A Man, a Tree, and a Friday (Father Forgive Them) by JTR
This story that I am about to say is about a day
A fateful day, a Friday
A where many of us wake up and say “Hooray!”
But this Friday was not one of those days
This day, it seemed that evil had won
The innocent had fallen and a time of darkness had begun
A man’s time under the sun was about to be done
And many of those who followed this man thought he was the One
The One who would break his people’s chains
The One who would bring back the old Empire and get rid of their pain
None of them had foreseen that his people’s captors would be their hero’s bane
The “Son of God” had seemingly died in vain
But this man knew why he would die, so from all types of sin this man would abstain
And die a sinner’s death on a rugged tree so that he could understand physical and emotional pain
All for people who are innately selfish and inane
And as blood dripped from his lips and later spilled from his hip and the sky became black like and eclipse
Three small words escaped from his lips
“Father forgive them” for it was what his captors were supposed to do
He knew that this sacrifice and those three words were ultimately for me and you
“Father forgive them” were the words this man chose to speak
A man who practiced the most radical meaning of turn the other cheek
“Father forgive them” were some of this man’s final words
Oh what heartbreaking words if you and I were there to watch and that’s what we heard
So as this man hung from this cross, and muttered “It is finished” and relinquished his own spirit
The Veil between God and man was torn, and thunder clapped so loud everyone could hear it
And onlookers just witnessed God die for mankind, so that the kingdom of God we would inherit
No one could take Jesus’ life, but he willingly laid it down
So when I am in heaven, I will willingly relinquish my crown
And in my Savior’s loving embrace and grace I will drown
And abide in a place where there is no sorrow, pains, burdens or frowns
Because of His death, we have been set free
Because of His death, we were blind but now we see
Because of his death, we can be who we are supposed to be
Through Your death, Lord Jesus, you have rescued me