Dead Face of Jesus
Apr 10th, 2008 by John
Dead Face of Jesus
by
John W Frye
By the casket I stand
Looking at the dead face-
Face of a dear friend.
Gently touching the face
Slams me with death’s reality;
A face cold, hard in death’s way.
The dead face of Jesus.
How many saw that face?
A few touched it;
Mary most of all I’d think.
Scoffers, soldiers, few friends,
Joseph and Nicodemas saw it.
Catholics, Anglicans, Orthodox
See his dead face more than most.
And I think they learn,
Know something many of us don’t.
Something about dreadful coldness,
Something about our last enemy.
Look at the camera, Jesus. Smile.
That’s my vision of his face.
Don’t go cold on me, Jesus.
I need your warm face all the time.
I only want your happy face.
I need to stay in denial.
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Wonderful post brother.
Powerful and moving.
As we face death, and I have I have come to know God more and more deeply. Personally. It has changed my faith and theology. Many times as we look death in the face we see Jesus Christ right there with us. Holding our hand. Giving us the warmth that we need and that warmth afterward as well.
I think many times we read Psalms 23 when we are dead and as we see the cold death face the ones we love. I cry. I cry for those who have gone on and have thought that the Psalm was just for funerals. I cry for the loved ones. I cry.
I read Psalms 23 and apply it to my life:
“God, my sphepherd!
I do not need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush medows, you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.
Even when when the way goes through Death Valley, I am not afraid whenyou walk at my side. You trusty shepherds crook makes me feel secure.
You serve me a sixx-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive you drooping head;
my cup brims with blessings.
Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.”
Praise God for providing for us in life and in death.
God bless you John for this wonderful post brother.
I believe it is one of your best poems.
preacherman,
I am so grateful for your response. You have recently faced death and your comments carry weight. Thanks, too, for your creative 23rd Psalm. God bless you!