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Best Forgive Them For They Know Not What They Do Poems
Knowledge and wisdom are not found
in the chaotic crowd's cacophony of voices
caused by fear and frustration
They gather like swarms of locusts
on emotional wings of hysteria
Their beating sound swallows intellect
creating perpetual hate and anxiety
brought to them by their own failures and frailties
None...which they chose to recognize
or deem worthy of introspection
Crowds easily led by puppetmasters
who have spiraled down to the depths of depravity
as they pull on the strings of discord
tied to patriotic fervor
Exhumed in a kaleidoscope of hollow memories
from history...crowds don't remember
As they turn their anger into a coming apocalypse
where they sell their souls to their masters
as they did once before
When they called out " Give us Barabbas "
Let the Christ die with his last spoken words
" Forgive them... for they know not what they do "
9/25/17
contest 8 word challenge-4
Of seven things you said while on the cross
Dear Lord, the one that pierces so my heart
Is what you said to Mary, suffering loss
Your agony was tearing her apart
You looked at her in tears there at your feet
Her heart now torn by sword of prophecy
And in your mind you heard her voice so sweet
Her lullabies of love, your constancy
You looked at her a widow sore distressed
Her only hope impaled, about to die
And there stood John who held her close, oppressed
Before you said a word, they heard you sigh
Though in the balance hung man’s destiny
Your heart about to break from weight of sin
Assured she’d share with you eternity
With labored breath you gave her next of kin
“Behold, your son,” you spoke with loving care
Bequeathing John your mother, fainting there
Jade Celeste
To think that through the excruciating pain that He bore, Jesus was still worried about his mother's welfare! How can people not love someone so full of compassion for those around him? What could He have done that He left undone to show us the depth of His love?
The Bible records seven things that Jesus said while on the cross:
"I Thirst"
"Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."
"Verily I say to you today, you will be with me in paradise."
"Woman, behold thy son."
"Father, why have you forsaken me?"
"Into your hands, I commit my spirit."
"It is finished!"
Glorious words! "It is finished"...the plan of salvation is secured. The ransom has been paid by His substitutionary death. We can be forgiven!
Happy Easter to all....He died...but He rose from the dead, and to all who believe in His name, He will grant eternal life!!! "He who has the SON, has LIFE." I John 5: 12...
Where is the anger! The rage! And the courage, I expected to see?
Why is everyone so complacent?
Evangelical Christians have endorsed a cheat, a liar, a bigot, and a misogynist
because he's pro-life, God will forgive the rest; hallelujah!
Democracy used to cannibalize democracy; please pass the head of state!
A cult has formed, like the Nazi Youth, who ogled Hitler with worshiping eyes.
Those in charge have stooped so low; that they bow down to this wannabee Fuhrer
with their brown noses prominently showing above their pasted-on smiles!
If you're part of this cult, reason can't save you! You'll die for this trickster!
Chanting NO COLLUSION, NO COLLUSION! Though you know, it isn't true.
As for the rest of you, it's time you woke up!
Wipe off those cynical grins and VOTE, like your voice matters
like your vote matters, like your freedom matters, and pray that they still do!
I'm neither a democrat nor a republican,
I can't stomach the hypocrisy of either party!
As a proud Canadian, I can only empathize with your problem,
but, I'm an impartial observer, immune to the fake news, you might say.
There's no defending this President!
But his Republican stooges, Fox news, and the evangelist elite do just that!
A con-man stole their integrity and bamboozled his way into the White House.
Now, like Russia's Putin, he wants to be king!
And he'll challenge and or change the constitution to make it so!
Where is your anger! Your rage! And your courage?
I hear some Americans praise him like he's the second coming!
And insisting his Presidency was prophesied in the pages of the bible.
In what wacky world is it even possible to venerate Donald Trump
as an instrument of God? Many are oblivious to the truth,
even when his narcissism and hyperbole are so blatantly obvious!
Once more, the human psyche's tapped and loyalty siphoned off
to advance the goals of one corrupt man.
In the words of Jesus, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do!"
May God have mercy on our souls if he wins again!
(free Verse)
Mar.24, 2018
A Bible thumper how sweet the sound,
That means I’m in search of hallowed grounds.
That means I was lost but now am found,
And know the meaning of Heaven bound.
That day His blood was spilled upon the cross,
To bring salvation and hope to all who are lost.
Father forgive them for they know not what they do,
Even to this day those words still echo true.
I pray for those who laugh and curse His name,
For one day they must answer for their words of shame.
There is not a lot I can say except I believe His word to be our greatest gift,
And know that His return will be mighty and swift.
