on the mountain

07 Dec 2023 27 Comments

by lynn__ in scripture Tags: , , , ,

son of the promise
carries bundle of kindling
for required sacrifice

his faithful father
bears heavier burden
of patriarchal love

a fire burning hot
in his chest rises to this
high pinnacle of trust

son willingly lays life
down, to be bound; back
arched on rough dry wood

wide eyes close tight
as boy draws a final breath,
bares his throat to the knife

trembling hand halts midair
when angel calls out
“Abraham, STOP!”

Look, the Lord provides
substitute ram for the altar;
its blood is shed instead

as a foreshadow of Christ,
when Father’s promised Son
comes as our Lamb of sacrifice

God’s covenant renewal
inspires radical obedience
which results in greater blessing.

____________

I first wrote this in 2020 for our church candlelight service of Lessons & Carols.

a sacred covenant

11 Apr 2016 20 Comments

by lynn__ in haibun Tags: , , ,

It is said that good communication is necessary to build any successful relationship.  Communication and commitment certainly form the vital framework for a healthy marriage.  But effective communication goes beyond speaking and listening.  It is possible to say too much; to spew destructive words that tear a home down.  It may be possible to hear too much; to assume the worst intentions of one’s partner. Is this not why the “two will become one flesh”?  Sex is the super-glue that bonds partners, holds a marriage together.  This sacred act is designed to reconcile and unite spouses in expressing tender love, forgiveness, acceptance when words fail.  If fruitful, a couple may also be rewarded by the pleasure of children!

 

speak intimately

don’t let words get in the way

love’s body language

 

 

enduring enigma

19 Apr 2015 2 Comments

by lynn__ in Uncategorized Tags: , , , ,

two beings, alike yet
opposite, attracted
like magnets (even
at times, repulsed)
will dare commit to
co-join in covenant
for a lifetime…how?

puzzling pieces fit,
monogamy wasn’t
meant as monotony.
God’s created design
established in Eden
cannot be denied,
ignored or forgotten.

patterned after Him,
the self-sacrifice is
worth it, revealing
true love is faithful,
life can be renewed,
and His eternal love-
stronger than death.

I  wrote this poem (unknowingly) the same afternoon my son asked his sweetheart to marry him, so I joyfully dedicate it to Lorn & Jessica!