I woke up early one Sunday morning several years ago with the beginning of this differently-phrased poem running through my thoughts… and got up to write it down immediately. I couldn’t risk losing the thoughts that flowed. Reading it again, I see how fitting it is for this season of Lent. As our busy days and weeks draw us closer to celebrating Easter, we ponder all that our Lord did for us when He walked upon this earth, especially in His great sacrifice.
For the picture that came to mind was of Jesus, the Bread of Life, the spotless Lamb of God, leisurely strolling among us, the great sea of humanity, just as we read in the Holy Scriptures. We touched Him, listened to His words, praised Him for His great love, kindness, healing... and we sat down to dine with Him. But then, to our amazement, He willingly allowed himself to be taunted and whipped. Bleeding, his skin in shreds, unrecognizable, He took upon His shoulders a cross, weighed down by all of our sin.
The Son of God came to earth so that, as son of man, born of a virgin, He might live among us, His creation. Though perfect in every way, He was tested, understanding our frailties, our weaknesses. He came to seek and to serve us, with all humility, that we might learn from His ways. He taught and ministered with wisdom beyond our finite comprehension. He healed some and forgave the sins of others, all that we might come to understand His mission more fully.
He took my place… my shame… my guilt. My sin left deep stains and wounds upon His body, yet He gently covered me with a garment woven from His Words of Life. The garment was dipped and washed in His blood, but it emerged pure and spotless… undefiled… and undeserved by me. And humbly I bow, with praise and thanksgiving for Him alone… Jesus, my Savior, my Redeemer, my God… the Bread of Life.
The Bread of Life
Linda A. Roorda
~
I watched intently
The Bread of Life
Walking among
The sea of humanity
As He, the gentle
Perfect and spotless
Lamb of God
Willingly
Took upon His shoulders
My guilt
My shame
My sin
All that defiles
And wove for me
With Words of Life
A garment
Pure and spotless
Cleansed
By His blood poured out
Which covered my stains
As I
With grateful heart
Praise the One
The great I Am
My Advocate
Who took my place
And welcomes me
With open arms
And nail-scarred hands
Forgiven.
~~
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