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"A Severe Blessing"
written from the perspective of Jesus' mother. At the very end of this message, I have included a second copy of the poem complete with the appropriate scriptural references. A SEVERE BLESSING (A poem of Mary at Jesus' death) Oh my son, blessed event that You were, How can I endure this agony? How can I go on with this pain? My eyes are wasted from grief; My tears have been my food day and night; My soul is spent. To watch You suffer, be tortured, To witness Your slow, painful, and humiliating death Seems more than a mother can bear. How my soul did soar when God revealed His great blessing upon me, a mere bondslave of the Lord, To be the mother of our Savior, my Messiah, Immanuel! Rejoice, O House of David! Hear, O Israel, and be glad! A child is born to us, a son is given to us! A beautiful baby boy, a handsome young man, Then Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace. How I treasured up all these things in my heart. But You were pierced through for our transgressions And rendered Yourself as a guilt offering. You did not cry out or raise Your voice. To be chosen by God to bear Him, The greatest blessing and joy ever; But, oh, what a severe blessing it seems now. Give ear to my words, O Lord. The Lord has said, "Do not fear, for I am with you," May He answer me in my day of trouble. I have wept Night, then day, then night again. Where is my son, my precious first born? Has the Lord heard my weeping, my supplication, my prayer? Could it be? Yes, 'tis Him! He is alive! He is risen! Oh, to touch Him again! To hear His voice! What joy inexpressible - My son, My Savior, My Lord, My God. - Sheana Funkhouser, c1999, unpublished, used by permission. [This poem was read as part of our recent Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Communion Service.] Have a great week, Chip Stam Pastor of Worship and Music Chapel Hill Bible Church Chapel Hill, North Carolina |