Stretched Out

BY DR. AGONSON

Was not Samson stretched out? his right and left straining
between the beams supporting those who did oppress
the land of Israel, the foes who blinded him?

So would the Christ be stretched; his hands were cruelly pierced.
Nailed to a cross, becoming sin, dying for us
—his enemies—the light of life was blotted out.

But blind, the judge called out to God,
and God returned his strength.
The angel of the LORD called out,
said stop, I will provide.
The Philistine temple was felled;
Isaac came down the hill.

What hope was there when Jesus died?
What hope when they did pierce his side?
His blood and water pouring out,
Jesus, the lamb, gave forth no shout.

Satan had won
led Jesus to
the pillars of
his very house,
and Jesus there
his hands stretched out.

The foundation of death itself was torn apart that day
The foundation of sin, destroyed; The debt, Jesus did pay.