He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers he did not open his mouth – Isaiah 53:7

Why did He do it?

Heaven’s glory, now scum of the earth.

His creation, the object of His peace;

Now oppressing, now afflicting.

Why He did it, I cannot comprehend.

Powerful in creation, authoritative in speech;

A question to His captors, their backs on the ground.

So, why did He do it?

Somebody tell me – for I am confused.

 

Where were the legions of heaven’s army?

What clipped their wings; that their swords remained in their sheaths?

At His command, just one

 to destroy them all.

Yet, not a word proceeded from Him – why?

Is that what love is?

Then let me taste it, that my soul be satisfied.

He who baptized in the Jordan called Him:

“The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

But, they called Him demon-possessed – healing by the prince of demons.

Look! Wonder of wonders!

Willingly, He goes to the slaughter.

As sheep before its shearers, His garments they strip;

Yet, He does not open His mouth.

Submission uncovered; humility displayed!

Look on the Hill far away, outside the city gates.

Look closely and ponder.

The Passover draws nigh, the Paschal Lamb to offer.

“On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided”

On His back the cruel wood is laid;

Up on Golgotha He stumbles – with thorns for a crown.

The valley echoes the hammer’s pride; three spikes, each to mark for eternity.

“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

The hour has come, the sacrifice to offer –

“The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

From the wooden cross, He gives the victory cry, “It is finished.”

His head bows; His body sags.

Finally, He gives up His spirit.

But, I dare ask again. Why did He do it?

Go back to Isaiah, and be instructed:

“But he was pierced for our transgressions,

he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was on him,

and by his wounds we are healed.”

So, look on Him and be healed.

And, come join the redeemed;

His rescued from the dominion of darkness –

The empty grave, where He laid buried.

There it is, the light of dawn.

Christ is Risen, with eternal life freely to give.

Now I know, His silence revealed;

For, mercy and grace have instructed me well.

Amazing grace – my Savior to adore forever!

Happy Easter!