I am Christ's crucible of suffering

Could you leave the halls of Heaven,
from royal throne descend to Earth?
Wear the flesh of lowly manhood,
in crude surrounds you have your birth?

Could you bear much thirst and hunger,
so we'd be filled with Heaven's fare?
And in your lack your love forbearing,
though Lord of all my stench you bear?

Would you stand so cold, so naked
making sure I'm warm and clothed?
Wear my dirty, tattered garments,
and clothe me in your royal robes?

And would you give your back for beating,
flesh from bone your torn and bleed?
Would you hang, life's essence dwindling,
my guilt and shame for mercy plead?

Can you love me, never gaining,
a simple thank you, cent or gem?
Could you always offer favour,
awhile rejected once again?

Time returns our flesh to nothing,
from dust to dust we fade from view.
Yet God will not regret His offer,
and raise the faithful when time's due...
R.Owen 30/5/2007