The Play
We had practiced long and hard for this Annual Easter
Musical. Over 200 people were involved in the production.
More than a thousand would be coming to each of the four
presentations. Orchestra, choir, actors and soloists were
involved. A cross stood to the side of the stage. At the
final rehearsal, a movie critic and a journalist both said
they would score us 9.5 out of 10. However, we did not know
that this musical would have a profound effect on one of the
main characters in the presentation.
Jay, an amateur actor and a bit arrogant, was asked to be
the Roman Centurion who would flog Jesus. Of course, he did
not mind. He loved acting. He bragged to friends that he
would do a good job beating Jesus. The first presentation
went well for Jay. He could distance himself from Jesus on
the cross. That night, however, he could not sleep. Memories
of the flogging he delivered rushed through his dreams.
The next presentation was not easy for Jay to handle. It was
hard to beat a man like Jesus in front of thousands of
people. Guilt overcame him.
The third presentation was more difficult yet. The audience,
still thinking he was a professional actor, were shaken as
he whipped Jesus. This time, however, as the blood dripped
down from the cross, he suddenly realized that this blood
was shed for him. Jay realized that this Jesus was dying on
the cross for all the cruel acts he was doing. And Jesus was
doing it out of love for His people. As He heard Jesus cry,
"My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" Jay almost broke
down in front of the audience. It was hard for him to
contain himself and after the drama, he collapsed in
anguish.
As Jesus was dragged by his fellow soldiers, the audience
detected Jay's voice crackle as he yelled, "Crucify him,
hang the man!" He dabbed a tear from his eye. "Jesus" cried
out, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" Then, "It
is finished!" The lights cut, the roll of thunder could be
heard and it grew very still. All could hear the sobs of the
disciples and Mary, kneeling by the cross. Jay, too, was
quietly crying out, "Jesus, you did this for me? You died on
this old cross so I can have new life? I have been so cruel
to you and you were so kind. The blood on my hands was a
sacrifice for ME! I'm sorry for what I've done. Forgive me,
please! I give you my heart and life. I am finished with my
own struggles. I want you as my Saviour and Lord!"
It was like the lights went back on for Jay. He could
scarcely believe it. He felt like a new man! God had heard
his prayer. He had come to know Jesus, at the foot of the
cross, in front of a 1,000 people or more. Jesus' blood was
meant for him. He wiped another tear and felt joy come over
him. As the choir sang the last selection, "I Pledge
Allegiance to the Lamb" by Ray Boltz, he knew he had to go
tell the pastor, friends and family.
Author unknown. If anyone has a proprietary interest in this story please authenticate and I will be happy to credit, or remove, as the circumstances dictate.
Author unknown. If anyone has a proprietary interest in this story please authenticate and I will be happy to credit, or remove, as the circumstances dictate.
Wit & Wisdom - June 11, 1998