Rebecca Winkler

The light has dimmed

The moon and stars look on in silence

The olive branch frames the scene

In the midst of the garden, He is

The Man of Sorrow

“Lord let this cup pass from me,” He cries out

Sorrow flows from Him as tears like blood pour out

This cup of wrath? What can it mean?

Creation cannot comprehend its full measure

Yet the Creator knows it well

It is death

Crushing and agonizing separation of the One and the beloved

No, this cannot be Lord

This cup is not Yours to drink

Walk away. It is meant for me

The Father locks eyes with the Son

The Son locks eyes with the Father

“Not my will but Your will be done.”

The contract has been made, soon to be sealed with blood

Why Lord? Who am I that You are mindful of me?

This lowly vessel cannot be worthy of this suffering

You see her

A picture of a bride, pure white as freshly fallen snow, bearing Your image

Your eyes set themselves upon that hill

The time has come

Betrayal that is marked by a kiss

Sends a shockwave that scatters

The ones who said they would never leave, abandon

You are FORSAKEN

Do You see the faithful have left you?

The bride You have come to set free has all but deserted you

Yet, Your eyes set themselves upon that hill

The court has been called

Accusers scream out ravenously, “Crucify Him. Crucify Him.”

The ones You poured Your love out to pour destain in return

You are HATED

Why don’t you speak Lord?

Have a legion of angels called to action

Tear down the accusations of the wicked

Still, Your eyes set themselves upon that hill

Your beloved drag You out into the square

Making You a spectacle

With each lash they tear into the body of the King, like lions to prey

You are BEATEN

Not once do you cry out?

Is it that with each stripe You were stricken

You saw the stripes of sin falling from your bride?

So, Your eyes set themselves upon that hill

Body failing, they curse You

Press a crown of thorns upon Your head

A King of shame

You are MOCKED

Was the burden of the cross heavier with each step?

As onlookers despised, You, the Holy One

Steadfast, Your eyes set themselves upon that hill

The final destination reached

The hill where Your life will be forfeit

The hill where our lives will be spared

Nails are driven into Your feet and wrists

Pierced

Your breath is stolen as they cast You into the air

FORSAKEN

HATED

BEATEN

MOCKED

There hangs the King of the Jews

The Father locks eyes with the Son

The Son locks eyes with the Father

Your cry rings out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?”

A moment passes

“It is finished. Into Your hands I commit my spirit.”

You are SIN

And You are CRUSHED

All of heaven goes silent

The earth is void of light

The veil torn

Look upon the Lamb that was slain before the foundations of the earth.

May He receive the reward of His suffering

A bride, pure white as freshly fallen snow, bearing His image