August 30, 2021

some days, especially lately

one could feel kinship with Paul

who, as he defended his calling

heard not debate but rage

“They raised their voices and said,

‘Away with such a fellow from the earth,

for he should not be allowed to live!’”

some days, ever more so now

one could feel kinship with Peter

who, as he spoke of God’s salvation

saw not acclaim but bars

“Herod ... laid hands on some who belonged to the church ... to mistreat them.

And he had James the brother of John put to death with a sword.

When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also.”

some days, even with brothers

one could feel kinship with David

who, as he awaited his kingdom

was condemned as a rebel

“Saul tried to pin David to the wall with the spear,

but he slipped away out of Saul’s presence,

so that he stuck the spear into the wall.

And David fled and escaped that night.”

some days …

… ah, but it’s become very difficult

how can two discuss truth

when one is given only hate

“Those who value self above liberty are traitors to this country.

They are betrayers of Jesus and deniers of their faith.

I pray not to meet them in a civil setting.

I pray to meet them on the field of battle

where their treachery may be rewarded.”

some days, one feels dejected

that the Gospel of overwhelming love

is turned by some at every chance

into a way to revel in their hate

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another,

even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

By this all men will know that you are My disciples,

if you have love for one another.”