The Auctioneer

On the auction block into slavery we all were sold.
Having no hope and in our earth darkness we did grope.
Bound fast in chains of sin, seemingly with no one our freedom to win.
Nothing to look forward to, our life, indeed, looked grim.

Standing stripped and naked for all eyes to see.
No judge or jury and without a plea.
Having no advocate, a lawyer, you see,
To stand up in court for you and me.

"What am I bid?" shouted the auctioneer so bold
Hoping for all these poor slaves to be sold.
Nary a voice did answer his bid
For the price was too high from where he commenced his word jig.

But out of the crowd one man appeared and shouted to the auctioneer
"I'll bid, I'll bid, I'll take them all."
"But, queried the auctioneer
With what price, what price do you bid?"

"My life, my life, I'll give for all"
Shouted the stranger so tall.
"But, asked the auctioneer
"What is your worth more than these all?"

Not knowing that the stranger who stood before him was his own Lord and King.
Nor, being aware of the great ransom he could bring.
He asked again, "Show me your worth, or please take a seat
I have this auction I must complete."

When suddenly the scales fell from his eyes
And there stood his King the Only-All-Wise.
"Sold", to the man in the blood stained coat,
The one called faithful and true
His eyes blaze with fire, this King of Kings
From whose mouth goes a sharp sword, too.

The seller of men fell to his knees
Saying, "I've done wickedly, won't you forgive me Sir, please?"
"Stand to your feet, said this King, " I forgive you one and all
And loose the tight bands from these slaves chain and ball."

They have been mine before time began
Before they were enslaved, I their freedom did plan."
Some shouted with glee, others just wept upon being freed
But all of them fell prostrate before this God-Man
So happy to be once again free men.

With Love,
Karen
written 1997