The Centurion's Story

THE CENTURION’S STORY I knelt there on that rocky ground, I looked into that face, ‘Twas bruised and battered, but I found as I viewed its disgrace No angry scowl on it appeared, no vengeance in its eyes; The love I saw caused me to fear and brought me some surprise. I had my job to do just then, so I could look no more; I drove the nails through feet and hands to crucify the Lord. I heard Him pray, “Forgive them now, they know not what they do”; I saw Him there and felt somehow His love was pure and true. I watched as darkness filled the sky and felt the ground then shake; I heard Him ask His Father then, “Why did You Me forsake?” I heard the final words He said, “It’s finished!” was His shout, And then I knew though He was dead, there was not any doubt This man who shed His blood that day upon the rocky sod, Though now He was so still and dead, He was the Son of God. I, like that thief who made his cry to mercy from his cross, Gave Him my life for which He died and paid salvation’s cost. I tell you now this story true that, though I drove the nails, I found His love and pardon, too, still conquered and prevailed. No matter what you’ve ever done, you can this Savior know, Just kneel there at the cross and come, by faith to Calvary go.