Dreadful Mercy

Your mercy, God, oh—how it startles us!
It shakes us loose from earthly things that bind,
Determined, grim, severe, it visits thus—
In pain, in death—what torment to the mind!

We push you out—no room within our hearts;
They’re full—of fear, and lust, cheap love and greed.
Your Son seeks refuge, but rebuffed departs—
In sorrow contemplates the broken reed…

He tears Himself from heaven’s pure delight,
His sigh of grief becomes incarnate breath.
Aghast at mercy, mindful of His plight,
Asks You to free Him from the grip of death.

He died! He rose! Dealt painful blow to sin.
Oh God—help us to let your mercy in!