Loosened Chains

I longed for so much more. I wanted the highest prize.

I believed that old snake, that this fruit would make me wise.

Delighting my eyes, this want became my obsession.

And what looked enticing was a rotting infection.

I sought your glory and wisdom. God, I sought your fame.

Now, I hide from you in my nakedness in deep, deep shame.

Down in my core I can feel it, in me sin was born.

I’m weighed down with guilt. I’m deeply saddened, and I mourn.

My cracks and my frailty I seek to hide and cover.

All my weaknesses and my lack I strive to smother.

The Consequences of choice stand firm. You have spoken.

I’m exposed. I’m unable to fix what I’ve broken.

Although in pride, power and strength is my projection.

One day, my mess will stand before your perfection.

Before you God, I am exposed and vulnerable.

I’m disgraced, lacking, guilty, and dishonorable.

What is the punishment for this level of lowliness?

Death! Separation forever from your holiness.

On the cross, you became my sin to rescue me.

Jesus, by putting death to death, you have set me free.

The bonds of guilt and shame have been forever loosened.

You offered me peace within a blessed union.

My mess satisfied, swallowed up in your perfection.

Through death, you’ve become my permanent protection.

The Way. The Truth. The Life. The door to eternity.

The Sacrifice. The covering is Your purity.

The Good Shepherd. The resurrection and the life.

The Prince of peace. The Messiah. Remover of strife.

The Payment for sin. In You, God's wrath is satisfied.

Jesus, through your righteousness, man is justified.