Gifted?

     In our study of Revelation chapter 5 this week, we were asked which part of the song in verses 9 and 10 meant the most to us, and why. 

   And they sang a new song, saying, "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seal, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on earth."  

   There is a lot of good stuff in those verses, but the truth that has always blown me away in this passage, is that Jesus bought us for a love gift to his Father. I feel more like a white elephant gift, as in "I see . . . it's a Connie . . . thanks, Son." When I answered the question, almost apologetically, I felt another poem coming on. It is not like my group is asking me to write poems or share them. I feel like one of those desperate souls in youth group, carrying a guitar everywhere, just in case someone asked them to play. And no one did. They knew better. Then again, if poetry is a gift God has given me to help process life, and I want to get the maximum out of this study, perhaps I should not feel guilty for regifting what I received.

Gifted

 

You would not understand

the reason for this

by looking at me, 

or talking to me,

or spending any amount

of time with me,

but I have been purchased by Christ.

At such a high price, too,

His own life's blood.

 

I had gotten myself,

both by nature and desire,

into such a mire of sin 

I was never going to get out.

Then along came Jesus, the Lamb,

who looked at me, loved me,

and for some inexplicable reason,

decided to buy me as a present

for his Father.

Imagine that, me, a present for God.

I understand there will be lots of

us presents under God's tree.

And the tree does not remain

the cross where the Lamb bought us.

When the Father removes

the wrappings of this world

from his gifts, we rest beneath

the Tree of Life.

11/17/24