"Because of Love"

Throughout the years, I've seen the cross displayed in many ways
I've sung the songs...I've looked at pictures...I've seen a lot of plays
But over time I haven't focused on the hours that came before
The hours that held the awesome power to open redemption's door

In the garden as Jesus prayed, a battle raged within
He knew his blood would have to flow to save us from our sin
He said these words, because of love and surrendered to the call
"Not my will...but yours be done" brought salvation to us all

Before he was ever nailed to the cross, his blood was being shed
From the wounds inflicted on his body, to the thorns that pierced his head
Whipped and beaten; brutally scourged, can we ever comprehend?
The depth of love that gave him strength to endure until the end

His flesh absorbed the gruesome torture, but his spirit was on a quest
And the only way to complete the task was to pass this final test
He could have called a band of angels to be sent from up above
He did not have to go the distance...but he chose to...out of love

In the hours before, he was slapped and punched..he was kicked and dragged around
They spat in his face and as they mocked him...he barely made a sound
He took the weight of all our sin and carried our heavy load
He struggled and fell, but he was determined to walk that dusty road

Even in the midst of dying...forgiveness was on his mind
Even in the midst of pain...he had the grace to still be kind
To the thief who asked to be remembered...what an unexpected treasure
Saved by mercy...touched by love, beyond what he could measure

The Father had to turn away as His son bore all our sin
And even as he felt forsaken, Jesus knew that he would win
For he knew his purpose...he knew his mission...he understood the cost
He loved enough to give his life to seek and save the lost

Never again, will I look at the cross and see it quite the same
For altho' I wasn't even born, when he died he knew my name
A simple plan, carried out by choice, designed by God above
Salvation's price was paid in full...simply because of love

Merissa Lee Kelley
February 29, 2004

Inspired by Mel Gibson's masterpiece "The Passion"

"For God so loved the world that He gave
His only begotten son,
that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish but have everlasting life."
John 3:16