Lent 2024: Power of the Cross

shared by the Laningas

They stood there grimly upon Calvary;

Each bore a victim suffering bodily.

But in the attitude of soul we see

A strange unlikeness in the suffering three.

Behold, upon the centre cross He

Who, to atone for sin, hung on the Tree.

Of His own will He died for rebel’s guilt,

Though by man’s cruel hands His blood was spilt;

Pardon for all believers did Christ win,

Since upon Calvary He died for sin.

Now see upon the left a sufferer

Who even to the last did curse and swear.

Write underneath the picture of his cross,

He died in sin bringing eternal loss.

Now turn to the sufferer on the right.

How different in the picture, and how bright!

He owns his sin, laments his evil ways,

Then turns him to the centre cross and prays.

Christ pardons him. The thief now dead to sin.

Enters, with Him, the Golden Gates within.

READER, be sure since Christ for sinners died,

Thou canst find pardon through the Crucified.

 ~WILLIAM OLNEY from The Incomparable Christ