The Swishing Blade before the Thunderous Applause

The Swishing Blade before the Thunderous Applause

They dragged him out into the street,
Blinded by their fear, rage and ignorance.
He was beaten, bruised and sullied—
Stripped of his dignity and unrecognizable.

They shouted in disdain at his appearance,
And the screams for more blood rose up.
But to contrast the hysteria of these events,
His eyes were soft as he knelt on the ground.

Kicked in the face once more,
The strike knocked him prone to the earth.
Blood oozed from his now shattered jaw—
Much to the pleasure of the crowds.

Their god knew nothing of love—
This people knew nothing yet of grace.
But as he lay there broken outside,
Inside he muttered, “Father forgive them.”

Over and over they lashed out—
Wanting him to recant his beliefs.
But each blow he endured was not turning him back
For each one reminded him how much salvation cost.

Finally the crowds had their run of fun—
There was business still left to be had.
A militant man wearing a black hood appeared,
Brandishing a blade of sharpened steel.

Once again the crowds roared out in approval,
Yelling praises to their deaf god.
But His was a God, who waited in silence,
Waiting to welcome this man of faith home.

The anticipation was unbearable,
As the blade raised high in the air.
All but a second did the intense pain last—
Ebbed when his praying head detached.

And the crowds cheered and clapped—
While his head gazed skyward when it ceased to roll.
But his ears did not hear the crowds nor did his eyes take notice—
For up above stood the Son of Man, thunderously welcoming him home.

-By Greg Butz, January 21-2009

Message Behind this Poem:

The title for this poem was formed the night prior, on a train while talking to a friend. My friend and I had just left an impact group (cell group or house church). I mentioned in passing part of my life story and that I was unafraid of the “swift piece of metal before the thunderous applause.”

However, the concept for this one finds its roots many years earlier. As I related to him, I explained how I used to suffer from tremendous depression – and encountered hostile thoughts of myself. Late at night I used to beg God to let go of me, and let me die (echoing the prayers of Elijah). I am thankful that ours is a God who listens to our prayers, but does not always answer them the way we see fit.

One night, about five or six years ago in a January or a December– I was enduring a familiar stretch of depression. Again I called out to God to take me away from the pain, but instead, He gave me an alternative thought. My death could be selfish—or it could become quite useful and significant to His Kingdom. So while I thought of how much pain it was to endure life, He could use it to advance the gospel.

So there are times when I feel down, and even times when I’m outright lonely. I just think back to that commitment I had with Christ and now I can fully recognize all of depressions sly lies.

Without any fear of death – I’m still journeying through life. I wonder if my commitment to die anyway He sees fit was easier than dying each day to myself. Anyway this is poem is a tribute to my future death – if indeed I’m supposed to die this way. But even if I die of natural causes or in my sleep—I must remember, that I must die each day for Christ.

--Be a good soldier for Jesus Christ! 2 Timothy 2:3

Colossians 3:1-4

1Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

2Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

3For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

4When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

2 Corinthians 5:15

“And he died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.

Romans 12:1

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.”