“Guilty!” was the verdict read.

With trembling lip, I bowed my head.

Knowing well the crimes I’d done

In the name of love, or greed, or fun.

I’d known the truth of life and law,

But chosen sin’s alluring draw.

So here I stood, no other choice.

With no excuse, I had no voice.

But the Judge arose and left his bench.

I looked at him through tears unquenched.

He reached to me and held me tight.

But pity could not erase my plight.

Yet in his hand he held a scroll.

And read aloud as it unrolled,

“This one is mine, his debt is paid.

I choose to take his wretched place.”

“The crimes he did shall be on me.

Such is my authority.”

“Out of love this gift is given.

And out of mercy, new life is risen.”

“Be free, my son,” proclaimed the Judge.

And it was sealed in His own blood.

– JTK, 2022