Our reading for this week's Bible study included a poem about the suffering of Christ. Although I'm no poetry lover, I found this poem to be particularlly worthy of consideration as it turns your mind toward the work of Christ. If possible, read this apart from your normal hurried routine of checking email, blogs, facebook, etc.
What follows is but a small taste. The italicized words are those of the mob shouting out to Christ on the cross.
Now heal thy self, physician; now come down.
Alas! I did so, when I left my crown
And father's smile for you, to feel his frown:
Was ever grief like mine?
In healing not my self, there doth consist
All that salvation, which ye now resist;
Your safety in my sickness doth subsist:
Was ever grief like mine?
Betwixt two thieves I spend my utmost breath,
As he that for some robbery suffereth.
Alas! what have I stolen from you? Death.
Was ever grief like mine?
- from The Temple (1633), by George Herbert
I recommend reading the entire poem if you have time.