As I slept I dreamed a dream
A nightly vision; a heavenly gleam
For in this dream I thus began
To walk to the length of Israel's span
I had a dream. In this dream I found myself in the land of modern day Israel, alone, and in search of the dearest site to all mankind: the place called Calvary. I walked through deserts, through plains, through valleys. I walked through cities and villages. I walked past rivers and mountains. I walked past soldiers, tanks and guns; through defenses and military checkpoints.
Searching, was I, a place to find
A certain site dear to mankind
I sought to see the place of death
Where Jesus Christ drew His last breath
After some time I finally came to a city of many lights: flashing signs, neon attractions, casinos, cabarets... everything and anything to seduce the consumer. People were bustling here and there, too busy to stop and give me any aid in finding my destination. The noise was loud and constant and I wanted to leave. At last I found a friend who offered to be a guide, agreeing to take me to the two disputed sites of where the Son of God died.
The masses were engrossed but at last there was found
A friend for a guide to show me the ground
He led me outside of the city with haste
Away from the noise of that frenzied estate
And so we promptly left, my friend briskling leading the way. It was not long until we were away from the noise of the crowds and the great city. But then all of a sudden everything became very quiet as we began down a small dip in the terrain, through some overhanging trees into a ground obviously seldom disturbed. Only our footsteps could be heard apart from the soft breeze blowing through the trees. It was very peaceful, but I was suddenly gripped with anticipation. Then almost prematurely (I expecting a more climactic introduction) there appeared before us three religiously designed ornaments, the likeness of them crosses, with three ivory figures hanging upon them: a pathetic man-made souvenir of God's greatest sacrifice. My guide continued past, explaining the disputations of this being the location of Calvary; but I knew in my spirit this was the place where my Lord Jesus had died. I said to him, but probably without being heard: "This is the place." Then I wept.
He onward continued but there I stood still
I knew in my spirit here all was fulfilled
And though all of these things took place as I slept
I stood there at Calvary; I stood there and wept
Walking ahead I found we were on the top of a cliff; various cars were parked below. As I looked down the face of the cliff I could see the indentations that gave the appearance of a skull, called in the Bible, Golgotha, or "Place of the Skull." Here Jesus suffered and died for the sins of the world, yet it seemed sadly neglected. The affections of men were so consumed upon the things of this world that the cross of Christ was left almost entirely forgotten. Even the Church appeared to give little attention to the cross but to more flashy and entertaining techniques. I could faintly hear the laugh of the crowd rise from the nearby city. Walking back to the three crosses I found myself weeping; it seemed this place alone could move me to tears. Oh, how a love for Jesus rose in my heart as I considered His sacrifice of blood, pain and love!
Oh wood of wood which held my Lord
Stained with blood, thou blessed board
Held Him there by vicious cord
'Til He won His great reward
"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." - Galatians 6:14
"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." - 1 Corinthians 1:18
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." - Philippians 2:5-8
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