Be It Unto Me Lord

    If this title sounds a lot like a previous one, that is because it is only one word different from a blog I posted Dec. 13th. That post was about Mary's response in Luke 1:38 to the angel's announcement that she was chosen to be the mother of God's Son. This post is about a different verse, Luke 2:35. If the verse you most identify with at Christmas is Luke 2:35, you are having a rough year. It is a statement from Simeon's prophecy when Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple. Not only was Simeon promised he would see the Messiah before he died, but Simeon uniquely seems to understand the suffering aspect of Christ's ministry when Jesus' own disciples did not get it, though He told them specifically and often. Simeon directed verses 34 and 35 to Mary, "Behold this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." Certainly, Tracy was no sinless Son of God and he did not suffer horribly before death like Jesus did, but mother to mother, I think Mary and I share an understanding of the sword of sorrow. 

    I do not usually make New Year's resolutions, but perhaps I should consider this poem a reminder that walking this painful path the Lord has put me on reveals my willingness to submit to God's plan. That is my ultimate resolution, my life goal, to follow God's plan for me, because I know the reward at the end of following God's path for my life is God Himself. Therefore . . .

 

 

Be It Unto Me Lord

 

Be it unto me Lord,

this pain, this sword,

this heavy cross of grief and loss

has always been love's cost.

 

Be it unto me Lord,

for the years we had

for the son I loved

for the man I raised.

Be it unto me Lord,

for the lives he touched

for the many he helped

for the hearts he changed.

Be it unto me Lord

for the years to come

with him, and all whose sins were paid

by the Son God loved and raised.

12/31/22