I sit on my throne, sovereign.
My kingdom stretches almost as far as my eyes can see
Even from the heights of my palace.
All of it, I am told, is mine.
I observe the denizens going about their merry way
Like porcelain dolls they go about their business
I am told that all is well.
But my eyes are drawn to Him who wanders near to my gates.
They tell me He is the lunatic.
40 days and 40 nights in the desert, alone.
No food or water touched his lips.
An unassuming man of lowly position.
Yet as I watch him draw closer, closer
My crown weighs heavily upon my head
A burden I was not meant to carry
Ah, I see it now
He is harbinger in the form of flesh
I hear the funeral bells toll
Though he walks with puttering steps
Angelic legions march behind him
My advisors ask why scales fall from my eyes
My lips open to respond
But before I can utter
The man begins to weep.
Why are you weeping,
Prince in peon's clothing?
His head drops in despair
And rises again.
He's looking in my eyes
HE'S LOOKING IN MY EYES
FROM MILES AWAY HE MUTTERS
AND ANGELIC HERALDS CARRY HIS WORDS TO MY EARS
"If you, even you, had only known on this day
What would bring you peace--
But now
It is hidden from your eyes."
HARDLY HEARD WORDS HAMMER
I JOLT FROM MY THRONE
THE ADVISORS CLUTCH MY ARMS
FOR THE FIRST TIME I SEE THEIR FANGS
THIS IS NOT RIGHT
I AM NOT MEANT TO BE HERE
WHAT TWISTED WORLD HAVE I FOUND MYSELF IN
THAT I AM BECOME KING
His visitation and His utterance are our devastation
Yet still a smile creeps on my face
As his future becomes evident to me
Born to die, once for all, and destined to raise
Now I see my burden
And the freedom which has come for me
The destiny, the cup, in which I am to share
I am to become prince under a greater King.
I respond in kind with sacred confession
Inviting the enemy into our gates
And suddenly He is with us
And I see that He is glorious
His hair like wool
His eyes like blazing fire
His face is like the sun
Shining in all its brilliance.
His radiance etches His praises into the walls
The serpents' scream surrounds me
Yet even louder are the angels singing His praises
I have no other choice but to fall to my knees
The foundations of the palace tremble
His voice is like a trumpet
His voice is like the sound of rushing waters
With every syllable His will comes into being
He speaks in heavenly tongues
A Holy Fire descends upon me and my kingdom
It all burns away in a moment
Yet the only thing I feel is warmth.
For a moment, everything is...
Still.
As I lift my eyes
I meet His embrace.
Truly death and devastation have befallen me.
My walls have crumbled.
Yet I share in His rebirth
With all who call on the name of the Lord.
How sweet this grace I do not deserve.
The Son of Man stands, and stretches out His hand.
I take it and He raises me from the mire.
Peace, deeply, fills my chest.
I remember this silly thing
I take off my crown
And hand it to Him.
And then we walked.
~
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