Truly That Was Grace

This piece that I wrote is just a rather crude telling of the point of view of the centurion.

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I was a skeptic

An unbeliever

My heart was hardened

My life was broken.

 

 

I witnessed death

Like no other

I led my men

In killing another

 

 

 I found it my duty

To serve my country

No matter what

No matter the bounty

 

 

I had power

I had riches

Yet I had emptiness

And I was held by chains.

 

 

I had control

I had the best

But my conscience

Wouldn't let me rest. 

 

 

I had status

I had knowledge

But I had no freedom

From my guilt and shame.

 

 

At the first

I balked and shied

But now not a flinch

As the victims bled.

 

This was my life

I knew no other

I wish I could

But who would bother?

 

 

My life was wrenched

My heart was twisted

There was an empty trench

No one could fill.

 

 

Yet another crucifixion

I thought nothing of it

Until the man

Cried out in agony.

 

 

At that moment

When the sky grew dark

When the voice called out

When all else became stark.

 

It was then

That I realized

This man I was killing

Was not a criminal.

 

He was no criminal,

He was no sinner,

He was a King,

He held throne forever!

 

The mocking sign

Above His head

Read ‘King of Jews’

As He bled.

 

I stood before Him

He breathed His last

I saw His blood

As from here He passed.

 

I knelt in reverence

Removed my helmet

Exclaimed with authority

What I wished I had said before.

 

“Truly this man

Was the Son of God!”

He deserved a crown,

Not that of thorns.

 

 

He died for me

He took my place

I witnessed it

Truly that was grace.