Night in the Garden

By Bishop Jerry Ogles

 

Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons . John 18:3

 

 

Out of the darkest Halls of Hell 

Came the marchers with torches raised. 

Into the Garden quiet and still 

They wandered forlorn and crazed. 

 

Up to the Sovereign Lord of Love 

Their spears shining bright in the mist 

With arrogant air and a hateful shove 

They took Him who wouldn't resist. 

 

Now to the head of Scribe and Priest 

Was the Savior led that night, 

And to Herod's Court and Pilate's Seat 

Where Right gave way to the Night. 

 

To the craggy heights of the Lonely Skull 

They took Him and laid Him down 

And into His Hands of Love they drove 

Iron spikes with a terrible Sound! 

 

On His Brow a thorny Crown He wore 

And His flesh was torn and bruised. 

His Heart of Grace grew cold and sore 

As the Spirit of Life was loosed. 

 

The world of woe a Hope has found 

In the Promise made sure by His Death 

And the Saints of God with Faith abound 

In the Fields that their Lord has blessed!