So I was inspired to write this post after meeting with my mentor, Leslie Hennigan. She had told me during our weekly meeting this past Tuesday that she had just gotten done reading Romans 8 and found so much richness and encouragement in the chapter. She suggested I also read it when I got a chance. Well, I decided to do just that, only I didn’t quite get through the chapter. I actually didn’t even get to verse 2. Something so incredibly powerful resonated with me in the first verse…
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1 NLT)
Since Leslie and I began to meet in the of the Fall of 2013, she has encouraged me to look up and break down words in scripture for deeper meaning. So when I got stuck on this verse, that’s just what I did! And this is what I found the good, ol’ Google search to say when I typed in the word “Condemnation”
1. the expression of very strong disapproval
2. sentencing someone to punishment
After reading the definition, I could not get this picture of a courtroom out of my mind, this picture that I was standing trial in front of the God himself, the Ultimate Judge. And that’s kind of how the idea started organically moving into words and then forming into the first poem I’ve written in a LONG time.
I thought this was a perfect day to share it with you all, and maybe it resonates with a few of you on this Easter Sunday. Enjoy!
THE VERDICT
I’m standing trial
Head bowed
Ashamed
Afraid of what He knows
Afraid of what He’ll say
Should I plead the fifth
Pretend like nothing is wrong
Maybe if I pretend long enough
This sentence will be gone
Condemnation
That’s what I deserve
And it’s what ill get
A price must be paid
This ransom must be met
At the time it seemed so innocent
And the justifications ran rampant in my mind
Deceiving
Repeating “All was fine”
Guilt crept in
Just for a moment before it was repressed
That roar turned to a whisper
Softer
Then non-existent
Label me the hypocrite
It’s already painted in my eyes
The fear, the anger, the numbness
And every single lie
I know my jury see its
They’ve already made up their minds
They knew the verdict before they even heard the crime
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Silence falls
The Judge is ready
But my head stays low and He recalls
Every act
Every sin
Every missed opportunity
Every shamming moment
A reel of my life
The list is long
But one last thing
“Oh gosh, there’s more”
But then He says,
“Look at me Child
Your slate is no more
Your ransom has been paid
My daughter, do not be afraid
No more must you walk in this way
There is no condemnation
I’ve found no violation
Go my darling
Praise the Son
He took your spot.
Your chains are undone”
