In October, I was making my way through Kings and Chronicles, which for the first time I really experienced as truly gripping reads. And this brought me once again to Jeroboam and his lingering legacy of wicked idolatry. I wrote this poem while frustrated with Sin and wilful sins. Determination, intention, and dusting off must yet find us at the feet of Christ, needing real grace and forgiveness.
Jilted Jesus
By the image and afterimage of all my chosen griefs I,
eager for money, mad for Martha’s woe
and sitting
in the seat lazy to the point
of hating one and also the other,
do now stand up and walk.
And I walk in the ways
walk
in the ways in the
ways of the
w-ays of
Jeroboam
as ever and ever they did.
In the counsel of the wicked
and their own hearts’ guiding
man walked and stood and sat.
O light in darkness
counsel of good, move my feet
To keep in step.
Swiftly bring savour, heart’s desire
Favour, conscience, to whet my eyes
To wonderful way
O Jilted Jesus!
Mercy! my
days.
