Knowing The Price Love Had To Pay

On a hillside called Calvary
Hung the King of the galaxy,
Raised in garden-walled gallery,
Fruit filled branch; the root of Jesse,
A shepherd of sheep gone astray.
For the sin filled earth below
Where up and down the people go
To wherever the breezes blow
This was the price love had to pay.

Faces white, angels quiver,
Icy breezes quake and shiver,
Through the night that runs forever
Flows Jesus' blood like a river,
Flowing downward for love's display.
Criminals hung on either side
Overlook the place where we abide.
With silent tears His Father cried.
This was the price love had to pay.

His hands and feet were tightly nailed.
By the garden, women wailed.
The King of Kings last breath exhaled.
In eyes of men, the King had failed.
Like sheep His friends scattered away,
But who had known what God had planned;
The cost His justice would demand?
What love we failed to understand!
This was the price love had to pay.

Woman waking, coming early
Did see a light shining brightly
And heard songs that echo cheerly
From the angel speaking clearly;
A hope for sheep who went astray
To the wicked with burdens weary;
A light of hope to the dreary;
Joy for the burdened and teary;
This was the price love had to pay.

Alive He waits by night and day
For all under the dragon's sway.
He calls to those who've gone astray.
The curse is lifted when we pray
To Him who died; our debt to pay.
He longs to set the captives free
And so He stands by steadily
For those who come on bended knee
Knowing the price love had to pay.

Now we see through mirror unclear
That hangs before us all the year.
Shadows of the world appear.
In us He abides always near
Reaching down to those far away.
From Him the water of life flows.
Our sins and waywardness He knows.
To the broken, mercy He shows
Knowing the price love had to pay.

Sometimes life is sweet and hearts glad;
A painted rose on empty pad;
A love struck lass with handsome lad;
A young flower in crimson clad;
Full contentment of love's display
And sometimes through nights dark and blue
The troubles come riding two and two.
The King remains loyal and true
Knowing the price love had to pay.

In His love we will still delight
As He weaves His plans for the night;
For often through the silent frights
At funerals with tears and fights
Content to have our love's display.
Even when death hangs overhead
And days are filled will fears and dread
Our faith hangs on by just a thread
Knowing the price love had to pay.

We cry to Him in darkest grief
When we find no other relief.
Hope comes dazzling in our belief
And flamed upon the brazen Chief
To those who have gone far astray.
We come to the cross bent and kneeled;
To the King and His shield.
We come with nothing and we yield
Knowing the price love had to pay.

This poem about the crucifixion of Jesus reflects on the suffering, sacrifice, and resurrection of Christ which was one of the most profound events in Christian faith. I wrote it as as a devotional piece. It is ideal for Good Friday, Easter, or any season of spiritual reflection. If you were moved by this Christian poetry, explore more faith-based writing on this site. The price love had to pay was never cheap — and poetry gives us one of the few lenses that can hold that truth without shrinking it.

This poem was included in my blog about Charlie Kirk. I thought it fitting since Charlie’s faith was central to who he was.