Matthew 27:25 – Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. (KJV)

As I thought about how Jesus died for my sins, I realized that He died for me — His blood is on my hands. I might as well have been there to pound the nails in His hands and feet — the hammer fits my hand!

In my mind, I saw a picture of Calvary. Jesus was still alive, stretched out on the cross lying on the ground, waiting to be nailed to it. He was covered in blood from His beating and the crown of thorns on His head.

Standing in a line were people waiting their turn to hammer on a nail in His hands or feet. I was heartbroken as I witnessed nonchalant attitudes and disgust towards the Saviour. So many of them were laughing and mocking Jesus. I watched horrified and wondered how they could be so cold-hearted, indifferent, and insensitive towards Him.

When my turn came, it made me even more appreciative of God's magnificent, unselfish, sacrificial gift of love, which I most certainly accepted!

It also awakened in me more of an urgency and deep desire to pray for the lost:

2 Corinthians 4:4 – In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (KJV)

Having envisioned all this, I wrote this poem:

The Hammer

I pictured clearly in my mind
The cross at Calvary.
I saw a line of people there
With names from A to Z.

The line moved slowly single file;
We knew why we were there.
"My turn is coming up," I sobbed;
My heart filled with despair.

Alas, I stood before His face.
I saw shame and sorrow, mixed with grace.
I gazed at Him so tenderly —
Two pain-filled eyes gazed back at me.

I saw the blood upon His brow.
I heard Him say, "It's your turn now.
You must pound the nails without delay;
I AM dying here for you today.

"Pick up the hammer and hold it tight;
Now, swing it back with all your might
And drive the nails yet deeper in.
I AM here to take away your sin."

The hardest thing I have ever done
Was to drive the nails in God's own Son.
But there was just no other way
And He offers that hammer to you today.

Hebrews 10:12 – But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God. (KJV)

I'm sure that we all know someone who has yet to come to Jesus for salvation. Let us uphold them in prayer today, for how shall they escape, if they neglect so great salvation?

Prayer: Jesus, thank You so much for saving us. Today, may we pray for those whom You bring to our remembrance who are still in need of salvation. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Cheryl Mariano (Cheremiah) <cherylmariano@gmail.com>
Casa Grande, Arizona, USA
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