“GUILTY!" The judge pronounced. "You’re sentenced to death, to be carried out immediately!”
Everyone said he was fair. I did not agree. He was putting me to death for every transgression I ever committed. I turned to see my executioner. His face, contorted with a leer in his eye told me he was going to enjoy putting me to death. “I hope you feel every bit of the pain I will inflict on you.” His raspy voice sent shivers up my spine. I stood frozen in fear. The air began to suffocate me as it seemed to thicken. The sludge of despair rose in my throat, threatening to choke the life out of me.
Oh, please make it end soon. My heart cried out in agony.
My executioner directed my gaze over to a table covered with a cloth. He pulled it back, revealing all of his tools. “You will die when I say so.” He said as though reading my thoughts.
I stole a glance at the judge’s bench. He was gone. Figures, he can’t even bear to see his orders carried out. My heart began to mock him.
The executioner’s assistants began to rip the clothes from my body leaving me entirely naked. Shame flooded my being. I could find nothing to cover up. They began to laugh a most hideous sounding laugh, mocking and humiliating me.
Without warning, silence fell over the room. The judge walked up behind me and… well, I’ll try to describe it for you, but you may have a tough time believing this actually happened.
He opened his robe as he stepped toward me. He moved so close I could smell the toothpaste on his breath; at least I think it was toothpaste, it was sweet yet minty. Before I could say anything, he wrapped his arms around me, enveloping me in his entire being. The executioner could be heard warning the judge that the beating would soon begin, but the judge simply tightened his embrace. I have trouble describing it. It was as though he zipped open his chest and put me inside, then zipped himself shut.
The blows began to fall. I could feel the force of them, but not the pain. They continued for what seemed like eternity, until the judge fell to the ground and did not move.
“He’s dead!” Someone mocked.
“I hope you’re happy, you’ve killed him!” Their voices were accusing.
Still wrapped in his robe, I laid there with him. I knew what they said was true. It was because of me he died.
***
I sat in the emptied courtroom, stunned by the judge’s actions. Looking up when the door creaked, I saw the judge walk through, ALIVE! His eyes sparkled, as he reached out his hand.
“Why’d you do it?” I asked.
“Because I love you,” was his simple reply.
I fell at his feet, "Thank you," I wept. I owed him my life.
(Isaiah 53)
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Beautiful… opening his body to take me into his very being… protected, loved, covered by him… WOW!
Thank you for your creative and refreshing look at the depth of Christ's love for us.
Lesley-Anne
