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Why come you to Golgotha?
To see your Son crucified?
Have you not seen Him beaten,
and scourged after He was tried?
Remember donkey to Bethlehem,
fleeing in fear of being found.
Baby born, with pain, in manger,
yet making hardly any sound.
Years later, found in the temple
insight and wisdom did astound.
Jewish leaders were amazed as
astonished parents gathered round.
In wilderness He faced temptation.
The Devil tried to test His hand,
but resisting all suggestions,
He determinedly held His stand.
His meeting with four fishermen,
bidding their nets be cast aside,
to follow, and to heal and teach,
to a multitude far and wide.
You saw His work progressing,
fashioning wood by Joseph's side,
while healing sick, and teaching,
spreading God's word worldwide.
Now you stand upon this green hill,
called Golgotha, far from town,
blood pouring from His temples
as He wears the thornéd crown.
His blood now flows so freely,
from dumb mouths rent apart.
How can you stay with Him,
as in the final act you part?
The cross He nobly carried,
till collapsing on the ground,
then borne by Simon of Cyrene,
as mocking crowd drew round.
Perhaps you hoped, at His trial,
justice and mercy would prevail,
yet they are bringing forward,
both the hammer and the nail.
You see two others with Him,
are about to share His fate.
Dying with the dishonoured,
all three, their death await.
Hollow is the note of nails
penetrating flesh then wood.
How could man of woman born
persecute one so good?
You see He is now raised on high,
people hurl insults and taunts.
How they once ran after Him,
when sickness visited their haunts.
The two beside Him challenge:
"Can your God save you now?"
He calls "My God why forsake me?"
as He hangs on the desolate bough.
They bring a stick with sponge,
that was dipped in rancid brew,
your Son declines to drink it,
is He going to call for you?
The crowd believe He is calling,
for Elijah to come to his aid,
do you think Elijah will answer
as His life begins to fade?
One loud cry and it is over,
He has died upon the tree,
wood once provided his living,
now He has died for you and me.
© Copyright F H Bond
2005
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