Clothed in skins the schemer lies
and says he is another
deceptively he wins the prize
of blessing from his brother.
“Who are you, child?” the father asks
and guilt’s mouth opens wide
Jacob, supplanter, takes the step
and tumbles deep inside.
The years have passed and there he sits
the reckoning has come
In darkness and in silence now
he faces all he’s done.
And then the metaphor becomes
a thing of flesh and bone
and wrestles he with unknown foe
until the night has flown.
In brokenness he weeps and clings
a blessing now he pleads
from hand of Him who holds His life
and everything He needs.
The dawning light reveals the Face
of strange and awesome Truth
and once again the question comes:
“Just tell me…who are you?”
With hard-won, sweet humility
the gamer sheds his skin
“I’m Jacob: robber, liar, cheat…
all these and more I’ve been.”
The answer comes from mercy’s throne:
“The old is past and done
from this day forth be Israel
for you have overcome.”
An injured man, he has a limp
forever he’ll be lame
the mark of One with love too great
to let him stay the same.
In heaven’s trove there is a pile
of stones made pure and white
and to each one who overcomes
they’re given with delight.
They are not gems, not made for trade,
nor meant for public view,
inscribed upon them are the names
of those He has made new.
Not human names, nor idle tags
bestowed with thought unknown;
but from the Lord’s own heart they come
His view of us, His own.
The devil slings his epithets
and hopes we will believe
ugly, unloved, hopeless, fool!
all this and more he seethes.
Stupid, liar, dissolute,
wicked through and through!
Ruined, worthless, undesired
that’s the name for you!
You know the names Accuser brings
you’ve heard them all life-long
But God the Father has just one
that trumps the devil’s throng.
Hold on throughout the darkest night;
though wrestling, don’t resign.
Hold fast until the blessing comes
and trust the Lord’s design.
For when that Day dawns bright and clear
we’ll know as we are known;
our name received, we’ll enter in
and be forever Home.
scripture references: Gen. 32:22-32, Hos.12:3-5, Rev. 2:17, Rev. 12:10
Posted in Poetry
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