The First Word

The First Word - "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."

In the first creation, God brought forth order out of chaos in seven days.  Jesus, the Son of God, the Word of God, in the new creation drama of Passion, Death, and Resurrection, brings order out of chaos in seven words.

On the first day of creation in Genesis, God provides us with hope in bringing forth light.  In the first word of the new creation, Jesus the Son of God provides us with hope in bringing forth the light of forgiveness:  "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."

How might we respond to this precious gift of hope in forgiveness that Jesus the Son of God extends to us in the first word?  The great Renaissance musician Johann Heermann provides us with the fitting words for such a response:

My loving Savior, how have you offended,
That such a hate in man on you descended?
Both mocked and scorned, you suffered our rejection
In deep affliction.

It was my guilt brought all these things upon you,,
Through all my sins was this injustice done you.
Lord Jesus, it was I that did deny you
And crucify you.

So now the Shepherd for the sheep is offered,
Mankind is guilty, but the Son has suffered.
For man's atonement, which man never heeded,
God interceded.

For us, dear Jesus, was your incarnation,
Your bitter death and shameful crucifixion,
Your burial and your glorious resurrection:
For our salvation.

Although, good Jesus, we cannot repay you,
We shall adore you and shall ever praise you,
For all your kindness and your love unswerving,
No