At our home church, they have someone stand up after the sermon and transition from the sermon to the closing song. A week ago, I had the opportunity to do so. Below is the transition that I wrote including an original poem.

Sometimes when you pick up your Bible and read a passage like today’s, it can be hard to form good connections. Places and names such as Pergamum, Antipas, Balaam, and Nicolatians don’t really strike a chord in our hearts or mind with meaning or impact. Yet strong words such as “repent” and “war against” ring loudly on our ears. To hear such a charge echoes of a sternness and a critique that makes us uncomfortable. We like the idea of being liked and being loved by others and especially by God. None of us like being judged usually fairly or unfairly. I myself have stood condemned by people before. Both justly before a judge when dealing with a ticket from an Ohio State Trooper and in other situations far more complicated. But in every case, it wasn’t enjoyable. Our pride fights against judgment of any kind no matter how true.

Today’s closing song calls to remembrance the very truth that can turn such moments into relief and welcome. The only just judge is Jesus. But He also stands as a willing replacement for us. Yet His sacrifice removes all of our claim to our pride. He stands as both our judge and our savior. Any claim or control we wish to keep will only condemn us. Yet offered to us is overwhelming grace. Only the terrible cross with its brutal force balances the justice and love. A loving hug would not take care of our rebellion. The whip alone would not offer love. The perfect savior willingly offered in brutal death overwhelms with loving grace.

The sin and guilt and shame we bring to cross is overpowered by the humble sacrifice. Only there can we die to our self and find freedom in living for Him who gave all for us. We no longer live in fear or dread. We are no longer tied to our old self. We are given a new name written on a white stone. Pure and solid. New and eternal. Given by God. Earned by Jesus. Secured by the Spirit. Offered at the cross. Confirmed at the tomb. Exalted at the end. And powerful for today.

 

My pride it seeks to stand apart

To live and die on its own dark heart

Its only claim is self and pride

But offers only a life that lied

Standing near against the shame

A wooden cross of brutal fame

Bears the pride we carry close

Through blood that runs from head to toes

Our Savior who should judge in dread

Instead offers his own split head

Now His love covers and frees

So now our lives can be lived as he sees

We are no longer who we are

We shine instead by his own star

His light it shines for us above

His sacrifice gives us his love