Forever Washing My Hands – v2

I can understand the image of Pilate,
trapped between heaven and hell,
living in limbo, in turmoil, judgment,
constantly washing his hands…
 
An image of remorse, of profound regret,
unable to change history, to go back,
to save innocent life, the Messiah,
God here with us…
 
But we are Pilate, guilty,
we caused Christ’s death,
His need to descend,
to give us new life…
 
We each stand beside Pilate,
for we are convicted by sin,
forever washing my hands,
that lead to the cross, the grave…
 
But by grace we are saved,
by blood we are set free,
Christ raised us from the dead,
our hands are washed clean…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTfGpbWv214
----
Edited June 17, 2024
Forever Washing My Hands – v2
 
Written after someone said that my last version
of the poem “Forever washing His hands – v8”
based on the Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
about Pontius Pilate seemed to be written about myself.
In some ways, I think this poem is about each of us,
For our sin, our actions, our choices, caused Christ
To descend to the earth, to climb the cross…
&
edited August 27, 2024
The stain of innocent blood – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/08/the-stain-of-innocent-blood-v4.html 
This poem is about the character Pontius Pilate in the novel, Master and Margarita,
by Mikhail Bulgakov, where Pilate is spending eternity, not in heaven or hell,
but trying to wash the innocent blood Jesus Christ from his hands.
This poem is transferring that same nightmarish judgment on Vladimir Putin
for the innocent blood of the people of Ukraine...
originally drafted April 1, 2022, 38 days into the full-scale invasion
&
Edited/new name August 27, 2024
Streets of their cities run red with blood
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/08/streets-of-their-cities-run-red-with.html
&
Edited June 17, 2024
Forever Washing My Hands
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/06/forever-washing-my-hands.html
Written after someone said that my last version
of this poem seemed to be written about myself.
In some ways, I think this poem is about each of us,
For our sin, our actions, our choices, caused Christ
To descend to the earth, to climb the cross…
&
Edited June 3, 2024
Forever Washing His Hands
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/06/forever-washing-his-hands.html
edited February 9, 2022
Washing His Hands – v8
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/02/washing-his-hands-v8.html
edited July 4, 2015
washing his hands – 2 – v5
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/07/washing-his-hands-2-v5.html
(merging edits to version 3 and version 4)
edited April 11, 2015
the stain on Pilate’s hands – v3
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-stain-on-pilates-hands-v3.html
(editing version 2)
edited November 5, 2014
My guilt remains – v3
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/11/my-guilt-remains-v3.html
Third Sunday in Lent
Luke 13:1-9 (GOD’S WORD Translation)
Isaiah 55:1-9 (GOD’S WORD Translation)
Worship Theme – “The Voice of God . . . Pilate”
Call to Worship (Psalm 27:1, 5, 14 God’s Word Translation)
Unison Prayer: (Worship and Song © 2011)
Prayer of Dedication (adapted from GBOD © 2013 Luke 13:1-9)
http://ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com/2013/03/lenten-dramas.html
This Lenten Season, we are doing something a little different.
We are doing Lenten Dramas from:   http://www.sermonsfromseattle.com/home.htm
It is called "The Voice of God". We are hearing conversations between
God and some of the characters that took part in Passion Week.
It has been a "moving experience" for all. . . 
February 13 2013 Ash Wednesday – James  (portrayed by Diane Mitchell)
February 17, 2013 – Judas (portrayal by Ray Foss)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZXUSiwG8Dg
March 31, 2013 Easter Sunday! - The Gardner (portrayed by Mary Ann Cioffi)
and Lenten Drama:
(a conversation with Pilate and God after the crucifixion)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.pstruthsermons.blogspot.com
sermon blog
http://www.pstrruthfoss.blogspot.com
meditation blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 3, 2013
Third Sunday in Lent
Lent
&
earlier poem
December 2, 2006 20:02
“Washing His Hands
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2006/12/washing-his-hands.html
Matt 27:1-26; Luke 23:1-25
and The Master and Margarita
http://www.masterandmargarita.eu/en/
by Mikhail Bulgakov
http://www.masterandmargarita.eu/en/01bulgakov/inleiding.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Christ, Faith, God, grace, love, Savior, guilt, sin, Pastor Ruth Foss, Spirit, gifts, calling, Lent, Savior, Pilate, Bulgakov, Master and Margarita, stain,
 
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