I pity those that don’t believe an take His name in vain,
For upon His return it will be too late to take part of our Saviors reign.
For upon that day they will be cast away to suffer in torment for evermore,
I just pray they open their eyes before it is too late and see what they all have in store.
Bible thumper, holy roller that pretty much describes me to a tee,
I love the one called Jesus and know He died for me.
Should you ever choose to cross over that line,
I’ll welcome you as a friend if that is not being too asinine.
To the serious seeker
To the late night watcher of a double feature
Each of us is responsible to a holy God
We can either receive or reject
I bet your sorry that we met
But no one is perfect except for the Lord
Many of us stumble at his word
Yet it all comes down to what he did on the cross
this was never meant to be a tragic loss
Our flesh hates the things of God
Wants to instead serve sin, self & Satan
It's not a one time shopping event at your local seven eleven
It's all based upon a cross
Jesus Christ died 2, ooo years ago
on the cross for all the world to see
What was his prayer what was his final plea
Father please forgive them for they know not what they do
He said the prayer now the rest is up to you
Just like after 911 we all need to come together
Until you walk in another persons shoes you have no right to sing the blues...
God is faithful to his call such as a boy with a bat and ball
Hitting it across the street at the mall
Sin is actions in which humans rebel against God
Miss their true purpose for their lives
Surrendering instead to the prince of the air more then God cause all their deeds were evil
We all fall short of the glory of God
Take some time out to smell the roses
Everyday is a gift a new start to begin again
Learn to take it one day at a time
You can't find it in the clouds or even a sign
Start to really love each other brother
No one is perfect except for the Lord
Even the best it bound to fall
So you are seeking inspiration just look around you
Heal the hurts & wounds that bind you
Learn from each of your mistakes
Choose to keep your head up & walk by faith
In time you will shine
Stop worrying and bringing yourself down
Don't ever wear your head down in a frown
We all make mistakes in this great game of life
Crisis maybe an opportunity to change
Live your life the best way you can
Look to the man who died for you with a plan
Faces your fears with sweet angelic tears
I came to set the captives free
I gave them a chance to see me
But they got it wrong, didn’t hear
The wonderful truth I came to share
Father forgive them they know not what they do
I tried to tell them the truth about love
But they shut their ears and walked away
Afraid of what this love would entail.
So they set out a plan to bring me down
Father forgive they know not what they do.
When Judas came with massed arms troupes
And on my face he placed his kiss.
They took me away and put me on trial.
They mocked me and beat me and said I must die
Father forgive them they know not what they do
When they led me away to the hill of death
And stuck cruel nails in my hands and feet
When they lifted my cross high in the sky
And jeered and taunted the king of the Jews
Father forgive them they know not what they do
As my hour draws near and darkness descends
The man next to me speaks his final plea
You are the son of God and when you’re in heaven
Please Lord please remember me
Father forgive them for they know not what they do
The sky grew darker and the pain increases
I now will take the whole sin of the world
This weight it engulfs me like a cloak.
My father’s eyes in sorrows turn away
And all I can say is father forgive them
The story of Easter is very well known
And we marvel at Jesus for the words that he said
BUT WHAT WILL YOU DO NOW IT’S OVER AND DONE
How will you respond to this wonderful love?
Tell us of folks with conscience clear on terror; of trusted neo
terrorists that oust teams, terrorizing thousands... near, far, and wide
May it marinate in their minds; peace and equality are as grated rind
with scent of pure zing... unlike vexed souls, bent on terrorism
Just last night, amid day light, before photographer's sky, right in
spring's warmth... such unforgiving moment of sudden fright
Thunderous wondrous sounds of bombs whirred, then cease, and
just like that came sight of flight 8430, blown to fallen pieces of debris
I saw red, white, and blue of American airlines's plane, meshed with chaos
just as those blown to smithereens during 9ll... Still I'll fly. Why shouldn't I?
In this land of plenty, we won't share cowardice with tyrants of immorality;
not on their watch! freedom bell has rung for everyone free of contentions
"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (... they knew not...)
Flight 8430 felt Coup DE main... not of You, Great God of earth, sky, and dew
I shan't forget humongous, booming sounds of invisible bombs that flew and
flung sudden terror so near, i hastened with thoughts of Islam and coercion
Of intimidation, degradation, castration; of trepidation, and mutilation
that moved me to see martyrdom in terrorism as ignoble affiliations
I'm due like you to sit snug and breathe with ease here and now, without
quest; will I survive or will I have time to utter one final goodbye
Night's stream of consciousness was dream, dear God, but Your world need You...
only You; by power of Your might, turn terror to unadulterated thanksgiving; so
As we ponder canvas of sky with eyes beyond clouds; we'll grace life with
courage; for we shall over come with hope, with aims, and with our dreams.
