Tag: Covenant

2015.02.02: Lord of the temple

And the lord whom you seek will come suddenly to his temple; The messenger of the covenant whom you desire — see, he is coming! says the LORD of hosts. Mal 3:1

as Anna and Simeon waited
in the Temple for your coming
the presentation of the Redeemer
the Keeper of the Covenant
so i wait in my temple
small and imperfect as it may be
a visitation from my Savior
not because of my merit
but because of your grace

as Simeon held the babe high
your glory shines brightly
“a light for revelation to the Gentiles”
Justice in the form of Mercy
Truth in the guise of Love
my heart leapt with joy
and the rivers run freely

2015.01.21: a changed heart

Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. Mk 3:5

who do you think you are, Christ? welcoming
the sinners, the tax collectors, the deformed,
the lepers, and all the other unwanted. surely
you know that heaven is only for the perfect;
those that follow the laws, tithe one tenth,
and keep the sabbath. keeping the traditions
and safeguarding the Temple that houses
the Covenant is what keeps God protecting
us. how dare you risk all that?

how do you do it, Lord? i came seeking you in the
synagogue on the sabbath. you acknowledged me when
the others didn’t even though i was once counted
among their company. you healed me of my afflictions
and forgave me my sins. you poured out your love into
a heart once hardened. i am a rebuilt temple of your
new Covenant. all that you ask is for me to love you,
my neighbors, and myself. my heart aches that you
died for me. i am grateful for the freedom to love.