Guy R. Brewer, D. Min, Ph. D Emeritus Professor of Pastoral Theology
Anderson University School of Theology and Christian Ministry
Photo: Melissa Fretwell
The defendant hangs condemned though he committed no crime
Except ridiculous claims of forgiveness and life beyond time
Loving his enemies who ridicule and whine: his words make no sense!
They’re too busy to open their minds or their hearts
Too hurt by the Body and its dysfunctional parts
Too sick of salvation with freckles and warts
Convinced his words are insipid moss
Growing on the north side of that balsa wood cross.
A balsa wood cross is too soft and too frail
Yet he remains hanging by choice more than nails
As the crowd laughs at love that has failed.
They want a savior with guts and ambition
Who lives up to their expectations
Not some messiah who’s hope is now lost
Hanging there lifeless
On the balsa wood cross.
Unless the corn dies it remains just a seed
That never produces the hundred-fold yield
Of life that defies death’s certain end
Life that will flourish as its tendrils extend
Roots that run deep in the soil of the soul
Nourished by blood that was lost
From the wounds of the man
On the balsa wood cross.