*
no apology
my pain: inconsequential
your conscious is seared
Eileen Manassian
While Jesus was on the cross, he prayed, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." He forgave even when no apology was offered. He forgave the ones who were the cause of his death. I find that SO hard to do...It's the hardest part about being a follower of Jesus. To be able to forgive someone who will not admit to wrong doing...takes divine strength. "To err is human; to forgive, divine." I've also found out that if you are always silent about ill treatment, people will take advantage of you. They will take your silence for cowardice and think that they can walk all over you. When Jesus was struck by the high priest's servant, he did not remain silent. He questioned him, "Why do you hit me?" I believe we should speak out against what is wrong. People may never acknowledge wrongdoing, but it needs to be said. There is a fine balance...I am struggling in trying to find where that balance is...
The Passover Lamb
The dawning of the Passover Day in Jerusalem
had only just begun
but a conspiracy and deceitful lies
filled the city that day about the Father’s only son.
It was true there was more than just chatter
as mockery it to filled the air that day
and while Roman leaders and Pharisees were strategizing
Jesus alone slipped away to pray.
The tension in Jerusalem
now had mounted to a high fevered pitch
could they trap Him somewhere this night
could they pull it off without riot or a hitch?
For they knew many of His followers would be so busy
because they had so many things to do
preparing Passover meals and families in prayer
they were counting on this plan of theirs to attract only a few.
And while the disciples were all so excited
after all this was Passover Day
they went to prepare the supper for Jesus, “The Lamb”
while their leaders prepared their trap for Him to slay.
But what those leaders still didn’t understand
it wasn’t by their hand that He was to be caught
for He came to offer Himself, His all for us
knowing our redemption by His blood had to be bought.
All over the city of Jerusalem
the aroma of roast lamb, oh how it filled the air
but behind closed doors the Lamb of God
being whipped and mocked till His own blood covered His hair.
Then towards the last of His torture
a cross was placed upon His furrowed bleeding back
and because each step brought pain and agony
He fell under the weight of it for strength He did lack.
On the cross this precious Lamb
cried, Father forgive them for they know not what they do
and our redemption now finished and paid in His blood
for from Hell’s corridors He purchased back me and you.
Our world has not been the same
since outside of old Jerusalem that He died on Calvary’s Hill
and when this precious Passover Lamb from Heaven
rose from the dead, it is certain it never will.
Praise the Lamb for Sinner’s He was slain.
Written by: Marilyn S. Jennings
9/6/1994 copyright
Jesus spoke these words from the cross
accomplishing the purpose for which He came
here He was crucified unjustly so
this innocent saviour took all our blame
Crucifixion is such an awful thing
it's intention is to break one's resource
but in fact stretches one's agony further
physically and emotionally execution on course
Rusted nails places on wrists hollow place
hammered in driven between two bones
gruesome hearing nails driven through flesh
this brings anguish so horribly alone
The victim suffers nausea, fever, cramps
bringing indeed spasms of intense pain
as well as slow relentless suffocation
all this and more was Jesus slain
This God in His only begotten son
showed His love in this horrible death
suffering pain physically and spiritually
for His own even to His final breath
The original language would indicate
Jesus repeated this enduring crucifixion
father forgive them they know not what they do
merciful sacrificial love brought God's selection
('Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.')
Luke 23: 34a (KJV)
Easter will be soon, and
The fourth full moon will shine
On dresses fine and colored eggs,
The racing of legs of little ones to find them.
But not today!
As I in quiet meditation,
My reflection turns to those devilish days,
When Your sweat soaked locks hid half your face,
And no grace would seem to fall on You.
Cruel soldiers pushed Your pace,
Even rushing the race when You fell.
I can about hear the crying
As Your dying was beginning to set in;
The way of the cross to the end,
And then it was over.
Then observing ghoulish hearts turned,
Did they burn while they trod their paths home?
Were they changed, their lives rearranged,
When they heard
“Forgive them for they know not what they do?”
Then to all’s surprise,
You would rise and make Your words all true.
Bells throughout the ages would ring,
And bring the joy of Easter’s Spring Celebrating.
Luke 23:34 of the Scriptures, expressed this truth clearly:
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
Grateful am I for that divine plea of my Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ
for erring sinners like me.
What a compassionate supplication of a supreme God!
Such exemplifies how it is to reach-out to someone
who offended, angered and hurt me in the God-entrusted ministries
I'm a part of as a volunteer care-giver and life-builder.
