I, the Executioner.

I, the Executioner.

 

 

How would I have felt?

If a Roman soldier was I

Rostered for duty at Calvary

Where Jesus the Nazarene cried

“Forgive them” and then He died.

Victory, Jesus had claimed,

And I, the executioner

Was ashamed.

 

How would I have felt?

 If a Roman soldier was I

Guarding the dead Jesus’ tomb. 

Some thought it was the womb

From which He would reappear,

The Messiah verified.

And I, the executioner

Was mystified.

 

How would I have felt?

If, a Roman soldier was I

Transfixed that Sunday morning

Seeing Christ’s glory dawning

Hearing the angel’s singing

“Jesus is risen, He is risen indeed!”

And I, the executioner

Was terrified

 

How would I have felt?

If, a Roman soldier was I

On that resurrection day?

I know not how, as him I’d feel,

But this I know, he is me,

Reaching across the centuries.

For I, the executioner

Caused Calvary.

 

How would I have felt?

If, a Roman soldier was I

And knew Christ included me

In His glorious victory?

I believe the Gospel’s true,

To Him I’ve bowed the knee

For I, the executioner

Found mercy. 

Ray Hawkins March 11 2015