Nailed to the Cross

With a hammer in one hand and a nail in the other, I waited, body heaving, sobs rising up in gasping breaths. "Please don't make me kill my Jesus!" I silently screamed as the moments passed. And when at last I pounded that wretched nail into the rough wood the hammering thundered in my head and the tears streamed down.

Traumatized, I turned to the communion table. 

The bread – his brokenness in exchange for yours. Take, eat. 

The cup – his blood that washes away your sins. Drink.

Quietly, from deep within, I heard singing, as if a puppeteer was pulling together the strings of many hymns and bringing to life a whole new song ~

Love and sorrow 

flow together

from a wooden cross,

nothing left of self

but love alone.

Blood of Jesus,

pure and holy,

spilled for Adam's race

and calling to the Father

on his throne.

Love and mercy

flow together

from the heart of God,

"The saving work is finished!"

cries the Son.

He drops his head 

in victory,

the sun goes dark as night.

Death is conquered

by the dying One.

Grace and mercy

flow together,

so immense and free.

They rap upon my heart;

I let them in.

My soul cries,

"Hallelujah!

Glory to the Lamb

whose sacrifice has freed me

 from my sin!"

© Ginger Kauffman

April 4, 2015