His Burial

It is finished…

The statement that redeemed mankind.

The Almighty laid down his life for you and I,

Crucified among thieves, you were assigned a grave among the wicked.

The devil bowled his best trying to get you out like cricket.

As your body laid lifeless, we all looked on in despair.

With the Sabbath quickly approaching we had no time to spare.

From a distance I watched the event of this dreadful day.

You spoke of it numerous times and yet this my heart could not calculate.

I a man of great influence now drenched in tears.

I had been a secret disciple but now staring at your sacrifice my love has overcome my fears.

What if I’m deemed a fool and cast out from my place of worship?

At one point this thought would have silenced me now it motivates me to seek out the true meaning of worship.

When you taught I lingered on the outskirts.

Then my reputation meant more than I now know its worth.

A seeker after the kingdom of God in you I found it;

I found truth at last and I refuse to live with it.

As I made my way to seek an audience with the governor,

My heart and mind were at odds.

I knew this is what I must do,

I knew this would honour you.

As I entered his courts a peace ensued.

I felt I had the backing of heaven,

I expected good news.

I made my case and Pilate stood thoroughly confused.

After all it was my own that demanded Barabbas to be recused.

If you deny me before men, I will deny you before my father.

I heard your voice ring loud in ears,

A courage swept over me and I knew this was the deciding factor right here.

Pilate, I have been a secret follower of Jesus the Christ.

These events have brought me out of hiding and by his death I want to do right,

Governor, I request that his body be given into my care for a proper burial.

A presence filled the room that assured me I would not have his denial.

He looked at me briefly and said “you shall have what you desire”.

In those brief moments I could see the life and death of Christ in him had lit a fire.

In my possession now was the greatest man to ever live

And my heart was content because a proper burial I could give.

As his body laid before me I could not help but think:

Innocent he was crucified despised by men he bore our grief

.

Each bruise and tear represented the chastisement for our peace.

Wounded for my transgression at this I began to weep.

The beauty beheld in his disfigured body was way more than skin deep.

How does one bury the son of the living God?

With this I need some help.

Heaven’s glory unmasked with such great stealth.

I will give all I have, my tomb and this linen sheet.

My soul will rest easier knowing where the Son of Man Sleeps.