A Hand Along the Journey: Poems for the King from One Pilgrim to Another

  "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven..." Matthew 5:10-12 Those who hungered and thirsted for righteousness Have been filled with the likeness of Christ. And now, in a world where rebellion is flaunted, They are persecuted, vilified, insulted. Persecution, not from their fault or mistake, Has chased after them because of Christ’s sake.   Yet shoulder to shoulder with prophets they stand, For this hostility snarls in all times and lands.   “Rejoice! Be glad! The kingdom is yours!” Said the King Who forever endures. Nothing can stop Him; no evil o’erpower Him. The fellowship of His suffering’s a gem*, Because being with Him and seeing His smile   Is worth it no matter the hardship or trial. Then press on to know Him, flinch not at the test; In His paradigm, the persecuted are blest. *Philippians 3:10, John 12:25-26, Acts 5:41-42

  “Blessed  are  the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9   Peacemakers in a world of hate: “How so to be?” brings great debate. Is it best to yield what we believe, To pacify and strife relieve? The answer is found where the same Greek word For “peacemakers” here is used as a verb:* The Father made peace t hrough blood of the Son’s cross. Through Jesus, atonement's made for the lost.   In this the basis of true peace is given, And sin can’t be ignored for reconciliation. Our shoes are the gospel of peace – second birth; His footprint we leave as we walk through this earth. When we bring His answers to any given place, The Father’s reflection in us is traced. His Divine perspective people in us observe; We are known then to be like the God that we serve. *Colossians 1:19-20 ( eirenopoieo/eirenopoios used only these two places in the NT)