Write His Answer

The Accuser

He had returned,
not that he had ever left—
the voice of the accuser
becoming louder and louder.

The plan will never work.
They’re not strong enough.
Face it.
You’ve failed!
You know one is going to betray you.
Another will deny you.
And they are all going to run away.
Listen!
They still don’t even know
who you are.

Anyone who has seen me
has seen the Father.
Just believe it!

You’ve seen crucifixions—
men raising themselves up
on nails pounded through their feet.
Gasping for breath.
Going insane with the pain.
Is that really how you want to die?
How can your father ask you,
his only son,
to die on a cross?
And how can you know
your death will save anyone?
Men will laugh at the cross,
not be drawn to it.
You’re a fool!

Father, not my will, but yours!
Help me embrace the cross
for the joy that is set before me.
This is the way—the only way
to bring men back to you.
And they are worth it!

Marlene Bagnull
Good Friday 2001, 2016