Here am I humbled, humiliated, helped, and hoisted
in the exercise of genuine forgiveness required by the holy Pardoner.
Yes, I’m humbled as I admit my inability
to forgive absolutely, readily and completely
…the street child who called me a “fool”
while I was teaching him with my utmost best;
…the orphaned boy who would steal and lie about it,
despite being provided with his needs;
…the abandoned teen who reported me as a tyrant tormentor,
when in fact he was given a gentle discipline
packed with cheer-filled clemency;
…the arrogant pupil who disrespectfully accused me
as a lousy instructor, embarrassing me.
Indeed, I’m humiliated as the Lord reveals to me
my hypocrisy, half-heartedness, and haughtiness
in granting forgiveness along faith's fervor.
Thus, with the Holy Spirit’s conviction and power,
I confess my iniquities while persevering to overcome and forsake them.
Now, I’m helped in my desire to forgive with graciousness
based on the God’s imparted love to me,
bearing in mind Ephesians 4:32,
“…forgiving one another, even as God
for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Praising the Lord, I’m hoisted by God’s mercy
in seeking for His forgiveness for my very own sins
while worshipfully acknowledging His admonition
asserted by His Word in I John 1:9:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
November 6, 2018
1st place, "Someone Forgiven You: When Is The Last Time You've Forgiven Dramatic Verse Contest"
Sponsored by James Edward Lee Sr.; judged on 12/9/2018.
How much bloody carnage and rubble
is required to atone for sins of a few?
How many eyes must be gouged
to extract desired justice?
If wronged, is exchanging one eye enough?
What about two eyes for one? Or ten for one?
Is twenty enough?
How about a hundred?
Such revenge might feel like justice,
but it fuels hate’s endless cycle.
Can we exit this interlocked sequence
of oppression and reflexive violence?
Can we struggle toward implementing
a radical, restorative, improbable alternative?
Remember what a crucified carpenter taught
about loving enemies and turning cheeks?
Do such ideals seem impossibly wrong
when gushing anger from our wounds?
Yet, as he stretched on splintery beams
no carpenter would willingly build,
he said, while gushing blood for all our sins,
“Forgive them for they know not what they do.”
Packing up their tools, the two Roman soldiers, righted and dropped the cross into place,
Through a mind-bending blurr of agony, the thief saw another thief to his left,
This man was a rebel, even stealing from his own kind; Bartamaeus watched him curse and rage,
Even in a hazy mist, Bartamaeus realised that his venom was directed at the Man nearer their age!
This quiet Man between them, looked down at the crowd, he spoke, but no cursing passed his lips.
Piously he said, 'Father forgive them for they know Not what they do!' He smiled at the crowd.
As he looked at the Man, Bartamaeus saw every sin and unjust thing that he, the thief had done,
The Man smiled and Bartamaeus was CLEAN; accepted and forgiven by the Savior, God's only Son!
"Stop It!', he yelled. 'Can't you see this Man is innocent! 'He has done nothing evil or wrong!'
The Romans paid no attention, offering mulled and sour wine on a stick to the Man of God,
The Man spoke a second time; Bartamaeus listened hearing'My God, MY GOD, why have You forsaken Me?'
The other thief spat, 'If you are really the King of the Jews,then climb down from this tree!'
The Man looked at him with great sadness and said, 'Father into Your Hand I commit My Spirit!'
'Master, please Master!, Bartamaeus cried, 'Remember me when You come into Your Holy Kingdom!'
The Man smiled at him and said, 'Verily I say unto you tonight you will be in Paradise with Me!
He lifted Himself and said with great power, 'IT IS FINISHED! He died, setting His Spirit free!
Bartamaeus watched the sky darken and lightning split the ground near the Man and the cross,
He marveled as the captain of the guards, kneeling at the cross, said, 'This truly is God's Son!
He was newborn and he no longer struggled to rise for even that one last gasping breath of air,
For when he awoke, angels were singing, the Man was in Paradise and he, Bartamaeus was THERE!
©Jane Richer
07/04/2012
Seated on a colt, entered He the great city,
Divinity rides in simplicity.
The boisterous crowd cheered vigorously,
His triumphant entry as His foes watched furiously.
“Hosanna in the Highest!” They chanted in harmony
To His glory they recited the Messianic symphony:
“Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord!”
Ere the dust of His triumphant entry settle
His foes had scores with Him to settle.
Before Pilate’s He was brought,
His crucifixion they sought.
The madding crowd appealed Pilate’s absolution
with a vehement condemnation:
“Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”
His heart moved not for man’s heart He knew.
In the agony of the cross forgiveness for us He did renew:
“Father forgive them for they know not what they do”
Asanga