I wrote this song last year, when our church participated in a "Cross Walk" organized by ten local churches, to celebrate Good Friday by carrying a cross around to different churches, and at each church sharing a brief moment of reflection on the meaning of Good Friday. I am quite confident that when Jesus told us to take up our crosses and follow him, he didn't have this kind of cross carrying in mind, but the question of what he did mean, and what that instruction means for us today is something I still ponder. This song represents part of my attempt to grapple with that.
Our King Walked
Our King walked among us,
Carrying his cross.
He'd been whipped and beaten,
And it seemed all hope was lost.
But he won the battle
When he died upon that tree –
He gave up his life for you and me.
Our King died among us,
Nailed upon that cross.
He cried out, "Forgive them"
As the dice were tossed.
He cried, "It is finished"
As he took his final breath.
He brought us salvation with his death.
Our King said to follow
And to carry our cross
To love one another
Whatever the cost.
To pray for our enemies
And leave all hate behind.
To love God with all our heart and soul and strength and mind.
Our King walked among us,
Carrying his cross.
