Behold

It’s easy to behold something
when we find it beautiful.
A newborn, a rainbow, a sunset,
one quick glance, then in were pulled.

But how do we behold something
when we find it ugly, horrendous?
Our eyes want to turn away, against
anything that will offend us.

But Pilate ordered, “Behold the Man!”
dressed in royal robes, a crown in place.
But the King wasn’t presentable,
or royal, as blood gushed down His face.

Why would we behold such a sight?
A Man who’d done no wrong, tried
as a criminal, seen as a fraud—
Through Judas’s betrayal and pride.

Why should we behold the Man?
Beaten, ridiculed, nailed to the cross,
tortured and mocked, silent as a Lamb,
the Son of God killed—a tragedy, a loss.

We should behold Jesus, His death, the cross
in all of its horror, in all of its beauty.
Opposite emotions, true at once,
because of what He did for you and me.

Behold the Man, behold your sins on Him.
Recognize the wrongs you have done.
But, see the beauty, see the grace,
See the war that’s already won.

Behold the Resurrection, behold your Salvation,
God’s gift of love for you to take.
Believe on Him, take it in,
A new you He’s ready to make.