Posted in Different Scriptures, Spoken Word

1 Peter 2:9-12

The problem with finding you’re “chosen”
It makes you wonder who was not
And for this early new “people”
They needed reminded, a lot

It wasn’t that they didn’t have family
Each one had a mom and a dad
But following Jesus made each one let go
Of identities they previously had

Set free from what used to give them
Their bearings among so many others
It was good to remind them they now had
A plethora of sisters and brothers

This wasn’t some new way of being
That God just decided to try
This was what He’d been doing
Since Abraham and Moses came by

To be part of God’s “chosen people”
Even living far off among strangers
Gave important and real identity
As they worshipped the king from a manger

So now as a people shown mercy
Live as people from light marvelous
Turn away from the dark desires of flesh
Be encouraged, that you’re one with us.

Though they malign you as “different”
I assure you “different” is good
It sets you apart as one who is living
As God’s own royal priesthood.

Posted in Different Scriptures, Spoken Word

John 20:1-18

Mary didn’t come praying
“Jesus, please be resurrected.”
She had no way of understanding
What was to be expected

Sometimes we think God requires prayer
That understands out of thin air
What to ask for, and when to say
Exactly what He’d want today.

The mystery of the empty tomb
A hope for which they’d not given much room
The disciples returned to where they lived
While Mary had more grief to give.

Two angels first appeared within
And asked her why she wept
“They have taken my Lord away
And now I’m unsure where He’s kept.”

Then the gardener from outside
Smiled and asked the same
She was overwhelmed and smiling wide
As soon as He said her name

It was no gardener standing there
In physical body appeared
It was Jesus, resurrected
Saying “do not hold me here”.”

“I didn’t return to stay forever
But to tell you I must go,
But tell the brothers I will ascend
And I’m here so you will know.”

So Mary went to share the news
Soon as the disciples she did reach
(Which lays a pretty good foundation
For all women called to preach.)

Jesus, resurrected Lord
Firstborn of New Creation
Reveals to us the Father’s Power
And offers us His Salvation…

Posted in Uncategorized

John 13:1-17, 31b-35

The bitterness of knowing
His time had come to pass
Sharing a final Passover
He stepped up to the task

By kneeling before each of them
Even his betrayer
To wash their feet as servants do
Even though this seemed unfair

“Not my feet” Peter declared
“But all of me instead.”
Jesus looked at Him with Love
(Though perhaps shook His head.)

As mortar to the bricks of slaves
So my Love fills the gaps
And you will build a Kingdom, freed
To love beyond all maps

The meal started with thankfulness
But turned bitter again
When Jesus said where He was going
They could not come with Him

He would become the spotless lamb
Redeeming every story
And very soon, the Father would
Receive redemptive Glory

Not only new beginnings
But a promised New Creation
As God transformed & flourished in Love
A New and Global Nation