“He is not here; for he has been raised.”
(Matthew 28:6)
Today is the day hope came into the world through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Billions around the world celebrate this day. No one in the history of humanity has affected human life and the human story the way Jesus has. Here is one of my favourite poems, capturing the awesomeness of his life:
He was born in an obscure village,
The child of a peasant woman.
He grew up in still another village,
Where he worked in a carpenter shop
Until he was thirty.
Then for three years
He was an itinerant preacher.
He never wrote a book.
He never held an office.
He never had a family or owned a house.
He didn’t go to college.
He never visited a big city.
He never traveled two hundred miles
From the place where he was born.
He did none of the things
One usually associates with greatness.
He had no credentials but himself.
He was only thirty-three
When the tide of public opinion turned against him.
His friends ran away.
He was turned over to his enemies.
And went through the mockery of a trial.
He was nailed to a cross
Between two thieves.
While he was dying,
His executioners gambled for his clothing,
The only property he had on Earth.
When he was dead,
He was laid in a borrowed grave
Through the pity of a friend.
Twenty centuries have come and gone,
And today he is the central figure
Of the human race,
And the leader of mankind’s progress.
All the armies that ever marched,
All the navies that ever sailed,
All the parliament that ever sat,
All the kings that ever reigned,
Put together have not affected
The life of man on Earth
As much as that
One Solitary Life.
(By Dr James Allen Francis)
http://youtu.be/q5Ya2YXvIU4
This is a good poem! But there was something very important left out! He forgot about the resurrection and left Him in the tomb!
I agree. He poem separates Jesus divinity and his humanity. He poem contradicts the Bible.
Some versions of the prose piece adds that very factor in. (There doesn’t appear to be one single “correct”, “authentic” or “standard” rendition regarding “OSL” – there are numerous adaptations and interpretations – save maybe for Dr Francis’ original reading of getting on close to a century ago.) For example, reference actor Jim Caviezel’s rendering when he spoke as the celebrity narrator for the EPCOT Candlelight Processional from twenty yrs back. (Also be certain to note the audience reaction.)
Great point, Jim! Happy Easter!
The poem presents awesomeness in paradox, the way Jesus so often spoke! It speaks for itself. Jim’s point is great, I agree. But perhaps without that point, it reaches more people — including those who do not believe in the divinity of Christ but respect all his good work. Indeed, his work and words in support of peace and justice are respected more by some others than by many Christians today. We still have much to learn about his Great Command.
The purpose of Jesus is God’s purpose which is he Gospel. From beginning to the close of the Bible is about God’s grace which is to redeem sinful humanity through the life , death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.