the High Calling

 

              the High Calling

               The Deceiver says one thing

               but always does another.

               “I’m just like you,” says he,

               “you can trust me: I’m your brother.”

               But in his heart some dark plan grows;

               though sugared speech like honey flows

               from his well-trained lips: approved, indeed,

               by the multitude of self-willed kings

               who sit in solitude,

                           applauding the charade.

               Now comes the test of heart and soul:

               Who, for the love of God, will go

               the distance in this fleeting race

               to Eternity?  Who will stand and face

               the foe head-on with sword and shield,

               that is to say, with God’s Word revealed?

               Who will dare stand up for Christ,

               when all the world bows down to lies

               and seethes with hatred

                           toward all that is good?

               I will, by the grace of God, I will.

               I’ll be the voice of the Prophets they killed.

               If I can forsake every thought of ambition,

               take up my cross, and see my condition

               as one who was lost but now I am found:

               then I will stand on that Blood-hallowed ground!

               Alone, if need be—though not without Christ,

               the conqueror of death and giver of Life:

               Whose praise I desire

                           more than this world.

                                    

                                           ©2013