Holiday Challenge ~ ~ Good Friday, ****Cross-Examination [an old poem, looking for new eyes Options

[JustDaniel]

[This is a very old poem I'm looking for new insight on; considering using it on Good Friday, so I'd appreciate any contribution. Thanks!
~ Note: 'Rob' is an imaginary name for the unnamed THIEF crucified next to Jesus.]



Cross Examination

There on the cross was "Rob" that day
when Jesus took our sins away.
Christ flanked by thieves on either side --
they too condemned -- and all three died.

What happened in those final hours?
Such drastic change 'mid reigning powers!
The Serpent strikes Messiah's heel;
the Savior dies! "He's gone!" It's real!

The soldiers do their daily chore;
they'd walked this Calv'ry Road before.
Today: two thieves took their last stuff;
one would-be-King -- Enough's enough!

The crowd mocks Jesus on the way.
The thieves join in, their things to say.
"Hey, raise the Temple now, God's Son!"
"Can't save yourself… Aren't you The One…?"

"Father, forgive them," Jesus prayed.
"They just don't know the things they've said
and done." They cast lots for His cloak.
He thirsts… they play the sour-wine joke.

One thief again cries out abuse:
"Messiah? Savior? Can't get loose?!"
Then Rob's rebuke rings loud and clear:
"We're each condemned! Don't God you fear?"

"We've both been sentenced justly, see,
but not this man! What wrong did He?"
From whence came Rob's insight that day?
Had Grace his blinders wiped away?

Rob simply pleads, "Remember me."
And Christ: "Today in Heav'n you'll be."
Amazing interchange with Rob!
Then Christ's last word: "I've done my job."

Rob watched Him die 'midst his own pain.
"Will I soon see His face again?"
"Where's Paradise?" "Could I be loved?"
"Such wrong I've done!" "Could I be saved?"

What other doubts might Rob have had?
Surprised and joyful, was he sad?
Each time he pushed for breath, what pain!
"How could I so His love disdain?"

The soldiers' day about to end:
"Aren't they dead yet?" Their rod extend
to break Rob's legs. "I'll bet I can
with one shot do it; I'm a man!"

"You're on!" the others might have said.
One mighty stroke. "Now. . . how soon dead?"
"I'll bet two minutes!" hear one say.
"I'll take that bet! Your whole day's pay."

Rob's end they watch -- the other's too --
but Rob is gone. His spirit flew
to Paradise. His struggle o'er!
(It wasn't Peter at the door!)

Transformed so quickly, who's this Rob?
Did he have friends among the mob?
What made him special? Just God's grace?
Does Jesus' blood my sins erase?

What did Rob see that fateful day
when Jesus washed His sins away?
What were his thoughts in that last hour?
and then in Heav'n? Emotions shower!


© MLee Dickens'son 20, 21 Nov 1999

from a message by Elder Bruce Gunther
on the pardoned thief of Luke 23

[JustDaniel]

I did share it one Good Friday, but still looking for constructive feedback, since I may use it in a compilation I'm considering. Any help would be appreciated.

looking for more Light, Daniel

[Alan]

Dear Daniel,

Is there some way you can in the first lne call him "Rob, the thief", because you can't really use that intro line, see if you can incorporate it ? Be great if you could name the other one too, in equally clever manner. Lag ?

Don't know if I am being very helpful ?

see :
On the cross was Rob the thief that day
when Jesus took our sins away.
Christ flanked - Lag and Rob both sides --
they too condemned -- and all three died.

Love
Alan