| Luke 23:34 – “Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing. ‘ And they cast lots to divide his clothing” |
Gordon Lightfoot died yesterday. I found out a couple of hours ago. It will be one of those things that I can recall where I was when I heard it. He is not a household name like Elvis or Michael Jackson. Many people I mention him to have not heard of him or his music. But I discovered him when in high school and trying to find songs for 1 voice and 1 guitar. And he came to my rescue with Sit Down Young Stranger, If You Could Read My Mind and a few others. His songs flash word pictures before your eyes. They transport you for a few minutes. They do that to me, at least. I was an inexperienced singer/guitarist/songwriter in my senior year of high school. Mrs. Cornstuble, my English teacher, asked me to sing for the English class. These were my peers. The hardest crowd I could ask for. I chose Sit Down Young Stranger by Gordon Lightfoot, my music mentor. I had never met him, but he had inspired me through the grooves of a vinyl LP. My brother had one of his albums, and after listening to it, I bought Gordon’s latest (at that time) album. I practiced quite a bit. On the big day, I made my way to the front of the class with my Alvarez 12 string guitar. I stared out at the combined English classes and launched into the song. It tells about a son who comes home from wandering and explaining to his parents what he is making of his life and what he has learned. “I never had a dollar that I didn’t earn with pride, cause I had a million daydreams to keep me satisfied.” I sang it a little nasally, and on my high notes, some of the guys mockingly hooped and hollered. I pretended not to notice. Gordon would have been proud of me for that. Plow through it and remain professional. Stay on task and focused. I finished the song, in spite of my nerves. It helped me when I entertained in the days to come. One of the last lines in the song? “If Jesus had a reason I’m sure He would not tell. They treated him so badly how could He wish them well.” The centurion witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion, and was moved to say “Truly this man was the Son of God!” I imagine he was accustomed to seeing victims spit on him, curse at him and here was this man being kind to a fellow on the next cross, providing for His mother’s future, asking God to forgive those who put Him on the cross. This was something he had never witnessed before. He took note of this. He is no ordinary man. Certainly not guilty of any crime, just as the thief beside Jesus had also pointed out. Father in heaven, thank You for permitting Your son to suffer the fate reserved for us, in Jesus’ name, Amen!
– Jeff Beall
