The World is Waiting for You

Sunday, February 3

Okay, so today’s Sunday school lesson was about the prophet Jeremiah, of Hebrew Testament fame.  Specifically, when Sacred Mystery called Jeremiah into active service.  Naturally as I prepared this week I read the text a number of times, dipped into other favorite parts of Jeremiah’s writings, and consulted commentaries, until a pretty good picture began to emerge.  What also began to emerge was a poem!  I find it very energizing to read, think, feel, then condense my findings into a few verses.  I know they’re not the best verses, but, they’re mine.  And they do tend to make eyes shine, when eyes could have glazed over.

 

Whatever your faith tradition or lack thereof, perhaps this little ditty will bring a smile.  Maybe even put a little spring in your step for the new week:

 

Jeremiah

Phoebe H. Dishman

February 2019

 

My name is Jeremiah

I come from Anathoth

I heard the voice of God

When I was but a youth

 

God said I was appointed

To show a dreadful sign

I said I just can’t do it

God said, you can, you’re mine

 

I said I have a tender heart

I’d just as soon not speak

I’d rather not make enemies

By giving news so bleak

 

God said it will indeed be hard

And you will nearly die

But this job is very urgent

And I will be close by

 

Forty years I wept and warned

And little good it did

But I was held by God

I did as I was bid

 

They plotted and they mocked me

They tied me up with rope

The pit it like to killed me

But still I held to hope

 

Forty years they tortured

Each time, God resurrected

Then Babylon broke down our walls

Just as I expected

 

I remained in Judah

While others went away

Here I kept on preaching

A bright and better day

 

I bought some land at Anathoth

To show my heart for home

My confidence that in the end

The world would have shalom

 

Then on the lam to Egypt

Lest they hoist me on a hook

No further word of me was heard

But you can read my book

 

My name is Jeremiah

Chosen for my heart

Chosen for my poetry

My wild and crazy art

 

I didn’t always like it

Was loathe to start a riot

But I was full of God

And I could not keep quiet

 

Jeremiah means ‘God hurls’—

Hardball heavenly spin

No wonder

when Jesus opened his mouth

some said it was me, again!

 

Born again beloved

And a little scared, like me

You may think you just can’t do it

Perhaps. But wait and see!

 

Sacred Mystery touches your mouth

With words for you to say

Risen, a new creation

Each and every day

 

Appointed for God’s purpose

No other person will do

So up you go and out the door

The world is waiting for you