Poem: For What Sad Crime

For what sad crime does He receive

The blows across His brow and face?

The sin is mine, the penalty,

In love, Lord Jesus takes my place.

Oh glorious grace, which goes beyond what I can know,

His mercy and unfailing love in tattered flesh the cross now go.

For which kind deed does He deserve

This cruel fate upon the tree?

He only came to work and serve

And then to hang in place of me.

Lord Jesus Christ why did You choose this suffering?

Why do You go on to the cross, You Who creation hails as King?

What did He say that He should die

Before the world in sad disgrace?

He promised us, He cannot lie,

That He would suffer in our place.

Oh darkest day that sees our Lord laid in the grave,

And darker still that He should die by those He came in love to save.

What can I do to pay this debt,

To offer back what You have given?

You saved me Lord, saved me from death,

And gave me life with You in Heaven.

What mystery, for though my sins strike mortal wounds

You carry them onto the hill and bury them within Your tomb.

(c) Rev. Mark A. Wood