you strangely fear, you’ll be forever lost.
You look down at your own dusty, sandaled feet.
Then, look at his, with crusty blood, dried from the heat.
You can see his chest move, with every breath he takes.
And the misery and torment at the slightest move he makes.
They beat him, and stoned him, his body is battered and blue
Yet, he whispered, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
His arms look as if they are nearly tearing off,
As the nails in his hands painfully hold him on the cross.
A dirty crown of thorns encircles his head.
With each weakening heartbeat trickles a fresh river of red.
You glance at the ground...then quickly, look up into his face!!
Your heart races...You’ve never seen so much love...not any place!!!
The overwhelming peace cannot be ignored,
You suddenly know, without one doubt, he truly is the Lord!!!
Darkness covers the land, from six until nine.
Your heart pounds faster, with the passing of time.
There’s a divine energy in the air.
Can’t they all feel it? Don’t they even care??
You whisper a prayer to God, in heaven above…
If he truly is the savior, let it be known by your power and love.
Jesus cries out… and gives up his Spirit!!
All your senses are screaming as you see and hear it!!
Suddenly the temple curtain is torn in two.
You hear startled cries from those around you.
The earth begins to tremble and shake
It’s obvious there’s more than just one life at stake.
The crowd is numbed with fearful shock.
They no longer ridicule, or laughingly mock.
He died alone, in disgrace, in pain-filled agony
…And then you realize… he died instead of me!!!!!!
No, you’ve not been sleeping… this isn’t a dream,
Or a late night T.V. movie scene.
You really did stand at the cross, and so did I.
Our sins were there, as Christ hung on it to die.
The sacrifice has been given… the debts are all paid…
But… has your commitment of love been made??????