I recently obtained a poster version of Crucifixion by Nicolai Ge.
It's stark, it's brutal, and it's been on my mind, so here is a hymn to accompany it.
(Here is a recording with piano and (bad) singing, and here is a link to some sheet music!)
Crucifixion Hymn
Come see your blessed maker stoop to ride a humble colt
Can you tell he paints with lightning? Do you hear the choirs exalt?
If the crowds could stop their cheers, the very stones would sing his praise
But still we chase enticing darkness, still our hearts revolt
O, keep us from revolt!
But stones, will you cry out now that your Savior’s come to die?
His twisted body scratches bare the wooden stake that lifts him high
Even you must weep to see a starry crown all but forgotten
Sinner, was it worth your while
To put your Lord on trial?
O Jesus, my indifference let them nail you to that cross
I pursued a selfish comfort, Lord, you paid the wretched cost
If you wanted perfect love you could make angels out of rocks
Yet you keep distracted sinners, and you count us not as lost
How could I repay that cost?
Friend, look upon your Savior, have you brought him here to die?
You still strike as he forgives you. Is this how you lift him high?
Must you twist a branch of thorns to take the place of starry crowns
O Sinner, dare you still to pray
After what we did that day?
Christian, when will you awaken and throw off this heart of stone?
As a love perfected beckons, must you choose to stay alone?
Hasn’t time enough been spent on things of no eternal worth?
Why trade a blessed life for sinful deeds when once you shone?
O wake this heart of stone!
My soul, will you still follow when he’s asking you to die?
Will you thank your God for splinters as your bruises lift him high?
When you’re clinging to the hope of starry crowns all but forgotten
Sinner, see your Savior smile
He has overcome this trial!